Morphological variables as possible risk factors for the drivers of rubber tyred gantry cranes at the port of Felixstowe, UK

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The prevalence of lower back disorders and the high costs involved are an ongoingproblem in industrialised countries. Research indicates an estimated 70-80% of allindividuals will experience lower back pain (LBP) during the course of their lives(Manek & MacGregor, 2005; Kent & Keating, 2005; Dunn & Croft, 2004; Takeyachi etal., 2003; Carter & Birrel, 2000:6; Nourbakhsh & Arab, 2003; Bernard, 1997:374). It iswidely accepted that occupational demands and physical work contribute greatly towardsonset, recovery and recurrence of symptoms (Carter & Birrel, 2000:6). Rubber TyredGantry (RTG) crane drivers are particularly at risk, as their working posture forces theminto various prolonged non-neutral trunk positions (Fehrsen-Du Toit, 2005:24;Rohlmannt et al., 2001; Nachemson, 1963) and extreme trunk flexion (Seider et al.,2003; Hoogendoorn et al., 2000).Intrinsic factors such as trunk strength (O'Sullivan et al., 2005; Bayramoglu et al., 2001)and trunk stability (Hitt & Lie, 2006; MacDonald et al., 2006; Barker et al., 2006;Hodges et al., 2005; Hodges, 2003; Hodges & Richardson, 1996) as well asanthropometric variables (Franklin et al., 2000:64), can play different roles in incidencesof lumbar pain or injury. A job such as RTG crane driving is dependant on a certainamount of strength or physical fitness. A deficit in on or more of these areas can lead tocompensation, overload and eventually symptoms and injury. Research has yet to identifyfactors that predispose certain drivers to injury, and factors determining a quick, saferecovery and return to work.The purpose of this study was to investigate possible morphological variables as riskfactors for RTG crane drivers, for Hutchison Whampoa, at the Port of Felixstowe, UK.The study design was based on a cross sectional, analytical epidemiological study. Asample of 43 RTG drivers completed testing. They were divided into a group of driverswho had never had lower back pain or symptoms (n=22), and a group of drivers who hadhad a previous history of lower back pain (n=21). All subjects were asymptomatic at the time of testing. Although not significant (p > 0.05), the results of the study showed thataverage performance deficit (the power needed to maintain or repetitively produce aforce) tended to be higher in those subjects without a previous history of pain. Theflexion/extension ratio also tended to be better for this group. The subjects without a pasthistory of lower back pain were, surprisingly, found to be older than the other group. Thisexplains the higher body weight, waist-to-hip-circumference, body mass index, and fatpercentage for this group, as these measurements all tend to increase with age. It alsoexplains the lower peak torque to body weight values for that group, as peak torquewould decrease with increased body weight.This is the first study to look at morphological variables and isokinetic testing of RTGcrane drivers, and the relationship between these variables and lower back pain.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University