Assessment of musculo-skeletal problems and fatigue in individuals who have been driving for A long-term

Musculo-skeletal problems can be seen in many occupations. Many studies have shown that city bus drivers are at risk. This study aims at assessing fatigue and musculo-skeletal problems of individuals who drive for long periods. The study involves 89 male IETT bus drivers who have driven for at least 5 years, who have not had traumatic accidents, surgical operations or injury which could affect the study and who are free of fracture, amputation, congenital problems and spinal problems. 19 drivers have been excluded.Personal demographic data, their work-related problems, posture analysis, longevity-flexibility tests, muscle strength, regions in pain in their bodies, and pain intensity, depression levels, and data of fatigue have been assessed using special questionnaires.A total of 70 subjects aged 43.57 years, with a driving experience 11.74 years, were participated to the study and Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated as 28.1 (kg/m2). There were meaningful relationship between the total years of driving experience and sit-reach test (p<0.05). There were meaningful relation between the total years of driving experience and posture analysis just in the case of cervical lordosis (p<0.05). There were not any meaningful relationship between the total years of driving experience, pain scale, and exhaustion scale (p>0.05).Consequently, drivers are interpreted as risky in terms of musculo-skeletal problems and fatigue.