The role of whole-body vibration in back pain : a cross-sectional study with agricultural pilots

Objective A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the role of whole-body vibration as a risk factor for spinal musculoskeletal symptoms among agricultural pilots. Method The study was conducted in two stages that included measuring the pilots’ exposure to whole-body vibration during the...

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Detalhes bibliográficos
Autores: Zanatta, Mateus, Amaral, Fernando Goncalves, Vidor, Gabriel
Formato: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2019
País:Brasil
Recursos:Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)
Repositorio:Repositório Institucional da UFRGS
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:www.lume.ufrgs.br:10183/220152
Acesso em linha:http://hdl.handle.net/10183/220152
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palavra-chave:Saúde ocupacional
Aviação agrícola
Sistema musculoesquelético
Vibração
Aviadores
Occupational health and safety
Agricultural aviation
Whole-body vibration
Musculoskeletal disorders
Back pain
Descrição
Resumo:Objective A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the role of whole-body vibration as a risk factor for spinal musculoskeletal symptoms among agricultural pilots. Method The study was conducted in two stages that included measuring the pilots’ exposure to whole-body vibration during the flight procedures and applying a self-administered questionnaire about musculoskeletal symptoms of the spine. Results None of the four aircraft texted exposed the pilot above the Exposure Limit Value (ELV) established by the standards. However, in a few specific situations, two of them exceeded the Exposure Action Value (EAV). About 62% of the pilots who operated these aircraft reported some musculoskeletal symptoms of the spine in the last few 12 months. Conclusion Using the data from this study, it was possible to calculate the odds ratio of the agricultural pilot suffering low back pain, based on eight personal and work-related factors. Relevance for the industry Based on the results of the present study, it was possible to define strategies to reduce whole-body exposure in agricultural aircraft and, consequently, improve the pilots’ health. Strategies included management of the exposure and aircraft improvement.