Assessment of Spinal Range of Motion and Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Forklift Drivers. A Cross-Sectional Study

Juan Rabal-Pelay, Cristina Cimarras-Otal, Noel Marcen-Cinca, Andrés Alcázar-Crevillén, Carmen Laguna-Miranda and Ana Vanessa Bataller-Cervero
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Juan Rabal-Pelay: Faculty of Health Science, Universidad San Jorge, Autovía A-23 Zaragoza-Huesca Km. 299, 50830 Villanueva de Gállego, Spain
Cristina Cimarras-Otal: Faculty of Health Science, Universidad San Jorge, Autovía A-23 Zaragoza-Huesca Km. 299, 50830 Villanueva de Gállego, Spain
Noel Marcen-Cinca: Faculty of Health Science, Universidad San Jorge, Autovía A-23 Zaragoza-Huesca Km. 299, 50830 Villanueva de Gállego, Spain
Andrés Alcázar-Crevillén: Hospital MAZ, Avda. Academia General Militar, 74, 50015 Zaragoza, Spain
Carmen Laguna-Miranda: BSH Electrodomésticos España S.A., Pol. Industrial Otallana, Avenida La Industria, 49, 50016 Zaragoza, Spain
Ana Vanessa Bataller-Cervero: Faculty of Health Science, Universidad San Jorge, Autovía A-23 Zaragoza-Huesca Km. 299, 50830 Villanueva de Gállego, Spain

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 6, 1-9

Abstract: Forklifts are commonly used in industrial supply chains to transport heavy loads. Forklift drivers have the risk of developing musculoskeletal discomfort derived from the movement pattern required at work. This research aimed to investigate the spinal range of motion (ROM) and musculoskeletal discomfort of forklift drivers and compare it with a control group. Forklift drivers (39 males) and office workers (31 males) were recruited to assess cervical, thoracic, and lumbar ROM with an electronic double inclinometer. Additionally, musculoskeletal discomfort was registered with the Cornell Discomfort Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Forklift drivers showed a higher cervical discomfort and ROM of lateral lumbar bending than office workers. Both groups reported lower ROM in cervical and lumbar lateral bending on the right side versus the left side. No differences of asymmetry were reported for any variable between groups. Specific exercise programs may correct these mobility imbalances.

Keywords: office workers; lumbar ROM; spine; forklift operators; low back discomfort (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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