Affiliations: [a] Research Center in Back, Neck, Other Joint Pain and Human Performance, Khon Kaen University, Thailand | [b] School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Thailand | [c] Department of Production Technology, Faculty of Technology, Khon Kaen University, Thailand | [d] Faculty of Physical Therapy, Saint Louis College, Thailand | [e] School of Health Sciences (Physiotherapy), iCAHE, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Australia
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Rungthip Puntumetakul, Research Center in Back, Neck, Other Joint Pain and Human Performance (BNOJPH), 123 Khon Kaen University, Mitraphab Street, Muang District, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand. Tel.: +66 83 419 6186; Fax: +66 43 202 399; E-mail: rungthiprt@gmail.com.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Rice farming is done using manual methods and involves strenuous labour, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors associated with knee musculoskeletal impairments and related pain among rice farmers complaining of knee pain. METHODS: The study employed a community-based, cross-sectional design. Full-time rice farmers (n= 201) were surveyed. A questionnaire was used to record demographics and details of farm work; followed by a physical examination of knee structures impairments. RESULTS: The prevalence of knee impairment was highest among farmers with joint dysfunction (79.6%), followed by those with dysfunctional hamstring muscles (52.74%), quadriceps muscles (44.28%), neural tissue (38.81%), and ligaments (1.99%). It was lowest among farmers with meniscus dysfunction (1.49%). Stooping with twisting was strongly associated with knee joint and quadricep muscle impairment. Stooping with twisting and carrying loads were associated with hamstring muscle impairment. Stooping while twisting and being overweight was associated with neural tissue impairment. Being overweight was significantly associated with ligament impairment. There were no factors significantly associated with meniscus dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Knee musculoskeletal impairments is common among Thai rice farmers. Joint dysfunction was common. The factors associated with knee musculoskeletal impairments included being overweight, stooping while twisting and carrying heavy weight.
Keywords: Knee musculoskeletal impairments, knee pain, traditional rice farming
