Affiliations: School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's
University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada | Departement of Mechanical and Materials Engineering,
Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Tegan R. Slot, School of Kinesiology
and Health Studies, Physical Education Centre rm 223, 69 Union St, Queen's
University, Kingston, ON, Canada K7L 3N6. Tel.: +1 613 533 3060; Fax: +1 613
533 6489; E-mail: t_upjohn@hotmail.com
Abstract: Tree planting is extremely physical, seasonal, repetitive work with
high risk for musculoskeletal injuries. Objectives: (1) To assess
musculoskeletal symptoms in tree planters as they develop over the course of
the planting season. (2) To investigate the effect of pre-season level of
physical activity on development of musculoskeletal symptoms. Participants: 132 tree planters from two reforestation camps participated in
the study. Methods: Three questionnaires were completed prior to the
first work day of the planting season. Questionnaires included the
International Physical Activity Questionnaire, a body map to report areas of
musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS questionnaire), and a series of questions about
planter demographics. A subset of study participants (n=14) also completed the MSS questionnaire each work shift during the planting
season. Musculoskeletal symptoms in each area of the body were compared
pre-and-post season using a paired t-test on data from the MSS questionnaire. Results and conclusions: Areas of the body with the greatest amount of
musculoskeletal pain and discomfort were the feet, wrists and back, whereas
areas with the highest frequency of reported pain were the upper, middle and
lower back. Musculoskeletal symptoms worsened significantly over the course of
the work season. Pre-season level of physical activity could not be correlated
with development of musculoskeletal symptoms.
