Affiliations: Occupational Performance Laboratory, Faculty of
Kinesiology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada | Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo,
Waterloo, ON, Canada
Note: [] Corresponding author: Wayne J. Albert, Faculty of Kinesiology,
University of New Brunswick, 2 Peter Kelly Dr., Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3,
Canada. Tel.: +1 506 453 4576; Fax: +1 506 447 3058; E-mail: walbert@unb.ca
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The prevalence of neck and low back musculoskeletal
injuries in transit operators has been shown to be high; with work absences
exceeding double the National average. There is a lack of biomechanical data
generated from field researches to inform on musculoskeletal risk associated
with transportation and driving occupations. Instead there has been a reliance
on simulated driving and questionnaire-based research. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to examine the musculoskeletal
and biomechanical stresses experienced by urban bus drivers. The main objective
was to obtain a baseline understanding of sitting posture, muscle activiation
and subjective ratings of stress during regular driving tasks. PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen urban city bus drivers were recruited for this
study. METHODS: Bus drivers drove the same 65-minute bus route once, at the
same time of day, in the same preselected bus. Wireless surface
electromyography monitored muscular activity of the drivers' neck, upper
trapezius, and erector spinae and video analysis and seat pressure mapping was
used to monitor changes in driving posture. A health and lifestyle
questionnaire was administered to record specific neck and back pain
experienced by drivers as well as to provide lifestyle habits. RESULTS: Drivers were found to exhibit non-neutral postures for less
than 30% of the time while conducting routine tasks of turning and stopping for
passenger loading and unloading. The neck posture was the greatest concern in
terms of non-neutral posture and this was supported by the higher muscle
activation to the neck musculature. There was significant posture adjustment
made during the one-hour driving period with the adjustments increasing with
driving time. CONCLUSION: Activities associated with bus driving appear to require
the use of non-neutral postures an increase in muscle activation. Significant
postural adjustments were needed over the one-hour observation period
suggesting that the musculoskeletal demands may increase over a regular 12-hour
shift.
Keywords: Ergonomics, electromyography, muscle activity, bus driving
