Abstract
Introduction: Sedentary work activities in urban transport drivers are associated with overweight and obesity, an increase in musculoskeletal discomfort related to work and a decrease in physical fitness.Objective: To determine physical fitness and musculoskeletal discomfort in urban transport drivers from Barranquilla, Colombia, based on their body mass index (BMI).Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in 231 urban transport drivers. Healthy physical fitness and presence of musculoskeletal symptoms were measured using the AFISAL-INEFC test battery and the Nordic Questionnaire developed by Kuorinka, respectively.Results: There were significant differences between drivers with normal BMI and overweight/obese drivers in abdominal strength and endurance (21.4±8.9 vs. 19.6±8.8 stooped, p=0.04), flexibility (36.1±7.3 cm vs. 33.6±7.1 cm, p=0.02), and aerobic capacity (1537.5±704.8 meters vs. 1249.1±346.6 meters, p=0.0001). Increased frequency of musculoskeletal discomfort was observed in subjects with BMI >25 kg/m2.Conclusions: Overweight and obesity are associated with poor physical fitness and the perception of musculoskeletal discomfort, which has negative implications for the personal and occupational well-being of these workers, generating a burden for companies and the Colombian health system.
Highlights
Sedentary work activities in urban transport drivers are associated with overweight and obesity, an increase in musculoskeletal discomfort related to work and a decrease in physical fitness
Increased frequency of musculoskeletal discomfort was observed in subjects with body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2
Overweight and obesity are associated with poor physical fitness and the perception of musculoskeletal discomfort, which has negative implications for the personal and occupational well-being of these workers, generating a burden for companies and the Colombian health system
Summary
Sedentary work activities in urban transport drivers are associated with overweight and obesity, an increase in musculoskeletal discomfort related to work and a decrease in physical fitness. Previous studies report an incidence of overweight or obesity of 74% in heavy vehicle drivers and suggest that it is difficult to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle that contributes to adequate body weight due to the sedentary nature of this type of work. Given that work environments —long working hours and sedentary behaviors— can contribute to the increase of obesity in workers [11], the surveillance and monitoring of health conditions in work environments that favor the development of a culture of well-being at work is a priority Bearing this in mind, the purpose of this research was to determine physical fitness and musculoskeletal discomfort according to the body mass index (BMI) of urban transport drivers from Barranquilla, Colombia
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