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. 2021 Mar 13;18(6):2947.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph18062947.

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

Juan Rabal-Pelay  1 , Cristina Cimarras-Otal  1 , Noel Marcen-Cinca  1 , Andrés Alcázar-Crevillén  2 , Carmen Laguna-Miranda  3 , Ana Vanessa Bataller-Cervero  1
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Assessment of Spinal Range of Motion and Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Forklift Drivers. A Cross-Sectional Study

Juan Rabal-Pelay et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

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: forklift operators; low back discomfort; lumbar ROM; office workers; spine.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Range of motion measures. (A): Cervical lateral bending (CLB); (B): Cervical rotation (CR); (C): Thoracic flexion (TR); (D): Lumbar flexion (LF).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Degrees of asymmetry (right side range of motion (ROM)–left side ROM, between groups in different body regions. Asymmetry = right side ROM–left side ROM. CLB: Cervical lateral bending. CR: Cervical rotation. TR: Thoracic rotation. LLB: Lumbar lateral bending.
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