Vibration, back pain and physical exercise in high-risk professionals: a cross-sectional study
Valenti, M.; Prosperini, V.; Falzano, P.; Hendel, M.; Raimondi, P.
Giornale Italiano di Medicina del Lavoro Ed Ergonomia 26(3): 180-182
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 1592-7830 PMID: 15551946 Document Number: 574911
Repeated loads and vibration stress in professional settings are relevant risk factors for back pain. Aim of this cross-sectional study was to estimate: a) the prevalence of back pain in two high-risk professional samples (helicopter pilots and bus drivers); b) the association between physical/sports exercise and back pain subjective perception across age. Prevalence of back pain is 94% in helicopter pilots and 74% in bus drivers; prevalence of back pain significantly increases with age. The positive effect of regular physical/sports exercise on subjective back pain significantly decreases with age. Physical or sports exercise adapted to structural characteristic of patients can result effective in diminishing personal impairment in subjects at professional risk.