Global systematic review of biomechanical and ergonomic assessment outcomes among urban transit operators
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35816/jiksh.v15i2.331Keywords:
ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders, occupational health, whole-body vibrationAbstract
Introduction: Urban transit operators, including bus drivers, train operators, and metro personnel, are chronically exposed to biomechanical stressors and ergonomic hazards predisposing them to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), whole-body vibration (WBV)-related spinal pathology, and psychosocial morbidity. To systematically identify, critically appraise, and synthesise biomechanical and ergonomic assessment outcomes among urban transit operators worldwide.
Research Methodology: This systematic review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and used the PICOS framework. English-language studies published between 2000 and 2024 were retrieved from PubMed, Medline, Embase, Scopus, Global Health, and Google Scholar. Quality appraisal employed the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies. Narrative synthesis was applied due to methodological heterogeneity, which precluded meta-analysis.
Results: Of 312 identified records, 45 Cross-Sectional studies from 23 countries (n = 12,859 workers) met the inclusion criteria. Bus drivers comprised 52% of the study population. The predominant outcome domain was MSDs (31%), followed by WBV exposure (24%), psychosocial and fatigue outcomes (18%), postural risk (11%), ergonomic risk assessment (9%), and occupational injuries (9%). Low back pain (LBP) prevalence ranged from 43% to 78%. WBV exposures frequently exceeded the 0.5 m/s² Exposure Action Value under EU Directive 2002/44/EC. Quality appraisal rated 60% of studies as low risk, 31% as moderate risk, and 9% as high risk of bias.
Conclusion: Urban transit operators represent a high-risk occupational group for biomechanical and ergonomic hazards. Standardised longitudinal studies, objective exposure assessment, and equitable geographic representation are urgently needed to inform globally applicable prevention guidelines.
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