Browsing by Author "Watson, Estelle Dorothy"

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    Morphological variables as possible risk factors for the drivers of rubber tyred gantry cranes at the port of Felixstowe, UK
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2007-12) Watson, Estelle Dorothy; Barnard, J. G.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Sport Science.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The prevalence of lower back disorders and the high costs involved are an ongoing problem in industrialised countries. Research indicates an estimated 70-80% of all individuals will experience lower back pain (LBP) during the course of their lives (Manek & MacGregor, 2005; Kent & Keating, 2005; Dunn & Croft, 2004; Takeyachi et al., 2003; Carter & Birrel, 2000:6; Nourbakhsh & Arab, 2003; Bernard, 1997:374). It is widely accepted that occupational demands and physical work contribute greatly towards onset, recovery and recurrence of symptoms (Carter & Birrel, 2000:6). Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) crane drivers are particularly at risk, as their working posture forces them into various prolonged non-neutral trunk positions (Fehrsen-Du Toit, 2005:24; Rohlmannt et al., 2001; Nachemson, 1963) and extreme trunk flexion (Seider et al., 2003; Hoogendoorn et al., 2000). Intrinsic factors such as trunk strength (O'Sullivan et al., 2005; Bayramoglu et al., 2001) and trunk stability (Hitt & Lie, 2006; MacDonald et al., 2006; Barker et al., 2006; Hodges et al., 2005; Hodges, 2003; Hodges & Richardson, 1996) as well as anthropometric variables (Franklin et al., 2000:64), can play different roles in incidences of lumbar pain or injury. A job such as RTG crane driving is dependant on a certain amount of strength or physical fitness. A deficit in on or more of these areas can lead to compensation, overload and eventually symptoms and injury. Research has yet to identify factors that predispose certain drivers to injury, and factors determining a quick, safe recovery and return to work. The purpose of this study was to investigate possible morphological variables as risk factors for RTG crane drivers, for Hutchison Whampoa, at the Port of Felixstowe, UK. The study design was based on a cross sectional, analytical epidemiological study. A sample of 43 RTG drivers completed testing. They were divided into a group of drivers who had never had lower back pain or symptoms (n=22), and a group of drivers who had had a previous history of lower back pain (n=21). All subjects were asymptomatic at the time of testing. Although not significant (p > 0.05), the results of the study showed that average performance deficit (the power needed to maintain or repetitively produce a force) tended to be higher in those subjects without a previous history of pain. The flexion/extension ratio also tended to be better for this group. The subjects without a past history of lower back pain were, surprisingly, found to be older than the other group. This explains the higher body weight, waist-to-hip-circumference, body mass index, and fat percentage for this group, as these measurements all tend to increase with age. It also explains the lower peak torque to body weight values for that group, as peak torque would decrease with increased body weight. This is the first study to look at morphological variables and isokinetic testing of RTG crane drivers, and the relationship between these variables and lower back pain.