Whole Body Vibration in Urban Bus Drivers

Exposure to whole-body vibration in bus drivers is a risk factor for low back pain, and the level of physical fitness is seen as a protective factor for working in a seated position. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between exposure to whole-body vibration, prevalence of low back pain and level of physical fitness in urban bus drivers in the city of Curitiba - PR. The vibration assessment method was carried out in accordance with ISO 2631-1 (1997) and ISO 2631-5 (2004) on 100 city buses with different characteristics. The prevalence of pain in the lumbar spine and the level of physical fitness were assessed in 200 bus drivers. The results indicate the need for intervention to reduce vibration levels, prevalence of low back pain and increase physical fitness variables.