Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Auto-Risckshaw Driver Dwelling in Pune

Background and Purpose: The economic boom in India is the result of an undeniable rise in transportation activities in all regions. Professional drivers go through a lot of health exposure to the environment at the job. Auto-rickshaw drivers are highly vulnerable of developing work related musculoskeletal disorders in our country exclusively considering road circumstances. The purpose of the study was to study musculoskeletal discomforts in auto-rickshaw drivers in Pune city using Cornell Musculoskeletal discomfort Questionnaire. Methods: A study of total 30 participants was carried out amongst randomly selected auto-rickshaw drivers in the city of Pune, after fulfillment of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire (Sedentary workers male version) was used for data collection. Result: Most prevalent and significant anatomical body site of Upper extremity and its interference with work. 81% population, were having discomfort in neck region and interference was 63%. In right shoulder there was 70% - discomfort and interference was 45%. In Lower extremity, most prevalent anatomical site 65% population experienced low back pain and interference is 40%. Conclusion: The study concluded that there is high risk for musculoskeletal impairments among auto-rickshaw drivers which had association with the age of the driver, years of driving experience and poor maintenance of the vehicle and its poor ergonomics.