Phys Ther Korea 2014; 21(1): 55-62
Published online February 19, 2014
© Korean Research Society of Physical Therapy
Sun-young Kang, Sung-dae Choung, Hye-seon Jeon
Dept. of Physical Therapy, College of Health Science, Yonsei University, Dept. of Ergonomic Therapy, The Graduate School of Health and Environment, Yonsei University
Correspondence to: Hye-seon Jeon
For professional drivers, there is a possibility to have musculoskeletal disorders on ankle joint due to repetitive pedaling operation. Therefore, this study have focused to examine ankle active range of motion (AROM), dorsiflexor strength, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) of tibialis anterior muscle (TA) in taxi drivers compared to a age-matched control group. Thirty male taxi drivers with at least 10 years of driving experience and thirty male sedentary workers were evaluated for ankle AROM, dorsiflexor strength, and PPT of TA. Multiple independent t-tests were used to identify significant differences between two groups. For the results, taxi drivers had significantly less AROM in dorsiflexion and greater AROM in external tibial rotation compared to the control group. Also, dorsiflexor strength and PPT of TA in taxi drivers was significantly lower than in the control group. This study indicates that the repetitive ankle movements associated with driving have an effect on ankle AROM, dorsiflexor strength, and PPT of TA and may lead to work-related musculoskeletal disorders on ankle. Professional drivers may need to be educated to prevent a potential musculoskeletal disorders associated with repetitive movement.
Keywords: Ankle, Musculoskeletal disorders, Pressure pain threshold, Range of motion, Strength, Taxi driver.
Phys Ther Korea 2014; 21(1): 55-62
Published online February 19, 2014
Copyright © Korean Research Society of Physical Therapy.
Sun-young Kang, Sung-dae Choung, Hye-seon Jeon
Dept. of Physical Therapy, College of Health Science, Yonsei University, Dept. of Ergonomic Therapy, The Graduate School of Health and Environment, Yonsei University
Correspondence to:Hye-seon Jeon
For professional drivers, there is a possibility to have musculoskeletal disorders on ankle joint due to repetitive pedaling operation. Therefore, this study have focused to examine ankle active range of motion (AROM), dorsiflexor strength, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) of tibialis anterior muscle (TA) in taxi drivers compared to a age-matched control group. Thirty male taxi drivers with at least 10 years of driving experience and thirty male sedentary workers were evaluated for ankle AROM, dorsiflexor strength, and PPT of TA. Multiple independent t-tests were used to identify significant differences between two groups. For the results, taxi drivers had significantly less AROM in dorsiflexion and greater AROM in external tibial rotation compared to the control group. Also, dorsiflexor strength and PPT of TA in taxi drivers was significantly lower than in the control group. This study indicates that the repetitive ankle movements associated with driving have an effect on ankle AROM, dorsiflexor strength, and PPT of TA and may lead to work-related musculoskeletal disorders on ankle. Professional drivers may need to be educated to prevent a potential musculoskeletal disorders associated with repetitive movement.
Keywords: Ankle, Musculoskeletal disorders, Pressure pain threshold, Range of motion, Strength, Taxi driver.
The markers attachment for active range of motion (A: dorsiflexion and plantar flexion, B: eversion and inversion).
The measurement of external and internal tibial rotation angle (A: the footprint method, B: the footprint drawn on the lined paper).
Table 2 .. Ankle active range of motion (N=60).
Taxi drivers (n1=30) | Control group (n2=30) | p | |
---|---|---|---|
Dorsiflexion (°) | 20.17±3.60a | 25.51±3.02 | <.001* |
Plantar flexion (°) | 49.97±8.64 | 48.54±4.73 | .454 |
Eversion (°) | 21.81±5.70 | 19.25±7.92 | .180 |
Inversion (°) | 30.95±6.09 | 33.52±7.38 | .174 |
External tibial rotation (°) | 30.93±6.00 | 22.66±6.05 | <.001* |
Internal tibial rotation (°) | 14.55±3.02 | 14.18±4.11 | .708 |
amean±standard deviation
*p<.05.
Table 3 .. Dorsiflexor strength and pressure pain threshold of the tibialis anterior muscle (N=60).
Taxi drivers (n1=30) | Control group (n2=30) | p | |
---|---|---|---|
Dorsiflexor strength (kg) | 27.34±4.41a | 33.38±3.18 | <.001 |
PPTb of TAc (kg) | 17.56±4.01 | 21.72±3.25 | <.001 |
amean±standard deviation
bpressure pain threshold
ctibialis anterior muscle
*p<.05.