Effectiveness of Educational Physical Activity Intervention for Preventive of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Bus Drivers

Abstract

Background: Driving is a challenging job. Drivers always face the high risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Educational interventions could be effective in preventing and controlling these disorders. The present study aims to assess the effectiveness of an educational physical activity intervention in preventing MSDs among bus drivers in Isfahan, Iran.

Methods: This quasi‑experimental study was conducted on 60 urban bus drivers, who were selected using multistage sampling. They were evaluated at two time points, namely before and three months after the intervention. The
intervention was conducted in three 90‑minute sessions. The HBM‑based educational content was delivered through lectures, PowerPoint presentations, videos, practical demonstrations of corrective exercises, and educational pamphlets. Data were analysed using the SPSS program, version 20, the
paired t‑test, and the independent t‑test.

Results: Before the intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to the mean scores of the HBM constructs. However, later on, the mean scores of perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self‑efficacy, and behaviour increased significantly in the intervention group, compared with those in the control group. (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: The results showed that the physical activity as an HBM‑based educational intervention had a positive effect on the prevention of MSDs in urban bus drivers.

Keywords: Exercise, health education, musculoskeletal diseases