Prevalence of musculoskeletal injury and its related factors in Iranian Navy vessels - A cross-sectional study

Frequent and repeated hits from fast vessels to passengers can adversely affect the musculoskeletal system and eventually cause acute and chronic lesions. In the present study, we investigated the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and its related factors in the staff of navy fast vessels.

In this cross-sectional study, the statistical population consisted of 100 employees working on high speed vessels. Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaires were completed for all of them and all were examined by a physician for musculoskeletal status. For those who needed additional diagnostic examinations, they were evaluated by imaging techniques (radiology, CT scans, MRIs) and nerve graphs.

The mean age of 100 employees in navy fast vessels was 31.4±4.5 years, BMI: 25, duration of exercise per week: 40 hours, duration of employment in vessels: 8 years and duration of skeletal problems: 2 years. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the lumbar region was 57%, knee 47%, back 34%, neck 30%, shoulder 30%, thigh and hip 28%, hand and wrist 18%, ankle 16%, elbow 7%. There was a direct and significant relationship between the type of vessel and duration of work on the vessel and the age of staff with musculoskeletal disorders in the neck, back, waist, and knee.

Considering the high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among the staff of navy fast vessels and its relation to the type and duration of work on the vessel, it is suggested to modify the type of seats, modify the position of staff in the vessels, and regular exercise to prevent the development of musculoskeletal disorders.