Role of rice farming on musculoskeletal disorders development in lower limbs of Iranian rice farmers

Rice farming need physical activity and can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among farmers. Most of previous studies were focused on prevalence of MSD in other body regions such as lumbar region so this study had been performed for assessment of MSD prevalence in lower limbs of Iranian rice farmers.

This prospective study had been performed between March and October 2013 on 75 rice farmers and 75 non rice farmers of Babol city. Rice farming had been determined as exposure and MSD prevalence was assessed at three follow-up points in two, four and six months.

During six months follow-up, 47 farmer from exposure and 26 farmer from unexposed groups had been reported MSD at their lower limbs region. At two and fourth months after beginning the study, MSD prevalence in exposed group were significantly higher than unexposed group. At six months after follow up, MSD prevalence in lower limbs had non-significant differences between two groups.

Rice farming was known as one of the risk factors for development of MSD on lower limbs of Iranian rice farmers.