Evaluación del dolor lumbar en choferes profesionales con sedestación prolongada del servicio de movilización de la Universidad Católica Santiago de Guayaquil.

Abstract

Introduction: Low back pain is the leading cause of disability and work absenteeism worldwide, representing a significant challenge for occupational health due to prolonged exposure to sitting, mechanical vibrations, and other ergonomic factors. The objective of this study was to describe the frequency of low back pain and the levels of prolonged sitting among professional drivers in the Mobilization Service at the Universidad Catholic de Santiago de Guayaquil. Methodology: A quantitative, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted, including professional drivers of both sexes between 18 and 60 years. Data collection was performed using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the modified Schober Test, and the Finger-to-Floor test. Results: The mean age of participants was 40,78 ± 10,86 years, with an average job tenure of 10,57 ± 8,72 years. Additionally, 86,7% of respondents reported a history of low back pain, with 81,7% experiencing symptoms in the last 12 months and 43,3% in the last week. Moderate pain was the most frequent (38%), followed by severe pain (30%). According to the ODI, 71,7% presented minimum disability; functional evaluation indicated adequate lumbar mobility and 76,7% demostrated moderate to limited flexibility. Furthermore, 60% experienced high levels of prolonged sitting. Conclusion: Despite the majority suffering only minimal functional disability, low back pain is highly prevalent among this population exposed to long periods of sitting.