Behind the Wheel – Self-Management of Musculoskeletal Pain in Professional Drivers

Project summary

Professional bus, coach and lorry drivers face high levels of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to long hours of sitting, whole-body vibration and poor ergonomics. Recent studies report that about 62% of truck drivers experience MSDs. Globally, chronic MSDs are the second-leading cause of years lived with disability, and in the UK workplace, MSDs incur an estimated £18.8 billion in costs per year. However, evidence on how drivers cope with and manage this pain is minimal.
This project will first systematically review interventions and self-management strategies for MSD pain in professional drivers from published literature. The review phase (Work Package 1) will quantitatively and qualitatively synthesise existing evidence on treatments, exercises, ergonomics and coping behaviours. In Work Package 2, we will collect new data from drivers using a sequential mixed-methods approach. Depending on WP1 results, the study will adopt either an explanatory sequential design or an exploratory sequential design. Work Package 3 will translate findings into practical workplace guidelines and policy recommendations that align with national occupational health initiatives.

Research aim and objectives
Aim:
• To enhance understanding of and support for self-management of musculoskeletal pain in professional drivers, leading to improved evidence-based workplace guidance.
Objectives:
• Systematically identify and evaluate existing interventions and self-care strategies for MSD management in drivers (from both quantitative and qualitative studies).
• Explore drivers’ experiences, perceptions and informal practices regarding musculoskeletal pain and self-care via primary research (interviews, focus groups or surveys).
• Assess the quality of the evidence and identify gaps (including barriers to adoption of effective strategies).
• Develop actionable recommendations and best-practice guidance for employers, drivers and occupational health professionals.

Methodology
• Work package 1 - Systematic review: Conduct a comprehensive review of published and grey literature on interventions and self-management practices for driver MSDs, following PRISMA guidelines and registering the protocol in PROSPERO. Extracted data will be analysed quantitatively (meta-analysis where feasible) and qualitatively to assess intervention effects and practical outcomes.
• Work package 2 – Mixed-Methods Study: Building on WP1, collect new data from drivers. If WP1 yields mainly quantitative findings, an explanatory sequential design will be used: key findings will be confirmed and followed by interviews or focus groups to explore drivers’ perspectives. If WP1 yields qualitative themes, an exploratory sequential design will be used: a survey will be developed based on those themes and administered to a larger driver sample. This combined approach will ensure a comprehensive understanding of drivers’ self-management strategies.
• Work Package 3 – Policy and guideline development: Engage with transport industry and occupational health stakeholders to apply the findings. Activities will include stakeholder workshops, policy briefs and contributions to professional guidance (e.g. the Society of Occupational Medicine’s Driving & Occupational Health guide). The student will help produce practical outputs (guidelines, briefing notes, presentations) aimed at improving driver health, safety and workplace productivity.

Supervision
Dr Glykeria Skamagki and Dr Michael Mansfield (School of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham). Dr Skamagki is a associate professor in musculoskeletal physiotherapy whose research focuses on chronic MSD management in occupational settings. Dr Mansfield is an assistant professor of musculoskeletal physiotherapy with expertise in bone, joint, and muscle disease and injury, as well as evidence synthesis and mixed methods methodologies.

Candidate profile
• A 2:1 (or equivalent) undergraduate degree in physiotherapy, public health, occupational health, sports science, psychology or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated interest in musculoskeletal and occupational health, ergonomics or driver well-being.
• Some research experience or training in systematic reviews, quantitative methods (surveys, stats) and/or qualitative methods (interviews, thematic analysis) is desirable.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse groups.
• Self-motivated, well-organised and capable of independent work (as well as teamwork).