Complaints in the Cervical Region of Tea Bickers in Hilly Areas
10.2185/jjrm.33.13
- VernacularTitle:山間部における茶刈り作業の頸部障害
- Author:
Tetsuo Suyama
;
Shuji Okinaga
;
Akio Iguchi
;
Shunpei Miyakawa
;
Yutaka Kamimura
;
Masayoshi Kaneko
;
Katushi Ohtawara
;
Akemi Kobayashi
;
Yuko Mizoguchi
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Journal of the Japanese Association of Rural Medicine
1984;33(1):13-18
- CountryJapan
- Language:Japanese
-
Abstract:
In the central part of Shizuoka Prefecture, tea growing is carried out on hillsides. From the posture taken by farmers while they are picking tea-leaves, it is assumed that a heavy load is laid on the cervical region and that they must have complaints in that region frequently.
On this assumption, we have conducted a survey covering a total of 228 persons working in tea plantations, with 42 persons living in plains as a control group.
Of the total, 172 persons filled out a questionnaire and the remaining 56 underwent a physical checkup.
Of those surveyed, 92.8% said that they feel fatigued from work. Complaints in the cervical region were filed by 69.5% of the males and 89.0% of the females.
X-ray pictures revealed abnormal signs in 69.5% of the males and 89.0% of the females. Radiographic observation suggested that 77.0% of the abnormalities have some bearing on their complaints. It was also found that the stiffness in the shoulders accounted for most of the complaints.
From these findings, we have keenly felt it is necessary for us to continue to engourage them into practicing calisthenics designed to prevent the stiffness in the shoulders.
