During the pruning season, tea growers work longer hours, and many present symptoms of ifferent varieties from overwork.
A recent survey conducted by the authors showed that increased loads are placed on the elbow of the farmers engaged in tea-tree pruning. In some cases, changes in the elbow joint structure were visible on X-ray films.
1. Total number of the subjects covered: 47 (25 men and 22 women)
2. Age: 32-89 (53.7±12.2)
3. Average number of years engaged in the work: 31.8±15.7 for men: 26.9±4.53 for women
4. Working hours per day: 8.30±2.51 (Thirteen persons or 27.6% said that they work more than nine hours.)
5. Chief complaints and symptoms: pain in the elbow region and the outside of the forearm
6. Radiographic findings: arthropathy 58.3%: normal 41.7%
7. Impairment in mobility of the joint: minor degree