1.Association between lower back pain and some inflammatory biomarkers among heavy machinery operators in open-pit mining
Nansalmaa M ; Enkhdulguun A ; Miyegombo J ; Erdenechamba N ; Erdenechimeg E ; Munkhtsetseg J
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;88(4):165-170
Background:
Musculoskeletal disorders account for 23.1-47.1% of occupational diseases in several countries. Studies
have shown that operators of heavy machinery, including tractors and dump trucks, are twice as likely to experience low
er back pain compared to workers not exposed to whole-body vibration. Furthermore, research has indicated that acute
exposure to vibration can cause vasoconstriction and vascular inflammation. However, limited research has explored the
relationship between lower back pain and specific biomarkers, highlighting the need for this study.
Aim:
This study aimed to compare lower back pain prevalence and muscle inflammation biomarkers among heavy ma
chinery operators.
Materials and Methods:
A purposive sampling method was used to recruit 15 male participants aged 25-35 years who
had worked as heavy machinery drivers for no more than three years. Inclusion criteria were: no alcohol consumption
within 24 hours prior to sampling, body mass index (BMI) between 18.5-28.9 kg/m², no prior diagnosis of musculoskele
tal disorders, and absence of infectious or non-infectious diseases during the study period. Blood samples were analyzed
for Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
(ELISA).
Results:
The mean BMI of participants was 25.89±3.23 kg/m². Over half (53.3%, n=8) exceeded the exposure limit
for whole-body vibration. Low back pain was reported by 13 participants (86.7%) over the past six months and by 12
participants (80%) over the past seven days. TNF-α levels did not differ significantly between groups based on low back
pain status or vibration exposure. However, IL-6 levels showed a significant increase 24 hours after whole-body vibration
exposure (p=0.027).
Conclusion
Lower back pain was highly prevalent among participants exposed to whole-body vibration. Furthermore,
IL-6 levels were elevated among participants reporting lower back pain, regardless of vibration exposure levels.