[Evaluation of bone mineral density in carpet weavers in Tabriz]

Carpet hand weaving is a common practice in countries such as Iran. In Iran, hand-woven carpets are produced nearly in home-based workshops categorized as informal small-scale industry, often organized around families and done in homes. It is estimated that near 2.5 million people are directly involved in carpet weaving as their profession or a hobby. Long hours of static work with awkward posture at traditionally designed looms can potentially cause high abnormality in bone mineral density [BMD]. This study aims at evaluating BMD in carpet weavers in Tabriz in 2007. In a cross-sectional study, 80 professional carpet weavers aged 20-60 years, with at least 5 years of experience, not less than 5 hours a day for at least 3 days a week were recruited in Tabriz Imam Reza during 17 months. Patients with any history of diseases or condition with possible effect on BMD were excluded. The DXA method was employed for bone densitometry at three sites; pelvic bone, wrist and lumbar vertebrae. Presence of at least one abnormal result put the patient in osteopenia [-2.5