Analysis of Motor Nerve Conduction and Pain Threshold in Professional Drivers

ABSTRACT

Background:Professional drivers, who maintain the same sitting posture, a taut hand grip, erratic rotations of the trunk and holding the pedals in same place with foot makes them susceptible for sensory and motor nerve damage and its consequences. This study was aimed to assess the motor nerve conduction velocity and pain threshold for the professional drivers who are exposed to the constant vibration during driving. Methods: 40 professional drivers and 20 controls were included in the study for analysis of nerve conduction study and pain threshold in upper limb and lower limb. Drivers with significant medical illnesses, alcoholism, hypertension and diabetes were excluded from the study. Results: Among the study group, both in the upper limb and in the lower limb there is a significant reduction in the motor nerve conduction velocity when compared to the control group. Regarding pain threshold there is a significant statistical difference between control group and heavy motor drivers group. Conclusion: There is a significant decrease in the motor nerve conduction of upper limb in heavy motor vehicle drivers than low motor vehicle drivers and there is a significant decrease in the motor nerve conduction velocity in lower limb and decrease in pain threshold among the heavy motor vehicle drivers.We recommend that all the professional drivers, particularly heavy motor vehicle drivers, should have periodic medical screening to prevent neuropathic changes and its devastating complications.