Age and driving experience significantly influence the severity of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among tricycle drivers. Middle-aged drivers (50–59 years) with over 16 years of experience were found to predominantly suffer from shoulder, arm, and back pain. The study concluded that both age and years of experience are correlated with the severity of MSD symptoms, suggesting that as drivers age and gain more years of driving experience, the likelihood of severe MSD symptoms increases .

The study found that the anatomical locations where pain was most frequently reported include the shoulders, arms, and back. These regions are likely subjected to the most stress during tricycle operation due to driving postures and manual handling of the vehicle. The type of pain experienced by tricycle drivers varied, with some not perceiving it as highly disruptive, despite its frequency. This suggests an adaptation or tolerance to pain symptoms over time among drivers .

The use of the Weighted Average Mean (WAM) in the study provides a quantitative analysis of survey responses, allowing researchers to determine the mean acceptability of pain location, type, frequency, and intensity among tricycle drivers. This statistical approach helps to clearly define the severity of musculoskeletal disorders and highlights variations in severity across different demographic groups. By applying WAM, the study ensures that the data is objectively analyzed and represented .

The study employed a research-made questionnaire distributed to thirty tricycle drivers selected through purposive sampling. This method was appropriate because it allowed for targeted data collection from specific participants likely to exhibit the variables of interest, namely age and driving experience. By tailoring the questionnaire to address the study's objectives, researchers could effectively gather relevant data for analyzing musculoskeletal disorder patterns .

Differences in symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders across various age, experience, and BMI groups can be attributed to the diverse physical and occupational stressors experienced by these groups. As drivers age and accumulate more driving experience, they may be subjected to prolonged exposure to repetitive motions and poor postures, leading to increased MSD symptoms. Although 99% of participants had normal BMI, individual variances in physical stature and the distribution of body mass could influence the types and severity of symptoms experienced .

Implementing ergonomic interventions for tricycle drivers can lead to significant occupational health benefits. These include reducing the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal disorders by improving driving postures and reducing physical strain. Ergonomic training and vehicle modifications can enhance comfort, thereby decreasing fatigue and increasing job satisfaction. Furthermore, these interventions can extend the working life of drivers by preventing disabling MSD symptoms, ultimately improving overall productivity and health outcomes .

The study recommends several preventive measures such as health screenings, ergonomic training, vehicle modifications, and awareness programs to mitigate musculoskeletal disorders among tricycle drivers. These interventions aim to improve the occupational health and work conditions of public transport drivers by targeting the identified risk factors associated with MSDs .

Middle-aged tricycle drivers are more affected by musculoskeletal disorders due to the cumulative physical strain and repetitive motions associated with long-term driving. Over time, the prolonged stress on musculoskeletal components can lead to wear and tear, exacerbating pain in the shoulders, arms, and back. The study's results indicate that increased age and extensive driving experience contribute to the worsening of these disorders .

The study's findings suggest that targeted interventions based on age and driving experience can improve occupational health policies for public transport drivers. By identifying age and experience as significant factors influencing MSD severity, health policies can focus on implementing periodic health screenings, ergonomic training, and awareness programs. These initiatives can be designed to prevent the onset or exacerbation of MSDs and promote safer working environments, ultimately enhancing well-being and productivity .

Despite most participants having a normal BMI, the study observed significant differences in musculoskeletal disorder symptoms across BMI groups. This highlights the role of BMI in contributing to variance, as even within the normal range, different distributions of body mass can influence postural stress during driving and potentially affect the severity of symptoms experienced .