Jurnal Ilmiah Kesehatan Sandi Husada (JIKSH)
Vol. 15 No. 2 (2026): Articles in Press

Global systematic review of biomechanical and ergonomic assessment outcomes among urban transit operators

Bayu Yoni Setyo Nugroho (Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Dian Nuswantoro, Central Java, Indonesia)
Ratih Pramitasi (Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Dian Nuswantoro, Central Java, Indonesia)
Supriyono Asfawi (Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Dian Nuswantoro, Central Java, Indonesia)
Muhammad Ashraf Fauzi (Faculty of Industrial Management, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Malaysia)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 Jul 2026

Abstract

Introduction: Urban transit operators, including bus drivers, train operators, and metro personnel, are chronically exposed to biomechanical stressors and ergonomic hazards predisposing them to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), whole-body vibration (WBV)-related spinal pathology, and psychosocial morbidity. To systematically identify, critically appraise, and synthesise biomechanical and ergonomic assessment outcomes among urban transit operators worldwide. Research Methodology: This systematic review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and used the PICOS framework. English-language studies published between 2000 and 2024 were retrieved from PubMed, Medline, Embase, Scopus, Global Health, and Google Scholar. Quality appraisal employed the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies. Narrative synthesis was applied due to methodological heterogeneity, which precluded meta-analysis. Results: Of 312 identified records, 45 Cross-Sectional studies from 23 countries (n = 12,859 workers) met the inclusion criteria. Bus drivers comprised 52% of the study population. The predominant outcome domain was MSDs (31%), followed by WBV exposure (24%), psychosocial and fatigue outcomes (18%), postural risk (11%), ergonomic risk assessment (9%), and occupational injuries (9%). Low back pain (LBP) prevalence ranged from 43% to 78%. WBV exposures frequently exceeded the 0.5 m/s² Exposure Action Value under EU Directive 2002/44/EC. Quality appraisal rated 60% of studies as low risk, 31% as moderate risk, and 9% as high risk of bias. Conclusion: Urban transit operators represent a high-risk occupational group for biomechanical and ergonomic hazards. Standardised longitudinal studies, objective exposure assessment, and equitable geographic representation are urgently needed to inform globally applicable prevention guidelines.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jiksh

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health

Description

The scope of this journal includes research that intends to review and understand nursing health care interventions and health policies that utilize advanced nursing research from an Asian perspective. The Sandi Husada Health Scientific Journal publishes research related to clinical, community, and ...