Behind the Wheel – Self-Management of Musculoskeletal Pain in Professional Drivers

About the Project

Professional bus, coach and lorry drivers face high levels of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to long hours of sitting, whole-body vibration and poor ergonomics. Recent studies report that about 62% of truck drivers experience MSDs. Globally, chronic MSDs are the second-leading cause of years lived with disability, and in the UK workplace, MSDs incur an estimated £18.8 billion in costs per year. However, evidence on how drivers cope with and manage this pain is minimal.

This project will first systematically review interventions and self-management strategies for MSD pain in professional drivers from published literature. The review phase (Work Package 1) will quantitatively and qualitatively synthesise existing evidence on treatments, exercises, ergonomics and coping behaviours. In Work Package 2, we will collect new data from drivers using a sequential mixed-methods approach. Depending on WP1 results, the study will adopt either an explanatory sequential design or an exploratory sequential design. Work Package 3 will translate findings into practical workplace guidelines and policy recommendations that align with national occupational health initiatives.

Research aim and objectives

Aim:

• To improve understanding and support for self-management of musculoskeletal pain among professional drivers, leading to evidence-based workplace guidance and occupational health recommendations.

Objectives:

• Systematically identify and evaluate evidence on self-management, non-pharmacological interventions, ergonomic strategies and workplace support for musculoskeletal pain among professional drivers.
• Identify barriers and facilitators affecting the adoption of effective self-management strategies in real-world driving contexts.
• Explore drivers’ lived experiences, perceptions and coping practices regarding musculoskeletal pain through primary research.
• Assess the quality of the evidence and identify gaps in current research and occupational health support.
• Translate findings into practical recommendations and guidance for drivers, employers and occupational health professionals.

Methodology

• Work package 1 - The project will begin with a systematic review of the literature examining interventions, self-management strategies and workplace approaches to musculoskeletal pain among professional drivers. Depending on the volume and nature of existing literature, the student may conduct:
  • a systematic review of primary studies, or
  • an umbrella review (overview of systematic reviews) if multiple systematic reviews already exist.
  The review will follow recognised methodological guidance (e.g., PRISMA) and will synthesise both quantitative and qualitative evidence. Where appropriate, meta-analysis or thematic synthesis will be conducted to identify effective strategies and evidence gaps.
• Work package 2: Building on the findings of the review, the project will collect primary data from professional drivers. A sequential mixed-methods design will be used:
  • If the review identifies measurable strategies or patterns, an explanatory sequential design will be used, starting with a survey followed by interviews or focus groups to explain key findings.
  • If the review identifies fragmented or qualitative evidence, an exploratory sequential design will be used, beginning with interviews to explore drivers’ experiences and then developing a survey to examine patterns across a larger sample.
  This approach will provide a deeper understanding of how drivers manage musculoskeletal pain while remaining in work.
• Work Package 3 –Engage with transport industry and occupational health stakeholders to apply the findings. Activities will include stakeholder workshops, policy briefs and contributions to professional guidance. The student will help produce practical outputs (guidelines, briefing notes, presentations) aimed at improving driver health, safety and workplace productivity.

Supervision

Dr Glykeria Skamagki and Dr Michael Mansfield (School of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham). Dr Skamagki is a associate professor in musculoskeletal physiotherapy whose research focuses on chronic MSD management in occupational settings. Dr Mansfield is an assistant professor of musculoskeletal physiotherapy with expertise in bone, joint, and muscle disease and injury, as well as evidence synthesis and mixed methods methodologies.

Candidate Profile

Degree: 2:1 (or equivalent) undergraduate degree and an MSc at Merit/60%+ (or international equivalent).

Research readiness: Clear evidence of research training; (please state module titles and grades in your CV or cover letter).

Domain knowledge: Solid understanding of musculoskeletal and occupational health (e.g., MSD risk factors, ergonomics, work design, return-to-work principles).

Methods toolkit: Foundational skills in systematic reviewing and at least one of:

quantitative methods (survey design, basic statistics), or

qualitative methods (interviews/focus groups, thematic or framework analysis).

People skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to recruit and engage professional drivers, managers, and OH stakeholders.

Professionalism: Self-motivated, well-organised, able to work independently and collaboratively; strong writing skills.