4.1. Strengths
While a previous study reported different MSDs (Bensa-ard
et al., 2004), our study evaluated all MSDs in different body
regions and applied RULA to assess the need for intervention in
rubber tappers. This was probably the largest community-based
ergonomic survey among rubber tappers with a high response
rate (85%).
4.2. Limitations
Since the study design was a cross-sectional study, the results
could not confirm any causal relationship between abnormal
ergonomic and psycho-socioeconomic factors and low back pain.
There may be a healthy worker effect, as the rubber tappers who
left their jobs due to severe low back pain were already excluded
from this study. Therefore, the prevalence and the degree of low
back pain associated with the risk factors may be underestimated