Functional health and perceived exertion in artisanal fishermen working offshore

Abstract

Introduction:Fishingisacommonmeans of obtainingrawmaterialsv for the food industry and drivesalargeeconomic market. Objectives: This field study aimed to evaluate functional health and work overload in artisanal fishermen. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 42 workers from Zone 18 fishing community in Passo de Torres, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The collected data included presence of pain and its location on a Corlett body diagram, pain severity measured with a visual analog scale, perceived exertion measured with a Borg scale, and grip and lumbar strength measured with dynamometers. Results: Forty percent of fishermen had low back pain and 26% had low back muscle weakness. Perceived exertion was greater in the activity of pulling out the fishing net. Discussion: This professional category requires greater attention with health policies that consider the actual context of their job.