Analysis of The Prevalence and Risk Factors for Malalignment of The Lower Limbs in Rice Farmers in Indonesia

Rice farming processes include extended periods of physical labor and interaction between humans and machines. Extended exposure to agricultural activities has the potential for developing misalignment in the lower limbs. This misalignment may heighten the likelihood of harm to the lower limbs and result in physical disability. Nevertheless, the prevalence and variables related to the misalignment of the lower limbs have not been documented so far. The objective of current research was to examine the prevalence and risk factors of lower limb misalignment in individuals engaged in rice farming. A cross-sectional investigation of 400 rice farmers was carried out. Lower limb alignment assessment included: pelvic tilt angle, limb length equality, femoral torsion, quadriceps (Q) angle, tibiofemoral angle, genu recurvatum, rearfoot angle, and medial longitudinal arch angle. Participant characteristics and the prevalence of lower limb malalignment were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The risk factors were identified using logistic regression analysis. The highest prevalence of lower limb malalignment was pelvic tilt angle (28.50%), followed by the femoral antetorsion angle (24.00%), tibiofemoral angle (21.50%), foot pronation (17.75%), limb length inequality (14.25%), genu recurvatum angle (12.75%), Q angle (7.50%), and tibial torsion angle (6.00%). Being underweight was a significant risk factor for experiencing an abnormal pelvic tilt angle. The main risk factors for abnormal genu recuvartum angle were shown to be overweight and increased years of agricultural experience. Simultaneously, being of the female gender was correlated to disparities in limb length, abnormal femoral antetorsion angle, abnormal tibiofemoral angle, and abnormal foot pronation. Aging was identified as a notable risk factor for limb length discrepancy, abnormal tibiofemoral angle, and abnormal genu recurvatum angle. Lower limb screening is intended to aid in the detection of foot and knee misalignment in rice farmers. Consequently, this might result in the early prevention of musculoskeletal problems from such misalignment.