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Gupta N, Bjerregaard SS, Yang L, Forsman M, Rasmussen CL, Nørregaard Rasmussen CD, Clays E, Holtermann A. Does occupational forward bending of the back increase long-term sickness absence risk? A 4-year prospective register-based study using device-measured compositional data analysis. Scand J Work Environ Health 2022; 48:651-661. [PMID: 35894796 PMCID: PMC10546616 DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.4047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Forward bending of the back is common in many jobs and a risk factor for sickness absence. However, this knowledge is based on self-reported forward bending that is generally imprecise. Thus, we aimed to investigate the dose-response relation between device-measured forward bending at work and prospective register-based risk of long-term sickness absence (LTSA). METHODS At baseline, 944 workers (93% from blue-collar jobs) wore accelerometers on their upper back and thigh over 1-6 workdays to measure worktime with forward bending (>30˚ and >60˚) and body positions. The first event of LTSA (≥6 consecutive weeks) over a 4-year follow-up were retrieved from a national register. Compositional Cox proportional hazard analyses were used to model the association between worktime with forward bending of the back in an upright body position and LTSA adjusted for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), occupational lifting/carrying, type of work, and, in an additional step, for leisure time physical activity (PA) on workdays. RESULTS During a mean worktime of 457 minutes/day, the workers on average spent 40 and 10 minutes on forward bending >30˚ and >60˚ in the upright position, respectively. Five more minutes forward bending >30˚ and >60˚ at work were associated with a 4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.07] and 8% (95% CI 1.01-1.16) higher LTSA risk, respectively. Adjustment for leisure-time PA did not influence the results. CONCLUSION We found a dose-response association between device-measured forward bending of the back and prospective LTSA risk. This knowledge can be integrated into available feasible methods to measure forward bending of the back for improved workplace risk assessment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Gupta
- Department of musculoskeletal disorders and physical workload, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Skotte Bjerregaard
- Department of analysis and data, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Liyun Yang
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Huddinge, Sweden
- IMM Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael Forsman
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Huddinge, Sweden
- IMM Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Charlotte Lund Rasmussen
- Department of musculoskeletal disorders and physical workload, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | | | - Els Clays
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Andreas Holtermann
- Department of musculoskeletal disorders and physical workload, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Prediction of Health-Related Leave Days among Workers in the Energy Sector by Means of Genetic Algorithms. ENERGIES 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/en13102475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this research, a model is proposed for predicting the number of days absent from work due to sick or health-related leave among workers in the industry sector, according to ergonomic, social and work-related factors. It employs selected microdata from the Sixth European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS) and combines a genetic algorithm with Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS). The most relevant explanatory variables identified by the model can be included in the following categories: ergonomics, psychosocial factors, working conditions and personal data and physiological characteristics. These categories are interrelated, and it is difficult to establish boundaries between them. Any managing program has to act on factors that affect the employees’ general health status, process design, workplace environment, ergonomics and psychosocial working context, among others, to achieve success. This has an extensive field of application in the energy sector.
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Ali MN, Sethi K, Noohu MM. Comparison of two mobilization techniques in management of chronic non-specific low back pain. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2019; 23:918-923. [PMID: 31733783 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2019.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of the study was to compare between the effects of Maitland's postero-anterior (PA glide) mobilization and Mulligan's sustained natural apophyseal glide (SNAG) on pain, mobility, muscle activation and functional disability in subjects with chronic, non-specific low back pain. METHODS The study was a two arm repeated measure design with random allocation of subjects (n = 33). Subjects in group 1 received Maitland's PA glide mobilization and those in group 2 received Mulligan's SNAG. Along with the respective mobilization technique, individualized exercises were common for subjects in both the groups. Subjects in both groups received treatment for 4 days a week for 4 weeks. The outcome measures were numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) scores, lumbar flexion and extension range of motion, erector spinae muscle activity and Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire score. RESULTS The outcome measure scores showed statistical significance in time effect on NPRS (p = 0.001); lumbar flexion and extension range of motion (p = 0.001); erector spinae muscle activity (0.001); Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire score (p = 0.001); group effect on lumbar flexion (p = 0.03) and extension range of motion (p = 0.05); and interaction effect (time x group) on lumbar flexion (p = 0.003) and extension range of motion (p = 0.002); and, erector spinae muscle activity (p = 0.05) at the 3rd lumbar vertebral level. CONCLUSION The addition of Maitland or Mulligan mobilization techniques of the spine does not show a difference in the improvement of symptoms associated with chronic non-specific low back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Nasir Ali
- Centre for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Jamia Milllia Islamia, New Delhi, 111025, India
| | - Kritika Sethi
- Centre for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Jamia Milllia Islamia, New Delhi, 111025, India
| | - Majumi M Noohu
- Centre for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Jamia Milllia Islamia, New Delhi, 111025, India.
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Ward J, Coats J. Comparison of the BackJoy SitSmart Relief and Spine Buddy LT1 H/C Ergonomic Chair Supports on Short-Term Neck and Back Pain. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2016; 40:41-49. [PMID: 27919432 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2016.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/14/2015] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to perform a needs assessment to determine whether short-term use of BackJoy SitSmart Relief and Spine Buddy LT1 H/C chair supports influences neck, upper back, and lower back pain. METHODS Forty-eight college students (age, 27.5 ± 6.3 years; height, 1.72 ± 0.08 m; body mass, 78.7 ± 19.8 kg; time seated that day, 4.3 ± 2.8 hours; means ± SD) were recruited for this study. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to measure pain for the neck, upper back, and lower back regions. Subjects were randomized to sit in a stationary office chair for a single 12-minute period under 1 of 4 conditions: office chair only (control group), BackJoy SitSmart Relief and chair, freezer-cooled Spine Buddy LT1 H/C and chair, or microwave-heated Spine Buddy LT1 H/C and chair. Participants then completed a posttest Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. A between-within repeated-measures analysis of variance using the between-subject factor intervention (group) and within-subject factor time (baseline and posttest) was used to analyze study data. RESULTS The main effect of time across the whole sample was statistically significant for neck (P = .000), upper back (P = .032), and lower back (P = .000) pain; however, there was no statistically significant interaction effect between intervention and time. Thus, as long as participants sat down and rested, symptoms improved similarly across the different groups. CONCLUSIONS In this preliminary study, short-term and single use of a support product for an office chair had no additive effect on reducing neck and back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Ward
- Department of Physiology and Chemistry, Texas Chiropractic College, Pasadena, TX
| | - Jesse Coats
- Department of Clinical Specialties, Texas Chiropractic College, Pasadena, TX.
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Hartzell MM, Liegey-Dougall A, Kishino ND, Gatchel RJ. Utility of Pain Drawings Rated for Non-Organic Pain in Chronic Low Back Pain Populations: A Qualitative Systematic Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/jabr.12048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Meredith M. Hartzell
- Department of Psychology; College of Science; The University of Texas at Arlington
| | | | | | - Robert J. Gatchel
- Department of Psychology; College of Science; The University of Texas at Arlington
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Muaidi QI, Shanb AA. Effects of work demands on physical therapists in the KSA. J Taibah Univ Med Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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Keawduangdee P, Puntumetakul R, Swangnetr M, Laohasiriwong W, Settheetham D, Yamauchi J, Boucaut R. Prevalence of low back pain and associated factors among farmers during the rice transplanting process. J Phys Ther Sci 2015; 27:2239-45. [PMID: 26311961 PMCID: PMC4540856 DOI: 10.1589/jpts.27.2239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of low back pain and
associated factors in Thai rice farmers during the rice transplanting process. [Subjects
and Methods] Three hundred and forty-four farmers, aged 20–59 years old, were asked to
answer a questionnaire modified from the Standard Nordic Questionnaire (Thai version). The
questionnaire sought demographic, back-related, and psychosocial data. [Results] The
results showed that the prevalence of low back pain was 83.1%. Farmers younger than
45 years old who worked in the field fewer than six days were more likely to experience
low back pain than those who worked for at least six days. Farmers with high stress levels
were more likely to have low back pain. [Conclusion] In the rice transplanting process,
the low back pain experienced by the farmers was associated with the weekly work duration
and stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petcharat Keawduangdee
- Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Thailand ; Research Center in Back, Neck, Other Joint Pain and Human Performance (BNOJPH), Khon Kaen University, Thailand
| | - Rungthip Puntumetakul
- Research Center in Back, Neck, Other Joint Pain and Human Performance (BNOJPH), Khon Kaen University, Thailand ; School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
| | - Manida Swangnetr
- Research Center in Back, Neck, Other Joint Pain and Human Performance (BNOJPH), Khon Kaen University, Thailand ; Program of Production Technology, Faculty of Technology, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
| | - Wongsa Laohasiriwong
- Department of Public Health Administration, Faculty of Public Health, Board Committee of Research and Training Centre for Enhancing Quality of Life of Working Age People (REQW), Khon Kaen University, Thailand
| | - Dariwan Settheetham
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
| | - Junichiro Yamauchi
- Graduate School of Human Health Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan ; Future Institute for Sport Science, Japan
| | - Rose Boucaut
- School of Health Science (Physiotherapy), University of South Australia, Australia
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Ward J, Coats J, Pourmoghaddam A. Spine buddy® supportive pad impact on single-leg static balance and a jogging gait of individuals wearing a military backpack. J Hum Kinet 2014; 44:53-66. [PMID: 25713665 PMCID: PMC4327380 DOI: 10.2478/hukin-2014-0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The Spine Buddy® supportive pad was developed to be inserted underneath military backpacks to help disperse the heavy load of the backpack. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact the additional supportive pad had on static balance and a running gait while wearing a military backpack. Forty healthy subjects (age= 27.5 + 5.6 yrs, body height= 1.78 + 0.06 m, body mass= 86.5 + 14.0 kg: mean + SD) participated in a static single-leg balance test on a force plate with each lower limb while wearing a 15.9 kg military backpack for 30 s. Following this, participants were randomized to one of two interventions: 1) Intervention, which wore the Spine Buddy® supportive pad underneath their backpack or 2) Control, with no additional supportive pad. Post-intervention measurements of static single-leg balance were then recorded. Afterwards, a similar pre vs post testing schedule and randomization scheme was used to test the impact of the supportive pad on a 5 mph jogging gait using Vicon® cameras. Within-group data were analyzed with a 2-way repeated measures ANOVA. Statistically significant differences were not seen between the control and experimental group for balance and gait variables. Preliminarily, this suggests that the Spine Buddy® supportive pad causes no deleterious effect on static balance and a jogging gait in 18-45 year-old asymptomatic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Ward
- Department of Physiology and Chemistry, Texas Chiropractic College
| | - Jesse Coats
- Department of Clinical Specialties, Texas Chiropractic College
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Wynne-Jones G, Cowen J, Jordan JL, Uthman O, Main CJ, Glozier N, van der Windt D. Absence from work and return to work in people with back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Occup Environ Med 2013; 71:448-56. [PMID: 24186944 PMCID: PMC4033140 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2013-101571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background A considerable proportion of work absence is attributed to back pain, however prospective studies in working populations with back pain are variable in setting and design, and a quantitative summary of current evidence is lacking. Objective To investigate the extent to which differences in setting, country, sampling procedures and methods for data collection are responsible for variation in estimates of work absence and return to work. Methods Systematic searches of seven bibliographic databases. Inclusion criteria were: adults in paid employment, with back pain, work absence or return to work during follow-up had been reported. Random effects meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis was carried out to provide summary estimates of work absence and return to work rates. Results 45 studies were identified for inclusion in the review; 34 were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled estimate for the occurrence of work absence in workers with back pain was 15.5% (95% CI 9.8% to 23.6%, n=17 studies, I2 98.1%) in studies with follow-up periods of ≤6 months. The pooled estimate for the proportion of people with back pain returning to work was 68.2% (95% CI 54.8% to 79.1%, n=13, I2 99.2%), 85.6% (95% CI 78.2% to 90.7%, n=13, I2 98.7%) and 93.3% (95% CI 84.0% to 94.7%, n=10, I2 99%), at 1 month, 1–6 months and ≥6 months, respectively. Differences in setting, risk of participation bias and method of assessing work absence explained some of the heterogeneity. Conclusions Pooled estimates suggest high return to work rates, with wide variation in estimates of return to work only partly explained by a priori defined study-level variables. The estimated 32% not back at work at 1 month are at a crucial point for intervention to prevent long term work absence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwenllian Wynne-Jones
- Department of Primary Care Sciences, Arthritis Research UK National Primary Care Centre, Keele University, Keele, UK
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Predicting temporal trends in sickness absence rates for civil service employees of a federal public health agency. J Occup Environ Med 2012; 55:179-90. [PMID: 23171916 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0b013e3182717eb5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether trends of sickness in employees at a federal agency are predictable, and whether the variance was minimal enough to detect unusual levels of employee illness for further investigation. METHODS Ten years of absenteeism data from an attendance system were analyzed for rates of sickness absence. Specifically, week of year and day of week were used to describe temporal trends. RESULTS This study evaluates the predictability in temporal absence trends due to sickness among employees at a federal agency. Trends follow regular patterns during a given year that correspond to seasonal illnesses. Temporal trends in sick leave have been proven to be very predictable. CONCLUSION The minimal variance allows the detection of sick leave anomalies that may be ascribable to specific causes, allowing the business or agency to follow-up and develop interventions.
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Personalized nanomedicine advancements for stem cell tracking. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2012; 64:1488-507. [PMID: 22820528 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2012.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Accepted: 07/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent technological developments in biomedicine have facilitated the generation of data on the anatomical, physiological and molecular level for individual patients and thus introduces opportunity for therapy to be personalized in an unprecedented fashion. Generation of patient-specific stem cells exemplifies the efforts toward this new approach. Cell-based therapy is a highly promising treatment paradigm; however, due to the lack of consistent and unbiased data about the fate of stem cells in vivo, interpretation of therapeutic effects remains challenging hampering the progress in this field. The advent of nanotechnology with a wide palette of inorganic and organic nanostructures has expanded the arsenal of methods for tracking transplanted stem cells. The diversity of nanomaterials has revolutionized personalized nanomedicine and enables individualized tailoring of stem cell labeling materials for the specific needs of each patient. The successful implementation of stem cell tracking will likely be a significant driving force that will contribute to the further development of nanotheranostics. The purpose of this review is to emphasize the role of cell tracking using currently available nanoparticles.
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Osborne A, Finnegan G, Blake C, Meredith D, McNamara J, Phelan J, Cunningham C. An evaluation of low back pain among farmers in Ireland. Occup Med (Lond) 2012; 63:53-9. [PMID: 23012347 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqs173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low back pain (LBP) is the most commonly reported musculoskeletal disorder among farmers. There is limited research regarding LBP among farmers in Ireland. AIMS To explore attributed causes of LBP, investigate the relationship between LBP and personal and work-related factors and measure the impact of LBP. METHODS A questionnaire survey of Irish farmers was conducted on farmers from each of the main farm enterprise systems in Ireland. Data were analysed using chi-square tests, t-tests, Mann-Whitney tests and logistic regression models. RESULTS There were 600 farmers included in the survey with 100 from each of the six main farm systems. Lifting/pulling/pushing was identified as the most commonly attributed cause of LBP. In the multiple regression analysis the variables found to be associated with LBP included farm size and self-rated health. The odds ratios (OR) of LBP were greater among operators of medium and large farms [(OR = 1.52; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-2.22 and OR = 1.86; 95% CI: 1.16-3.98, respectively] compared with smaller farms (P < 0.05). Those who perceived health as 'good' (OR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.14-2.33) by comparison with a rating of 'very good' had greater odds of LBP (P < 0.01). Some farmers changed work habits, sought help and needed time off work due to LBP. CONCLUSIONS Lifting was identified as the main attributed cause for LBP. LBP leads to work disability that necessitated farmers changing work habits, getting help and needing time off work. In order to reduce LBP-related disability among farmers in the future, work practices involving lifting need to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Osborne
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Science, Health Science Complex, Belfield Campus, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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