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

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. ResultsDuring 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. ConclusionWe 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.

Cost and statistical efficiency of posture assessment by inclinometry and observation, exemplified by paper mill work

“…The present study and the study by Trask et al [ 34 ] used a more modern technology at a price of about 25% of the previous inclinometers, and to-day, postures can be measured using commercial inclinometers at 10% the price of those used by us (e.g. [ 54 , 55 ]). This development in costs allows very large data sets to be collected using inclinometry, and initiatives have even been taken to merge several data sets into joint data bases [ 56 ].…”

Wearable Motion Capture Devices for the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Ergonomics—An Overview of Current Applications, Challenges, and Future Opportunities

“…Another example of systematically collected data is the database for the Lumbar Motion Monitor (LMM) [215][216][217], which uses three-dimensional (i.e., sagittal, lateral, and twisting plane) trunk postures and movements as the input to connect the kinematics data to a risk category related to LBP or low back disorders). A third example is the database by Gupta et al [25,26], which targets both trunk postures and arm postures. The authors found dose-response associations between time of exposure over a limit (i.e., arm elevation above 30 • , 60 • , and 90 • ; forward trunk bending more than 30 • and 60 • ) and prospective register-based long-term sickness absence during the four years following the measurements.…”

Can home care work be organized to promote musculoskeletal health for workers? Study protocol for the Norwegian GoldiCare cluster randomized controlled trial

“…As a part of an earlier investigation, we noted a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the neck/shoulder area (36%) and lower back (34%) among home care workers in Trondheim, Norway [ 2 ]. Further, we found long durations of awkward postures such as forward trunk inclination and arm elevation during the working day [ 2 ] which is documented to increase the risk of sick leave [ 18 , 19 ]. In addition, the strenuous tasks were unevenly distributed among workers and a substantial proportion of employees were exposed to very high levels of physical strain [ 2 ], likely to lead to a substantial risk of musculoskeletal pain and sickness absence.…”