The Effect of Key Anthropometric and Biomechanics Variables Affecting the Lower Back Forces of Healthcare Workers

Abstract

Wearable devices are becoming ubiquitous and can be used to better estimate postures and movements to reduce the risk of injuries. Thirty-three participants were recruited in this study to perform two daily repetitive patient transfer tasks while the full body movements were acquired using a set of magneto-inertial wearable devices. The use of wearable devices allowed for the estimation of the forces provoked on the lower back during the entire task performance. In postures where the forces exceeded the warning threshold found in the literature, healthcare workers were considered to have a greater risk of injury. Additionally, the maximum force exerted by each hand to avoid injury to the spinal column was also estimated. Knowing the key anthropometric variables associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) will enable engineers and researchers to design better assistive devices and injury prevention programs in diverse workplaces.

Stroke severity to determine musculoskeletal symptoms in family caregivers

“…The low back is stressed by lifting, transfers and assistance with daily tasks. Caring for stroke patients with high functional dependence levels represents an additional physical effort, which can lead to stress in caregivers ( 28 - 29 ) . No relation was found between the patients’ MAS scores and low back pain.…”

Gravedad de accidentes cerebrovasculares para determinar síntomas osteomusculares en cuidadores familiares

“…La región lumbar se tensa al tener que levantar peso, mover personas y brindar asistencia con las tareas de la vida diaria. Cuidar sobrevivientes de ACV con elevados niveles de dependencia funcional representa un esfuerzo físico adicional que puede derivar en estrés en los cuidadores (28)(29) . No se detectó ninguna asociación entre las puntuaciones MAS obtenidas por los pacientes y dolor lumbar.…”

Gravidade do AVC e determinação dos sintomas musculoesqueléticos dos cuidadores familiares

“…A região lombar é estressada por levantamentos, transferências e assistência nas tarefas diárias. Cuidar de pacientes com AVC que exigem altos níveis de dependência funcional é um esforço físico adicional, que pode levar ao estresse do cuidador (28)(29) . Não foi encontrada nenhuma relação entre os escores MAS do paciente e a dor lombar.…”