Wearable Technology to Increase Self-Awareness of Low Back Pain: A Survey of Technology Needs among Health Care Workers

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is a leading contributor to musculoskeletal injury worldwide and carries a high economic cost. The healthcare industry is the most burdened, with nurses, in particular, being highly prone to LBP. Wearable technologies have the potential to address the challenges of monitoring postures that contribute to LBP and increase self-awareness of workplace postures and movements. We aimed to gain insight into workers’ perceptions of LBP and whether they would consider using wearable monitoring technologies to reduce injury risks. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to gather information from a selected population of nurses. Sixty-four participants completed the survey, and data were analyzed with the support of Machine Learning techniques. Findings from this study indicate that the surveyed population (64 nurses) is interested in these new approaches to monitor movement and posture in the workplace. This technology can potentially change the way ergonomic guidelines are implemented in this population.

Innovative Technologies for Occupational Health and Safety: A Scoping Review

“…Advances in exoskeletons [85] have been designed to reduce the risk of low back injury, although their effectiveness has not been evaluated. However, the developed technology has been shown to reduce chest and back tension when workers lift loads of considerable weight and when performing other load movements that affect the tension in the lumbar area [86].…”

“…In contrast, the second category includes sets of flexible elements that provide a certain degree of elasticity in some moving parts of the body to redistribute efforts and improve the mobility of the operator's limbs. Non-anthropomorphic exoskeletons possess structures that do not align with human anthropology [85], while anthropomorphic exoskeletons better fit the human form.…”

“…In contrast, the second category includes sets of flexible elements that provide a certain degree of elasticity in some moving parts of the body to redistribute efforts and improve the mobility of the operator's limbs. Nonanthropomorphic exoskeletons possess structures that do not align with human anthropology [85], while anthropomorphic exoskeletons better fit the human form. Concerning the type of actuator, in the case of passive actuators, mechanical springs allow elastic recovery of the limbs, avoiding the realization of significant efforts in the sense of preferential movement.…”