Dynamic Load Moment Exposure and Spine Function Impairment

• Published in: Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting Vol. 53; no. 14; pp. 879 - 881
• Main Authors: Marras, William S., Lavender, Steven A., Sue, A., Splittstoesser, Ferguson Riley E., Yang, Gang
• Format: Book Review Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.10.2009
• ISSN: 1541-9312; 2169-5067; 2169-5067; 1071-1813
• DOI: 10.1177/154193120905301403

A prospective study was performed in distribution center environments in order to determine which physical exposure measures related to a reduction in low back function. Workers in 50 distribution jobs employed in 21 distribution centers were monitored over at least a 6 month period for changes in spine function. Job exposures were monitored with a sonic-based exposure tracking system (laboratory in a backpack) that captured 197 physical exposure metrics per lift. Based upon the database containing over 60,000 lifts, a multivariate model was developed capable of predicting jobs characteristics associated with a decrement in spine function over time. The sensitivity and specificity of the model were 85% and 87.5%, respectively. These results provide valuable information for the control of risk in these environments and offer valuable insight regarding the biomechanical functioning of the spine.