装饰板加工工人腰背痛病因初探

目的探讨装饰板加工工人腰背痛发病情况与工人劳动操作中不良生产条件的关系。方法采用作业场所工效学分析和问卷调查方法对某装饰板加工企业进行了不良工效学因素和工人腰背痛症状的调查。结果装饰板加工工人存在的不良工效学因素主要有操作台面较低、工作姿势和动作不良、劳动时间过长等。选板、贴面和修补工种工人腰背痛主诉分别为72．2％、56．8％和100．0％，且与工人操作台面高低和弯腰持续的时间长短、弯腰的频率和幅度大小有关。结论操作台面过低，工人弯腰时间较长与腰背痛高发有一定关系。     

后路经椎弓根椎体内植骨治疗胸腰段骨折

目的探讨后路椎弓根螺钉复位内固定结合经椎弓根椎体内植骨治疗胸腰段骨折的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2002年1月-2006年9月手术治疗的胸腰段骨折68例患者的临床资料。其中椎体内植骨组31例，行后路椎弓根螺钉复位内固定同时，经椎弓根椎体内植骨治疗；同期37例行单纯椎弓根螺钉复位内固定无植骨治疗者作为对照组。随诊3—58个月。评价两组术前、术后及随诊时伤椎高度比值、脊柱后凸成角矫正、神经功能恢复、内固定失效情况以及腰背疼痛并发症情况。结果两组伤椎前、后缘高度比值和脊柱后凸成角术前分别为（49．6±2．0）％、（93．4±1．0）％、（18．3±2．0）°和（50．3±1．0）%、（94．1±3．0）％、（17．9±2．0）°，两组比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）；术后分别为（94．3±1．0）％、（96．7±3．0）％、（6．2±1．0）°和（90．1±4．0）％、（95．8±2．0）％、（7．3±2．0）°，椎体内植骨组椎体高度恢复和脊柱后凸成角矫正优于对照组（P〈0．05）；随诊时分别为（92．5±3．0）％、（94．4±1．0）％、（7．6±1．0）°和（85．2±2．0）％、（90．5±3．0）％、（11．7±1．0）°，两组高度恢复和脊柱后凸矫正丢失率分别为（2．4±0．1）％、（2．3±0．5）％、（1．2±0．1）°和（5．3±0．5）％、（5．1±0．1）％、（4．4±0．5）°。两组比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。神经功能恢复术后及随诊时平均提高1-2级，椎体内植骨组略优于对照组，但两组比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。椎体内植骨组无内固定失效，对照组内固定失效4例，占10．81％。随诊时椎体内植骨组腰背疼痛2例，占6．45％，对照组腰背疼痛5例，占13．51％。结论后路椎弓根螺钉复位内固定结合经椎弓根椎体内植骨治疗胸腰段骨折有良好的临床疗效。经椎弓根椎体内植骨能有效防止复位固定后的矫正丢失和内固定失效，并能减少术后腰背疼痛并发症。     

铸造工人腰背痛流行病学特征

[目的 ]描述铸造工人腰背痛流行病学特征 ,探讨职业相关因素。 [方法 ]对 6 17名铸造工人进行背部骨科体检和疼痛测量。 [结果 ]清理和造型工种背部压痛阳性率显著高于后勤组 ,OR值分别达 6 16和 11 90 ,控制性别、年龄和工龄等混杂因素后 ,OR值更为加大 ;曾有腰背痛主诉没有差异 ,但与目前工作有关的调整腰背痛患病率仍以清理和造型高 ,与后勤比OR值在 2倍左右。造型工疼痛诱因以过度用力、重复劳动和不良姿势为主 ,共占 88 4%。腰背疼痛强度多为中等度。 [结论 ]静态弯腰作业和重体力弯腰作业与腰背痛患病率密切相关     

心房颤动对扩张型心肌病患者预后的影响

目的探讨心房颤动对扩张型心肌病患者预后的影响。方法对比分析44例扩张型心肌病伴有心房颤动（房颤）患者（房颤组）和51例扩张型心肌病伴有窦性心律（窦律）患者（窦律组）的临床资料及预后情况。结果与窦律组比较，房颤组患者左房内径较大[（52．57±6．99）mm比（48．47±5．98）mm]，NYHA分级级数较高，左室射血分数明显降低[（27±8）％比（31±9）％]，平均年住院次数较多[（2．90±0．74）次／年比（2．07±0．84）次／年]，住院期间病死率较高。两组上述各项指标比较，差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论伴有房颤的扩张型心肌病患者病情重，预后差。     

呼气末正压通气在大容量肺灌洗术中的应用

目的探讨呼气末正压通气（PEEP）在大容量全肺灌洗术（WLL）中的应用。方法选取Ⅰ期尘肺患者500人，设9个治疗组，每组50人，与治疗组性别、年龄匹配的50例为对照组。对照组WLL术中不使用PEEP，治疗组在双肺灌洗间隔、第2侧肺灌洗结束时，分别给予灌洗侧肺2、6、10cm H2O压力的PEEP，时间分别为5、30和60min。观察各组不同压力、不同时间PEEP时的呼吸音恢复时间、顺应性恢复时间、动脉血氧分压及肺呼吸音恢复情况。结果6emH2O压力的PEEP时，5、30与60min组呼吸音恢复时间分别为（58．2±3．8）、（44．2±4．1）、（40．4±6．4）min，顺应性恢复时间分别为（59．2±3．8）、（45．2±3．2）、（48．4±5．4）min，动脉血氧分压分别为（210．2±3．8）、（280．2±9．2）、（220．4±2．4）mm Hg，与对照组比较，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。10cm H3O PEEP时，5、30与60min组呼吸音恢复时间分别为（51．2±4．2）、（29．8±5．2）、（31．2±4．1）min，顺应性恢复时间分别为（52．3±4．2）、（33．8±3．9）、（37．2±4．4）min，动脉血氧分压分别为（240．2±4．2）、（353．8±5．9）、（231．5±3．4）mm Hg；与对照组比较，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。10emH20组各时间点呼吸音恢复时间、肺顺应性恢复时间及氧分压与6cm H2O组比较，差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。10cm H2O PEEP和6cm H2O PEEP 60min组并发症发生率分别为16％和10％，30min时的并发症发生率为0，60min PEEP并发症发生率明显高于30min，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。结论WLL术中，一侧肺灌洗结束后，PEEP以10cm H2O压力、30min为宜。     

肝硬化患者血栓调节蛋白、抗凝及纤溶系统的变化与Child-Pugh分级的关系

目的探讨肝硬化患者血栓调节蛋白（TM）、抗凝及纤溶系统指标的变化及其与Child-Pugh分级的关系。方法肝硬化患者77例，按Child-Pugh分级进行分组：A级组12例，B级组32例，C级组33例；对照组20例。均检测TM、抗凝血酶-Ⅲ（AT-Ⅲ）、蛋白-C（PC）、蛋白-S（PS）、D-二聚体、组织纤溶酶原激活物（t-PA）和纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂-1（PAI-1）。结果在对照组、A级组、B级组、C级组中，TM随病情加重而升高，分别为（4．24±0．81）μg／L、（4．36±2．56）μg／L、（6．66±3．30）μg／L、（6．79±3．69）μg／L；AT-Ⅲ随病情加重而逐渐降低，分别为（102．35±8．12）％、（105．46±8．71）％、（102．09±8．39）％、（94．32±9．85）％；PC和PS随病情加重而有逐渐减低的趋势；D-二聚体随病情加重而逐渐增高，分别为（0．27±0．13）mg／L、（0．42±0．26）mg／L、（0．79±0．35）mg／L、（0．93±0．43）mg／L；t-PA和PAI-1随肝功能恶化而变化的现象不明显。结论肝硬化患者的TM、抗凝和纤溶系统指标存在明显的异常且和Child-Pugh分级相关。检测以上指标有助于对肝功能损害程度及预后的判断。     

网织血小板参数对儿童特发性血小板减少陛紫癜的临床价值

[目的]探讨网织血小板（RP）的百分率和绝对值对儿童特发性血小板减少性紫癜（ITP）中的临床意义。[方法]采用流式细胞术测定30例ITP患儿外周血中RP的百分率和绝对值，并与15例对照组进行比较。[结果]对照组的RP％为（10．71±3．69）％，绝对值为17．82±9．31，而病例组的RP％为（28．31±7．46）％，明显高于对照组（P〈O．05），而绝对值为16．39±5．18，低于对照组。[结论]RP的百分率及绝对值可作为判断血小板生成动力学的指标，也可作为血小扳减少症鉴别诊断的有用指标，在临床上判断ITP具有重要意义。     

尘肺患者血清超氧化物歧化酶活力及脂质过氧化水平的观察

目的观察尘肺患者血清超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）活力及脂质过氧化水平。方法用亚硝酸盐形成法和硫代巴比妥酸比色法，分别测定51例0^＋者、90例尘肺患者和145例接尘工人非尘肺患者（对照组）血清中SOD活力和脂质过氧化物（LPO）含量。结果0^＋及各期尘肺患者血清中SOD活力分别为（19130±1720）、（16540±2350）和（15340±1700）U／L，明显低于对照组，差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．01）；各期尘肺患者血清中LPO含量[分别为（5．50±0．91）、（6．65±1．07）、（7．64±1．46）μmol/L]则明显高于对照组，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。结论尘肺患者的SOD活力降低，LPO含量明显增高。     

腹膜前无张力修补术与传统疝修补术治疗复发性腹股沟疝的比较

[目的]比较腹膜前无张力疝修补术与传统疝修补术（哈斯特氏法）治疗成人复发性腹殷沟疝的效果。[方法]回顾分析我院2000年3月-2007年10月行腹膜前无张力疝修补术33例及行哈氏术30例的临床资料，比较其复发情况及手术后并发症。[结果]腹膜前无张力修补法组术中发生术后感染的感染率低于哈斯特氏法[0％（0／30）vs13．3％（4／30），x^2=4．698，P=0．03]。两组随访11～33月，无张力修补术组1例（3％）复发，平均生存（未复发）时间为（26．577±1．361）月；哈斯特氏法组10例（3313％），平均生存（未复发）时间为（31．5±1．06）月；两组生存时间有统计学差异（log-rank法，x^2=10．64，P=0．001）；COX比例风险模型结果显示，哈斯特氏法较腹膜前无张力修补法增加了患者复发的危险度是RR=13．598。[结论]腹膜前无张力疝修补术具有复发率低，并发症少的优点，明显优于传统疝修补术，应推广开展此类修补术。     

全氟辛烷磺酸对小鼠大脑谷氨酸含量和蛋白激酶活性的影响

目的 通过观察全氟辛烷磺酸（PFOS）对雄性小鼠大脑谷氨酸含量、蛋白激酶C（PKC）和蛋白激酶A（PKA）活性的影响及超微结构的改变,探讨PFOS所致神经毒性机制。方法 44只雄性昆明系小鼠按体重分为4组,每组11只。PFOS染毒剂量分别为5、10、20mg／kg,对照组给予同等体积2％吐温．80,连续经口染毒10d。分光光度计法测定小鼠大脑谷氨酸含量,非放射性蛋白激酶检测法测定PKC和PKA活性,透射电镜观察大脑皮质超微结构的损伤。结果 10、20mg／kg染毒组小鼠大脑谷氨酸含量分别为（1．57±0．11）、（1．62±0．16）mmol/g蛋白,与对照组[（1．45±0．13）mmol/g蛋白]相比,差异有统计学意义（F=39．59,P〈0．05）;5、10、20mg／kg染毒组PKC活性分别为（29．05±2．89）、（33．65±3．82）和（34．20±3．16）pmol·min^-1·（mg蛋白）^-1,与对照组[（24．53±2．88）pmol·min^-1·（mg蛋白）^-1]比较,差异有统计学意义（F=7．75,P〈0．05）。5、10、20mg／kg染毒组PKA活性与对照组比较,分别升高了（24．12±3．86）％、（34．02±3．04）％和（33．42±3．71）％,差异有统计学意义（F=26．27,P〈0．01）。但PKC和PKA活性的升高趋势在PFOS剂量为20mg／kg时趋缓。给予小鼠PFOS可对大脑皮质细胞造成细胞核膜凹陷的超微结构损伤。结论 PFOS染毒导致小鼠脑组织谷氨酸含量、PKC和PKA活性升高,并对大脑皮质细胞造成超微结构损伤,可能是PFOS引起神经毒性的机制之一。     

The actual condition of musculoskeletal disorders of workers working at new special nursing homes for the aged in Osaka Prefecture--comparison of musculoskeletal disorder between manager's awareness and care workers' complaints by questionnaire survey]

In order to examine the actual condition of health problems of workers working at new special nursing homes for the aged, we conducted an interview survey with the managers and a questionnaire survey among the workers. Subjects of the interview survey were managers at the 7 nursing homes. Subjects of the questionnaire survey were 362 workers employed at the 7 nursing homes, 214 care workers (CWs) and 104 workers other than care workers (non-CWs); 299 questionnaires were returned. The response rate was 82.6%. We asked the managers "How many CWs are complaining of low back pain (LBP) and upper extremity pain at your nursing home?" One manager answered that 80% of CWs were complaining of LBP, but other managers answered that a few but no more than 5 CWs were complaining of LBP. On the other hand, the prevalence of LBP among CWs by the questionnaire survey was high. The point prevalence of LBP was 70.0%, the one month prevalence of LBP was 81.6%, and the period prevalence of LBP in present job was 88.6%. The managers had less interest in upper extremity pain than in LBP. But more than 60% of CWs had complained of upper extremity pain in the previous 1 month. Seventy-three percent of CWs had not received any education about work-related musculoskeletal disorders although about half of them had got some education or training to minimize the risk of injury in training school. Regarding female workers (77% of all CWs, 73% of all non-CWs), the percentages of current smokers and night shift workers were higher in CWs than in non-CWs with statistically significant differences. The percentages of workers working without work breaks and working overtime were higher in non-CWs than in CWs with statistically significant differences. For prevalence of LBP among female CWs and female non-CWs, the workers having LBP now, having had LBP in present job, and having first experienced LBP in present job were higher in CWs than in non-CWs with statistically significant differences. All nursing homes surveyed had provided no special health examination for LBP. For managers to grasp the actual condition of musculoskeletal disorders of workers working at the nursing homes for the aged, we recommend that care workers should have a special health examination for LBP.     

Intervention for prevention of low back pain in Japanese forklift workers

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of two different approaches for the prevention of low back pain (LBP) was compared in forklift workers. The first approach (personal) consisted of providing lumbar support, arctic jacket and physical exercise, and the second (facility approach) included the improvement of forklift seats and tires. METHODS: The self-reported prevalence of LBP was surveyed three times before and after the two forms of interventions, in 260 male blue-collar workers including 27 forklift workers, and 55 male white-collar workers of a copper smelter. RESULTS: The initial prevalence of LBP was 63% in the forklift workers, which was significantly higher than that found in the other blue-collar workers (32%) and in the white-collar workers (22%). One year after the first intervention (personal approach) to the forklift workers, the prevalence of LBP fell to 56%. The second intervention (facility approach), which was mainly comprised of a reduction in whole body vibration, was subsequently added, and 9 months later the prevalence of LBP in the forklift workers further decreased to 33%. The reduction of the prevalence from the initial survey was significant (P = 0.008), and that from the second survey was nearly significant (P = 0.070). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the facility approach is more effective for a reduction of LBP than the personal approach.     

Exercise Reduces C-reactive Protein and Improves Physical Function in Automotive Workers with Low Back Pain

INTRODUCTION: Little is known about the effect of exercise on C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with low back pain (LBP). The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of 8-week exercise intervention on CRP and physical function in automotive workers with LBP. METHODS: Thirteen male workers (40 +/- 6 years) with LBP completed an 8-week multicomponent exercise intervention program which consisted of resistance training, swimming, stretching and hiking. Serum CRP concentration and physical functions were measured at baseline and after 8-week exercise intervention. RESULTS: Compared to baseline, CRP levels decreased by 38% (P = 0.005), back flexibility improved, isokinetic leg strengths increased (all P < 0.05), and back strength tended to increase. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study show that CRP levels decrease with exercise in subjects with LBP and physical function improves. This suggests that exercise-related decreases in inflammation in persons with LBP are associated with improvements in physical function.     

应用肌电中值频率对高原汽车驾驶员腰背肌疲劳的监测研究

目的　研究高原汽车驾驶员腰痛高发的原因 ,为腰痛防护措施的制定提供客观依据。方法　在野外工作现场对 2 6名驾驶员连续数日作业过程中腰部肌肉疲劳的发展过程与肌电功率谱中值频率的衰减进行了研究。结果　第 1～ 5个工作日后驾驶员腰部肌肉肌电中值频率的衰减率(% /s)分别为 :- 0 .2 58± 0 .0 87、- 0 .2 4 8± 0 .0 70 ,- 0 .2 56± 0 .0 97、- 0 .2 67± 0 .0 93、- 0 .2 74± 0 .0 81 ,与基础值 (- 0 .1 75± 0 .1 1 4 )比较 ,差异均有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 ,P <0 .0 1 ) ,且中值频率的衰减随工作时间的延长而增大 (r=- 0 .80 9,P <0 .0 5)。结论　高原汽车驾驶员腰痛高发是由于连续长途驾驶造成腰背肌疲劳累积 ,又得不到及时恢复 ,腰背肌耐力下降 ,易疲劳性增加 ,致使腰背肌功能紊乱     

Cohort study of occupational risk factors of low back pain in construction workers

OBJECTIVES—To identify work related risk factors of future low back pain (LBP) in a cohort of construction workers free of LBP at the start of follow up.
METHODS—The Hamburg construction worker study comprises 571 male construction workers who have undergone two comprehensive interview and physical examination surveys. A cohort of 285 subjects without LBP at baseline was identified. After a follow up of 3 years, the 1 year prevalence of self reported LBP was determined in the 230 men followed up (80.7%). Prevalence ratios (PRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of LBP at follow up according to self reported work tasks of construction workers measured at baseline were estimated from Cox's regression models which were adjusted for age, and anthropometric measures.
RESULTS—At follow up 71 out of 230 workers (30.9%) reported LBP during the preceding 12 months. Four work tasks (scaffolding, erecting roof structures, sawing wood, laying large sandstones) with an increased risk of 1 year prevalence of LBP at follow up were further evaluated. After further adjustment for occupation the relative risk was increased for workers who had reported 2 hour/shifts laying large sandstones (PR=2.6; 95% CI 1.1 to 6.5). Work load of bricklayers was additionally estimated by an index on stone load (high exposure: PR=4.0; 95% CI 0.8 to 19.8), and an index for laying huge bricks/blocks (yes/no: PR=1.7; 95% CI 0.5 to 5.7).
CONCLUSIONS—The results suggest that self reported differences in brick characteristics (size and type of stone) and temporal aspects of the work of bricklayers (average hours per shift laying specified stones) can predict the future prevalence of LBP. The data have to be interpreted with caution because multiple risk factors were tested.


Keywords: construction industry; cohort studies; low back pain     

Occupational factors associated with low back pain in urban taxi drivers

BACKGROUND: Urban taxi drivers differ from other professional drivers in their exposures to physical and psychosocial hazards in the work environment. Epidemiological data on low back pain (LBP) of this occupational group are very scarce. AIMS: To examine LBP in taxi drivers and its association with prolonged driving and other occupational factors. METHODS: We analyzed the cross-sectional data from the Taxi Drivers' Health Study. Standardized instruments were used to collect information on personal factors, work-related physical and psychosocial factors and driving time profiles. LBP prevalence was assessed using the modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression models were employed for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Of 1242 drivers, 51% reported LBP in the past 12 months, significantly (P < 0.001) higher than other professional drivers (33%) in Taiwan. After adjusting for the effects of demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, anthropometric measures and socioeconomic positions, we found that driving time >4 h/day [prevalence odds ratio (POR) 1.78; 95% CI 1.02-3.10], frequent bending/twisting activities while driving (adjusted OR 1.86; 95% CI 1.15-2.99), self-perceived job stress (POR 1.75; 95% CI 1.20-2.55), job dissatisfaction (POR 1.44; 95% CI 1.05-1.98) and registration type were the major occupational factors significantly associated with higher LBP prevalence in taxi drivers. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified that long driving time and several physical and psychosocial factors are associated with high prevalence of LBP in taxi drivers. This should be further investigated in prospective studies. Future studies are needed to examine the potential adverse effects of prolonged exposure to low levels of whole-body vibration.     

Spinal troubles in sewage workers: epidemiological data and work disability due to low back pain

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of spinal troubles (i.e., neck, upper back and low back pain) in a population of sewage workers, and to establish the effect of sociodemographic, work-related, physical, and psychosocial factors on the reported work disability due to low back pain (LBP) during the previous 12 months. Methods: Data from 255 sewage workers were obtained by standardized questionnaire, structured interview, and standardized physical examination. Data on the prevalence of neck, upper back and low back pain were obtained with the use of the Nordic Questionnaire. The level of disability was assessed from a modified Low-Back Outcome Scale. Work history included physical factors and job perception based on a modified Work APGAR Score. Other questionnaires recorded the psychosocial aspects of the work environment. In addition, we compared the risk factors between sewage workers who had been prevented from doing their normal work, at any time during the preceding 12 months, as a result of LBP (n=92), and those without any history of work disability during the previous 12 months (n=157). Results: The 12-month prevalence rates of neck, upper back and low back pain were 52.4%, 54.8%, and 72.8%, respectively. The prevalence of spinal troubles increased with age. Work disability during the preceding 12 months due to LBP was significantly positively associated with age, disability, the weekly duration of stooping and lifting 5 years previously and higher abnormal illness-behavior scores (odds ratio between 1.26 and 0.94). Moreover, when adjusted for age, the results showed that the subjects in the work disability group were more likely to report higher pain intensities, decreased participation in sports activities, higher levels of physical impairment, the belief that their LBP was related to the physical demands of their job, and a lack of drive (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study revealed a high incidence of spinal troubles among sewage workers. In a multidisciplinary approach, we demonstrated that not one factor alone but a combination of sociodemographic, work-related and psychosocial factors have shown associations with work disabilities due to LBP. Additional studies evaluating the relative importance of individual risk factors are warranted. Received: 12 May 1999 / Accepted: 27 November 1999     

Low back pain among Iranian industrial workers

BACKGROUND: Most epidemiological data concerning low back pain (LBP) are from high-income countries and there is very little information about LBP in the working population in developing countries. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of LBP in Iranian industrial workers. To explore associations between LBP and physical and psychosocial factors at work, as well as lifestyle factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of the largest car-manufacturing group in Iran. The prevalence of LBP, work exposures and lifestyle factors were recorded using the standardized Nordic questionnaire for analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms. Demographic data and lifestyle factors (age, sex, education, weight, work experience, smoking and fitness training) were also collected. RESULTS: Of the 18,031 employees, 78% participated. The majority of subjects in this study population were young males (<30 years) and a small proportion was female (4%). The 1-year prevalence of self-reported LBP in this Iranian industrial population was 21% (20% males and 27% females). The prevalence rate of absence due to LBP was 5% per annum. The multiple logistic regression models indicated that the following remained risk indicators for LBP in the previous 12 months: increasing age, no regular exercise, heavy lifting, repetitive work and monotonous work. CONCLUSION: LPB is a common problem in the working population even in a developing country. Age and gender as well as certain work-related physical and psychosocial factors influenced the prevalence of LBP but the differences between different categories of workers were small.     

Risk for low back pain from different frequencies, load mass and trunk postures of lifting and carrying among female healthcare workers

Purpose

To investigate the risk of developing non-chronic and chronic low back pain (LBP) from frequency, load mass and trunk postures of occupational lifting and carrying among female healthcare workers.

Methods

A total of 9,847 workers in eldercare answered a questionnaire about occupational lifting and carrying frequency (rarely, occasionally and frequently), load mass (low: 1–7 kg, moderate: 8–30 kg and heavy: >30 kg), trunk posture (upright or forward bent back), and days with LBP in 2005. The odds ratio (OR) for developing non-chronic (1–30 days the last 12 months) and chronic (>30 days the last 12 months) LBP reported in 2006 from these characteristics of occupational lifting and carrying was investigated with multi-adjusted logistic regressions among female healthcare workers without LBP in 2005 (n = 1,612).

Results

Frequently lifting and carrying low load mass with forward bent back doubled the risk for developing chronic LBP (OR: 2.14; 95 % CI: 1.02–4.50). Occasionally and frequently lifting or carrying of any load mass with upright back did not increase the risk for chronic LBP. Lifting and carrying did not increase the risk for non-chronic LBP.

Conclusions

Preventive initiatives for LBP among healthcare workers ought to pay attention to frequent lifting and carrying of low load mass with forward bent back.