Association of objectively measured lifting load with low-back pain, stress, and fatigue: A prospective cohort study

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Limited knowledge exists about the association of lifting loads on a daily basis with physical and mental symptoms among warehouse workers. This study investigated associations between objectively measured lifting load and low-back pain (LBP), mental stress, and bodily fatigue after work and the following morning.

METHODS: Warehouse workers (N=85) from the retail industry replied to daily questionnaires before and after work for 21 days about LBP intensity, mental stress, and bodily fatigue (outcome, all scales 0-10). We assessed lifting exposure using company records from the warehouse logistic systems on total lifting load (kg) per workday. Associations between variables were tested using linear mixed models with repeated measures controlling for relevant confounders.

RESULTS: Mean daily lifting load was 1667.2 kg (range: 0-9998.4 kg). Compared to lifting 0-499 kg during a workday, lifting 500-1999 kg was associated with 0.59 points [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.10-1.08] elevated LBP intensity after work, while lifting ≥5000 showed a higher LBP intensity of 1.26 points (95% CI 0.48-2.03). LBP intensity remained elevated the following morning. Lifting ≥5000 kg was associated with higher mental stress after work of 0.74 points (95% CI 0.10-1.37), while no association was observed for bodily fatigue.

CONCLUSIONS: Higher daily lifting loads were associated with higher LBP intensity after work and the following morning. These findings suggest that warehouses should consider the daily lifting loads when organizing warehouse work to prevent development of LBP, eg, using company records to provide a more equal distribution of daily lifting loads between workers.

Original languageEnglish
JournalScandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health
Volume50
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)11-21
Number of pages11
ISSN0355-4140
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2024

Keywords

  • Humans
  • Industry
  • Lifting/adverse effects
  • Low Back Pain/etiology
  • Occupational Diseases/epidemiology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Association of objectively measured lifting load with low-back pain, stress, and fatigue: A prospective cohort study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this