title: Does good trunk extensor performance protect against back-related work disability?
abstract: In this cohort study, dynamic trunk extensor performance was studied as a predictor of permanent work disability due to back disorders. As part of the comprehensive Mini-Finland Health Survey in 1978-80, the back muscle performance of 535 persons (267 men, 268 women) was measured using standardized repetitive arch-up and sit-up tests. At baseline, the participants were between 30 and 64 years of age. Retirements were followed for 12 years on average. During the follow-up, 56 subjects developed permanent work disability; 15 of these cases were back-related. Good dynamic trunk extensor performance was predictive of a decreased incidence of work disability due to chronic back disorders but not work disability due to other diseases. The risk of back-related work disability in the three highest quartiles in relation to the lowest quartile of dynamic trunk extension capacity was 0.28 (95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.94). Our study suggests that good dynamic trunk extension performance may protect against back-related permanent work disability.
authors.affiliation: Helsinki City Health Department, Finland.
authors.forename: Aaro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rissanen
authors.forename: Markku
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Heliövaara
authors.forename: Hannu
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Alaranta
authors.forename: Simo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Taimela
authors.forename: Esko
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mälkiä
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Knekt
authors.forename: Antti
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Reunanen
authors.forename: Arpo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aromaa
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010369:Pectoralis Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods; D011336:Probability; D016016:Proportional Hazards Models; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation