Can a new behaviorally oriented training process to improve lifting technique prevent occupationally related back injuries due to lifting?
METHODS
A prospective randomized control trial.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the degree to which a new behavior-based lift training program (LiftTrainer; Ascension Technology, Burlington, VT) could reduce the incidence of low back disorder in distribution center jobs that require repetitive lifting.


BACKGROUND
Most studies show programs aimed at training lifting techniques to be ineffective in preventing low back disorders, which may be due to their conceptual rather than behavioral learning approach.


METHODS
A total of 2144 employees in 19 distribution centers were randomized into either the LiftTrainer program or a video control group. In the LiftTrainer program, participants were individually trained in up to 5, 30-minute sessions while instrumented with motion capture sensors to quantify the L5/S1 moments. Twelve months following the initial training, injury data were obtained from company records.


RESULTS
Survival analyses (Kaplan-Meier) indicated that there was no difference in injury rates between the 2 training groups. Likewise, there was no difference in the turnover rates. However, those with a low (<30 Nm) average twisting moment at the end of the first session experienced a significantly (P < 0.005) lower rate of low back disorder than controls.


CONCLUSIONS
While overall the LiftTrainer program was not effective, those with twisting moments below 30 Nm reported fewer injuries, suggesting a shift in focus for "safe" lifting programs.
Lavender
Steven A
SA
Department of Industrial, Welding, Systems Engineering and Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. lavender.1@osu.edu
Lorenz
Eric P
EP
Andersson
Gunnar B J
GB
D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019567:Back Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D053208:Kaplan-Meier Estimate; D017770:Lifting / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D011446:Prospective Studies; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior