title: Evaluation of Lumbar Spine Load by Computational Method in Order to Acknowledge Low-back Disorders as Occupational Diseases.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to develop a computational module for the prediction of compressive force on the L4/L5 disc suitable for use in field settings.
  
  
  METHODS
  The value of compressive force is intended to be used as a proxy measure of the mechanical burden of low-back when performing work activities. The compressive force predicted by the module in a particular worker should be compared with the NIOSH limit value of 3,400 N for the assessment of lumbar spine load during manual lifting tasks. Exceeding the limit will be considered as the fulfilment of "hygienic criterion" that should be met to acknowledge low-back disorder as an occupational disease. To develop the computational module we used the ergonomic software TECNOMATIX Classic Jack taking into account the anthropometric parameters of a worker and ergonomic parameters of his/her work activity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We calculated compressive forces on the L4/L5 disc in about 1,300 simulated combinations of various factors influencing compressive force. Parameters which turned out to be crucial for the compression of L4/L5 disc were included in the computational algorithm.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study was primarily aimed at the assessment of lumbar disorders as occupational diseases. Moreover, the study can contribute to the recommendation of preventive measures to decrease health risks in occupations associated with the overload of low-back region. The graphic maps generated by the computational module enable a fast and exact analysis of particular job.
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: Jana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hlávková
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: Tomáš
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lebeda
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: Tomáš
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tichý
authors.affiliation: GETA Centrum, Prague, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: Petr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gaďourek
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic.|Department of Occupational Medicine, First Medical Faculty, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: Pavel
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Urban
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Palacký in Olomouc and General University Hospital in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nakládalová
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Medicine, First Medical Faculty, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Laštovková
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Medicine, First Medical Faculty, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: Zdenka
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Fenclová
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Medicine, First Medical Faculty, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.|Thomayer's Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: Petr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ridzoň
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Regional Hospital, Pardubice, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: Edvard
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ehler
authors.affiliation: 1st Department of Orthopaedics, First Medical Faculty, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: Milan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Richter
authors.affiliation: Regional Public Health Institute, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: Lenka
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pešáková
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Medicine, First Medical Faculty, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pelclová
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000886:Anthropometry; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D018153:Czech Republic / Q000453:epidemiology; D006804:Ergonomics; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000502:physiology*; D009314:National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S.; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012984:Software; D014481:United States; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation
keywords: biomechanical analysis; compressive force; criteria; ergonomic software; evaluation; frequency; low-back disorders; low-back pain; lumbar spine load assessment; manual lifting; prediction; prevention; time; trunk posture