Devido a grande prevalência de lombalgia não-especifica, esse estudo buscou conhecer melhor sobre o uso do método Pilates no tratamento desta doença. Os objetivos foram descrever e comparar o padrão eletromiográfico da musculatura do core durante exercícios intermediários do Mat Pilates em pessoas saudáveis e com lombalgia não-específica, bem como relatar as diferenças entre os exercícios e a sequência de progressão de cada exercício para fins terapêuticos. A amostra foi composta por 32 pessoas (13 com lombalgia crônica não-específica e 19 saudáveis) com idade entre 18-45 anos e sem contato prévio com o Pilates. Os músculos multífido, oblíquo externo, oblíquo interno e reto abdominal foram avaliados eletromiograficamente e exercícios clássicos do repertório foram escolhidos (Single leg stretch, Criss-cross e Dead bug). Utilizou-se um eletromiógrafo de superfície de 8-canais, wireless, sincronizado com a variação angular de quadril e os dados coletados em 2 kHz. Analisamos (a) Root mean square (RMS) normalizado pela contração voluntaria máxima, (b) pico do envoltório normalizado pela contração voluntaria máxima; (c) tempo do pico de ativação e (d) co-contração entre a musculatura flexora e extensora (reto abdominal / oblíquo externo / oblíquo interno X multífido). Foram realizadas ANOVAs para medidas repetidas para comparar os exercícios entre si quanto as variáveis RMS e pico de ativação. E, ANOVAs 2 fatores para se comparar os grupos e exercícios para as variáveis tempo de pico de ativação e co-contração. Como resultados, obtivemos que o exercício criss-cross apresentou maiores valores de RMS para os flexores de tronco - reto abdominal, oblíquo externo e interno - quando comparado com os outros exercícios. Os maiores picos de ativação foram dos músculos oblíquo interno e externo no exercício Criss-cross, seguidos do Single leg stretch e do Dead bug, os quais se apresentaram mais similares entre si. O tempo do pico de ativação do reto abdominal e oblíquo externo mostraram-se mais adiantados para o Dead bug e Single leg stretch, enquanto que para o Criss-cross, foram mais atrasados em ambos os grupos. Tanto controles quanto lombálgicos apresentaram maiores índices de cocontração no exercício Dead bug e Single leg stretch, sendo que o Criss-cross apresenta o menor índice deles, com exceção da razão entre obliquo externo e multífido nos controles. Os grupos estudados foram semelhantes entre si em todos os exercícios em relação à co-contração, mas o tempo de pico do reto abdominal e do oblíquo externo dos lombálgicos apresentaram-se mais adiantados que os controles. Podemos concluir que os exercícios foram diferentes quanto a seu padrão de recrutamento do core mesmo tendo a mesma classificação dentro do método - intermediários- e que em termos de progressão clínica para o tratamento de lombalgia crônica, deveríamos iniciar com os exercícios menos desafiadores (Dead bug, Single leg stretch) e somente então evoluir para exercícios mais complexos que demandem de maior estabilização lombo-pélvica (Criss-cross). O método Pilates permitiu a ativação da musculatura estabilizadora lombo-pélvica mesmo em uma primeira sessão, tanto com indivíduos saudáveis quanto lombálgicos, podendo ser portanto indicado nos casos de reabilitação de indivíduos com lombalgia crônica não específica desde que com progressão adequada / Due to the high prevalence of non-specific low back pain, this study meant to learn more about the best use of the Pilates method in rehabilitation. The aims of the study were to describe and compare the core muscles electromyographic pattern during intermediate Mat Pilates exercises in healthy people and with low back pain. In addition, to report the differences between the exercise and the sequence of progression of each exercise for therapeutic purposes. The sample consisted of 32 people (13 with chronic non-specific low back pain and 19 healthy) aged between 18 and 45 years with no prior contact with Pilates. An electromyography analysis were done assessing the multifidus, external oblique, internal oblique and rectus abdominis muscles and exercises of the classical repertoire were chosen (Single leg stretch, Criss-cross and Dead bug). It was used a surface 8-channel electromyograph, wireless, synchronized with the hip angular variation and the data were acquired at 2 kHz. It were analysed: (a) Root mean square (RMS) normalized by maximum voluntary contraction, (b) peak of the linear envelope normalized by maximum voluntary contraction; (c) time of peak activation and (d) co-contraction of the flexor and extensor muscles (rectus abdominis / external oblique / internal oblique X multifidus). ANOVAs for repeated measures were performed to compare between exercises using the variables RMS and peak activation. Moreover, two-way ANOVAs compared groups and exercises for the variables time of peak activation and co-contraction. We observed that the criss-cross exercise had higher RMS values for the trunk flexors - rectus abdominis, external oblique and internal oblique - when compared to other exercises. The highest peaks of activation were observed for the internal and external oblique muscles in Criss-cross exercise, followed by the Single leg stretch and the Dead bug, which presented similar behaviour to each other. The time of peak activation of the external oblique and rectus abdominis showed up anticipated for the Dead bug and Single leg stretch, while for the Crisscross, delayed in both groups. Both groups had higher co-contraction rates in the Dead bug and Single leg stretch exercises, and the Criss-cross had the lowest indexes, with the exception of the ratio of external oblique and multifidus in control group. Both groups were similar in all exercises for co-contraction, but the low back pain group presented earlier time of peak of rectus abdominis and external oblique of than controls. We conclude that the exercises were different as their recruitment pattern, even with the same classification in the Pilates method - as intermediate exercises - and in terms of treatment progression of chronic low back pain, we may start with the least challenging exercises (Dead bug, Single leg stretch) and only then progress to more complex exercises that require greater lumbopelvic stabilization (Criss-cross). The Pilates method allowed the activation of the lumbopelvic stabilizing muscles even in a first session for both groups, and may therefore be indicated in cases of chronic nonspecific low back pain rehabilitation with proper progression

A dor lombar crônica é um importante problema de Saúde Pública. Profissionais de saúde que trabalham com doenças crônicas com frequência se deparam com as dificuldades que alguns pacientes apresentam em aderir aos tratamentos prescritos. Analisamos a adesão ao tratamento de pacientes com dor lombar crônica, em uma clínica de neurocirurgia do interior paulista e implementamos um guia de orientação que facilite a adesão ao tratamento da dor lombar crônica desses pacientes, demanda discutida com os gestores da clínica. A adesão terapêutica foi o referencial desse estudo. Utilizamos um método transversal e descritivo com abordagem qualitativa, e instrumento de coleta de dados, entrevista semiestruturada e fonte documental. Foram considerados sujeitos do estudo, todos os pacientes que procuraram atendimento na referida clínica de neurocirurgia com patologias da coluna vertebral, no período de seis meses (Fevereiro à Agosto) referente ao ano de 2017 com idade superior a 18 anos. Foram incluídos pacientes com diagnóstico médico de dor lombar crônica específica e inespecífica há pelo menos seis meses, com capacidade de expressão e comunicação preservados. A entrevista semiestruturada, abordou a compreensão dos pacientes quanto ao diagnóstico médico, ao tratamento e uma pergunta aberta para expressarem a percepção sobre a dor lombar no seu cotidiano. Para a análise dos dados utilizamos a Análise de Conteúdo. Na caracterização dos sujeitos, encontramos 57,2% do sexo feminino, a faixa etária predominante 62% foi entre 40 a 59 anos. Estado civil, 66,7% casados, escolaridade 47,6% ensino superior completo, cor da pele auto referida, branca 90,5%. Quanto ao IMC prevaleceu sobrepeso com 42,9%, profissão 33,3% eram do lar, ocupação 38% estavam ativos e quanto ao tempo de dor, de 1 a 5 anos, 62% e 76,2% dos participantes do estudo não faziam atividade física. Consideramos que analisar o conceito de adesão e seus fatores multidimensionais facilitou compreender as diferentes formas de lidar com a DLC. Destacamos as redes de apoio (trabalho, família e amigos), o bom relacionamento entre o profissional de saúde e o paciente promovendo uma compreensão sobre seu diagnóstico e tratamento. Importante promover o acolhimento, escuta qualificada para que o paciente se torne o sujeito ativo do seu tratamento e reabilitação. Para isto, a Integralidade do cuidado depende de um novo arranjo de práticas e conformações dos serviços de saúde que incluam a singularidade dos sujeitos. O estudo inicialmente pactuado e os resultados serão devolvidos para os gestores do local de estudo / Chronic low back pain is an important Public Health problem. Health professionals working with chronic illnesses often deal with the difficulties some patients face in adhering to the prescribed treatments. We have Analyzed the adherence to the treatment of patients with chronic low back pain in a neurosurgery clinic in a city in the countryside of São Paulo state and developed a guideline that facilitates adherence to the treatment of chronic low back pain in these patients, a demand discussed with the clinic managers. Therapeutic adherence was the referential of this study. We used a transversal and descriptive method with qualitative approach, data collection instrument, semi-structured interview, and documentary source. The study subjects were all patients who sought care in the referred neurosurgery clinic with spinal pathologies, in the six-month from February to August, referring to the year 2017, aged over 18 years. We included patients with a specific and non-specific chronic low back pain medical diagnosis for at least six months, with preserved expression and communication capacity. The semi-structured interview addressed the patients\' understanding of the medical diagnosis, the treatment and an open question to express the perception about low back pain in their daily life. The data were analysed using a content analysis method. In the characterization of the subjects, we found 57.2% of female patients; the predominant age group representing 62% was between 40 and 59 years old; 66.7% of patients were married; 47.6% had higher education; regarding skin color, 90.5% of the patients reported themselves as white; as for BMI, overweight was predominant with 42.9%, on occupation 33.3% developed home activities; 38% of the patients were active and 62% of them stated to have had pain for 1 to 5 years, and 76.2% of study participants did not practice any physical activity. We consider that analyzing the concept of adherence and its multidimensional factors makes it easier to understand the different ways of dealing with chronic low back pain. We highlight the support networks (work, family and friends), the good relationship between the health professional and the patient, promoting a good understanding of their diagnosis and treatment. To promote the acceptance, the extended listening so that the patient becomes the active subject of its treatment and rehabilitation. For this, the integrality of the care depends on a new arrangement of practices and conformations of the health services that include the singularity of the subjects. The study initially agreed and the results will be returned to the managers of the study site

Low back pain (LBP) is the top reason for Soldiers to seek medical care and one of the top reasons to be medically discharged. Mental health problems and psychosocial stressors have been increasing in Soldiers and are also top causes for medical discharge. Dysregulated stress has contributed to many Soldiers and Veterans to develop chronic LBP as well as mental health disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research suggests that psychosocial characteristics, as opposed to physical factors or tissue health, contribute to chronic pain the most. Focusing entirely on tissues for individuals seeking care for LBP can increase disability and vulnerability. Attributing physical pain to mental health concerns, however, risks stigmatizing patients or making them feel dismissed. The purpose of this dissertation was to develop a pain neuroscience education (PNE) program for Veterans and Soldiers with LBP and stress and determine if PNE is more effective in improving disability, PTSD symptoms, and beliefs about pain compared to traditional education about back pain and stress. This dissertation demonstrated that Veterans with PTSD can comprehend the neuroscience of pain and PTSD at a comparable level to a highly educated Veteran and medical panel without PTSD when adjusting for education. Since a proportion of participants were concerned that using military examples in PNE might increase PTSD symptoms, however, results from pilot testing suggested that the PNE materials developed for this dissertation should be tested in a clinical trial to ensure they do not increase PTSD symptoms. A systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that Veterans with PTSD have higher depression and pain-catastrophizing beliefs for a large effect size compared to Veterans without PTSD. Furthermore, Veterans with PTSD have significantly lower pain self-efficacy with a large effect size. Compared to Veterans without PTSD, Veterans with PTSD have higher pain and disability. These results, however, were not confirmed in Veterans presenting to a Physical Therapy clinic. In fact, this dissertation revealed that many of the negative outcomes previously attributed to PTSD in the literature may be due to the correlation between PTSD symptoms and pain-catastrophizing beliefs rather than from trauma. Furthermore, Veterans with chronic LBP do not appear to have different sensitivity levels to pressure based on PTSD symptoms. Finally, the results from a randomized controlled trial provide evidence that PNE greatly improves the confidence of Veterans and Soldiers to increase participation in social, work, and life roles despite the pain as measured by the pain self-efficacy questionnaire. Participants in the experimental group were more likely to achieve a meaningful reduction in disability at the 8-week follow-up compared to the control group. Furthermore, Veterans and Soldiers with LBP were more satisfied with how PNE explains pain and believed the PNE curriculum connected with their military experiences better than traditional psychosocial education about stress. Participants in the experimental arm were less likely to believe that exercise is harmful compared to traditional education. Finally, PNE improved PTSD symptoms beyond the clinically meaningful threshold in the experimental arm. In conclusion, PNE appears to be an effective treatment for PTSD, disability, and pain-related beliefs in Veterans and Soldiers with chronic LBP. These results should be replicated in a larger sample to ensure generalizability beyond the current study.

Abnormal lumbar movement has been observed in individuals who have a history of low back pain (LBP). Affected individuals display a reduction in lumbar spine rotation during trunk movement tasks, while pelvic rotation increases to compensate. Reduced lumbar contribution to forward bending is associated with increased compressive forces and increased shearing demand of the task on the lower back. This abnormal lumbo-pelvic coordination (LPC) can persist beyond LBP symptom alleviation and may contribute to further occurrences or more severe cases of LBP. This study serves as a first step in investigating if abnormal LPC can be corrected with a hip orthosis by examining the effects of the device on the LPC of healthy individuals. Twenty participants without presence or history of LBP were recruited to participate in a repeated measures study, completing trunk motion tasks with and without a hip orthosis. In a random order, participants completed forward bending and backward return, lateral bending to the left and right, and axial twisting to the left and right. Thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic rotation along with lumbar-thoracic ratio (LTR) were calculated for each of the movement tasks. Thoracic rotation (total trunk movement) was not significantly altered (p > 0.05, F=0.633) by the application of the hip orthosis. LTR was significantly increased (p < 0.001, F=2.96) with the orthosis by 32%, 22%, 12%, 4%, and 12% for axial twisting left, axial twisting right, lateral bending left, lateral bending right, and forward bending, respectively. This indicates lumbar contributions were increased by physically restricting the pelvis. The effects of a hip orthosis should be further investigated in LBP patients to verify correction of an abnormal LPC.

Epidemiological evidence suggests an association between exposure to non-neutral working postures and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the low back and shoulder. Accurate and precise quantitative estimation of exposure to non-neutral working postures is, therefore, essential for evaluating worker risk, developing and testing ergonomic interventions, and improving worker health and well-being. Current methods used to directly estimate occupational exposure to non-neutral postures may be obtrusive, often lack sufficient portability for field use, and have limited accuracy and precision when used to measure dynamic or complex motions. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) are emerging instrumentation devices that measure and report an object's orientation and motion characteristics using multiple electromechanical sensors (i.e., accelerometers, gyroscopes, and/or magnetometers). They have been observed to accurately monitor body kinematics over periods of relatively short duration in comparison to laboratory-based optical motion capture systems. Limited research, however, has been performed comparing exposure information obtained with IMUs to exposure information obtained with other field-capable direct measurement exposure assessment methods. Furthermore, insufficient information on the repeatability of IMU-based estimates over a substantial time period (e.g., a full work shift) and inadequate knowledge regarding the effects of different IMU sensor configurations and processing methods on the accuracy and repeatability of estimates of exposure obtained with IMU systems contributes to a lack of their use in epidemiological field studies. This thesis was designed to address these issues and expand upon the current scientific literature regarding the use of IMU sensors as direct measurement devices for assessing exposure to non-neutral working postures in the field. Chapter I provides a background and justification for the work. Chapter II presents the findings of a laboratory-based, manual material handling study that was performed to compare estimates of thoracolumbar trunk motion obtained with a commercially available IMU system with estimates of thoracolumbar trunk motion obtained with a field-capable reference system, the Lumbar Motion Monitor (LMM). The effects of alternative sensor configurations and processing methods on the agreement between LMM and IMU-based estimates of trunk motion were also explored. Chapter III presents the results of a study performed to evaluate the accuracy and repeatability of estimates of trunk angular displacement and upper arm elevation obtained with the IMU system examined in Chapter II over the course of an eight-hour work shift in both a laboratory and field-based setting. The effects of alternative sensor configurations and processing methods on the accuracy and repeatability of estimates of trunk angular displacement and upper arm elevation obtained with the IMU system were also studied. Chapter IV presents the results of a randomized, repeated measures intervention that demonstrates the utility of the IMU system examined in Chapters II and III as a direct measurement instrument for comparing "ergonomic" and conventional examination equipment commonly used by ophthalmologists. Finally, Chapter V summarizes the major findings, discusses their practical implications, and provides suggestions for future research.

The objective of the three studies in this dissertation was to improve methods to prevent musculoskeletal disorders among workers in high-risk occupations. The first two studies, Strain Index (SI) Studies I & II, addressed this problem by better characterizing the performance of a commonly used observational method of estimating potentially hazardous biomechanical exposures, the SI. The SI combines measures of several biomechanical risk factors into a single value (SI score). Strain Index scores are usually categorized into four ordinal SI "risk categories." In Strain Index Study I, multivariate survival analysis models were compared to evaluate the predictive validity of the original SI risk category cut-points to a new set of empirically derived cut-point values among 276 manufacturing workers. The results from this prospective study indicated that the empirically derived cut-points were a better predictor of incident hand-arm symptoms than the original cut-points, especially among women. In Strain Index Study II, Aim 1, exposures to forceful exertions, repetition and non-neutral wrist posture estimated with SI methods were compared to analogous exposures estimated with alternate methods. Statistically significant associations between separate methods designed to assess specific risk factors were observed only for those measuring non-neutral wrist posture. In Aim 2, a multivariate survival analysis model examining associations between incident hand-arm symptoms and biomechanical exposures estimated with the SI was compared to a model examining associations between incident hand-arm symptoms and biomechanical exposures estimated with separate estimates of biomechanical risk factors. Results favored the SI risk category metric to characterize biomechanical exposures compared to separate measures of exposure. he third study, light-weight block (LWB) Intervention Study, was a repeated measures laboratory study of 25 bricklayers performed to estimate the effect of block weight (LWB vs. standard-weight block (SWB)) and course height on low back disorder (LBD) risk factor exposure. Mixed-effect models showed that LWB was associated with reduced exposure for percent time spent in sagittal flexion >30°, lifting rate, LBD risk probability score, and non-dominant upper trapezius muscle activity. Bricklaying at ankle or chest heights was generally associated with higher exposure to risk factors than bricklaying at knuckle height.

<p>Low back pain (LBP) is a growing health and socio-economic problem worldwide, affecting humans from adolescent to adult age. In developed countries, more than 80% of adults are at risk of suffering a disabling episode of LBP at one point during their life time. In developing countries, particularly in Africa, the life time prevalence of LBP varies in population groups, but the disability due to LBP is increasing. The aetiology of LBP is multifactorial, and there is still no consensus on the exact cause and contributing factors to LBP. In addition, little is known about patients&rsquo / knowledge and beliefs on the contributing factors to their LBP. The current study therefore, aimed to identify patients&rsquo / knowledge, attitudes and beliefs on the contributing factors to LBP, among patients attending physiotherapy outpatient departments in Malawi.</p>

Chronic neck pain, a common cause of disability, seems to be the result of several interacting mechanisms. In addition to degenerative and inflammatory changes and trauma, psychological and psychosocial factors are also involved. One common type of trauma associated with chronic neck pain is whiplash injury; this sometimes results in whiplash-associated disorder (WAD), a controversial condition with largely unknown pathogenetic mechanisms. We studied the prevalence of chronic neck pain of traumatic and non-traumatic origin and compared the prevalence of, sociodemographic data, self-perceived health, workload and chronic lowback pain in these groups. In a ready-made questionnaire (MONICA study), we added questions about cervical spine and low-back complaints. 6,000 (72%) completed a self-administered questionnaire. 43% reported neck pain: 48% of women and 38% of men. Women of working age had more neck pain than retired women, a phenomenon not seen in men. 19% of the studied population suffered from chronic neck pain and it was more frequent in women. A history of neck trauma was common in those with chronic neck pain. Those with a history of neck trauma perceived their health worse and were more often on sick-leave. About 50% of those with traumatic and non-traumatic chronic neck pain also had chronic low-back pain. We assessed the subjective and objective neuropsychological functioning in 42 patients with chronic neck pain, 21 with a whiplash trauma, and 21 without previous neck trauma. Despite cognitive complaints, the WAD patients had normal neuropsychological functioning, but the WAD group especially had deviant MMPI results—indicating impaired coping ability and somatization.WAD patients had no alterations in cerebral blood-flow pattern, as measured by rCBF-SPECT and SPM analysis, compared to healthy controls. This contrasts with the non-traumatic group with chronic neck pain, which showed marked blood-flow changes. The blood-flow changes in the non-traumatic group were similar to those described earlier in pain patients but— remarkably enough—were different from those in the WAD group. Chronic neck pain of whiplash and non-traumatic origin appears to be unique in some respects. A better understanding of the underlying pathological mechanisms is a prerequisite for prevention of the development of such chronic pain syndromes and for improvement of the treatment of patients with severe symptoms.

Background: Prolonged sitting in an automobile seat may alter the passive tissue stiffness of the lumbar spine differentially in males and females. Gender specific ergonomic interventions may be indicated for the automobile seat design. Purpose: To compare time-varying passive lumbar spine stiffness in response to a two hour simulated driving trial with time-varying lumbar spine and pelvic postures during sitting in an automobile seat. A secondary purpose was to investigate gender differences in lumbar spine stiffness, seat/occupant pressure profile, discomfort rating and posture. Methods: Twenty (10 males, 10 females) subjects with no recent history of back pain were recruited from a university population. Participants completed a simulated driving task for two hours. Passive lumbar range of motion was measured on a customized frictionless jig before, halfway through and at the end of the two-hour driving trial. Changes in the passive moment-angle curves were quantified using the transition zone slopes, breakpoints and maximum lumbar flexion angles. Lumbar spine and pelvic postures were monitored continuously during the simulated driving trial with average and maximum lumbar flexion angles as well as pelvic tilt angles being calculated. Results: Both men and women initially demonstrated an increase in transitional zone stiffness after 1 hour of sitting. After 2 hours of sitting, transitional zone stiffness was found to increase in males and decrease in females. During sitting, women were found to sit with significantly greater lumbar flexion than males and to significantly change the amount of lumbar flexion over the 2 hour period of simulated driving. Conclusions: Postural differences during simulated driving were demonstrated between genders in this study. In order to prevent injury to the passive elements of the spine during prolonged driving, gender specific ergonomic interventions, such as improved lumbar support, are indicated for the automobile seat.

The project has aimed to develop a new kind of back assistive device to reduce the risk of low back problems, mainly focused to industries and workplaces where manual handling are frequently occurring. The idea for the project was introduced in spring 2010, when Martin Paulsen performed internship at Bioservo Technologies AB located in Stockholm. Bioservo Technologies had developed a force-enhancing glove, which responds to the user's movements and produces an assisting grip force, similar to the user´s own muscles. During the training period Martin Paulsen began to consider other features of the technology, which led to this thesis. This project is owned by Bioservo Technologies, conducted by Herbert Eriksson and Martin Paulsen from the Biomechanical program at Halmstad University. The aim has been to develop an idea for a future product for Bioservo Technologies. The goal of the product that has been to reduce the risk of low back problems, mainly the cases of low back pain associated with manual handling at workplaces. In order to find a solution to such complex problems as low back pain, the project has started with three pilot studies. • Literature Study: As this project´s aim has not been to produce a prototype for testing and validation, the project has instead rested heavily on a literature study. The focus of this study was to educate Herbert Eriksson and Martin Paulsen of the problem and the solutions available on the market today. The pilot study can be found as Attachent A: "A literature study about the problems of low back pain and the solutions of today." • Interviews: As the project has been conducted confidentially, no steering group could participate in the project. However, it was important to let the professions that currently work with back problems affect the project, and let their experience and knowledge influence the project. Interviews was instead introduced, and allowed experts to give valuable insight with their unique knowledge on the subject. The pilot study can be found as Appendix B: "Interviews of experts of interest concerning low back pain." • Motion Capture: A measurement of kinematic data was conducted to capture the spine motion for further analysis in Matlab, and to explore the feet´s load patterns while manually lifting. The pilot study can be found as Appendix C: "A Study of Healthy adult's foot pressure pattern in a symmetrical lifting task." These three pilot studies together form a platform for the development of the product´s function and theoretical content. While design and material has been left open, the product description focuses on the product's functional design, mechanics and electronics. In order to validate the product's mechanics, has an Appendix named Appendix D: "Calculations of how the angle alpha depends on the variable theta and the dimensions of the external spine" been added as an Appendix. / Projektet har syftat till att utveckla ett nytt sorts rygghjälpmedel för att reducera risken för ländryggsproblem, främst åt industrier och arbetsplatser där manuella lyft är frekvent förekommande. Idéen till projektet föddes redan våren 2010, då Martin Paulsen praktiserade hos Bioservo Technologies AB i Stockholm. Bioservo Technologies AB hade utvecklat en kraftförstärkande handske, som svarar på användarens rörelser och producerar en assisternade kraftutveckling, lik den egna muskelaturen. Under praktikperioden började Martin Paulsen att fundera på andra funktioner för tekniken, vilket ledde till detta examensarbete. Detta projekt är ägt av Bioservo Technologies AB, utfört av Herbert Eriksson och Martin Paulsen från Biomekanikprogrammet på Högskolan i Halmstad. Syftet har varit att utveckla en idé för en framtida produkt åt Bioservo Technologies AB. Målet med produkten som har utvecklats är att reducera risken för ländryggsproblem, främst de fall av ländryggproblem som är associerat med manuella lyft på arbetsplatser. För att finna en lösning på ett sådant komplex problem som ländryggsproblem, har projektet inledds med tre pilotstudier. • Litteraturstudie: Då projektet inte har syftat till att producera en prototyp för testning och validering, har projektet istället fått vila tungt på en litteraturstudie. Fokus med litteraturstudien var att utbilda Herbert Eriksson och Martin Paulsen om problemet, och vilka lösningar som finns på marknaden idag. Pilotstudien står att finna som Appendix A: ”A literature study about the problems of low back pain and the solutions of today”. • Intervjuer: Då projektet har bedrivits konfidentiellt har ingen styrgrupp kunnat delta i projektet. Det var dock viktigt att låta de arbetsgrupper som idag arbetar med just ryggproblem påverka projektet, och låta deras erfarenheter och kunskaper adapteras i projektet. Med anledning av detta genomfördes istället intervjuer och samtal med tre personer, som har givits tillåtelse att belysa projektet med sina unika kunskaper inom ämnet. Pilotstudien står att finna som Appendix B: “Interviews of experts of interest concerning lowback pain”. • Motion Capture: En mätning av kinematisk data genomfördes för att fånga ryggens rörelse för vidare analys i Matlab, samt för att utforska fötternas belastningsmönster vid manuella lyft. Pilotstudien står att finna som Appendix C: “A study of healthy adult's foot pressure pattern in a symmetrical lifting task”. Dessa tre pilotstudier skapade gemensamt en platå för att utveckla produkten teoretiska funktion och innehåll. Då designval och materialval har lämnats öppna har produktbeskrivningen fokuserats på produktensfunktionella utformning, mekanik och elektronik. För att validera produktens mekanik, har en bilagavid namn Appendix D: ”Calculations of how the angle alpha depends on the variable theta and the dimensions of the external spine” framställts.