The aim of this study is definition reference values including reference equations for parameters PImax, PEmax and P0.1 of the normal Czech population aged 14-15 years. 102 subjects were examined for this purpose (55 boys and 47 girls). Except the reference values for boys and girls, this work includes correlations of mouth pressures with anthropometric data and also with other spirometric parameters. In case of boys were found a significant correlation of PEmax parameter with weight, BMI and PEF. In group of boys we also found a correlation of PImax with BMI and PImax with IC. Parameter P0.1 correlates only with VT. In group of girls we found a significant correlations of PImax, PEmax and P0.1 with PEF and MEF25.

A lombalgia tem consequências como dor, incapacidade funcional e diminuição da qualidade de vida, que pode acometer cerca de 70 a 90% da população brasileira em algum período de sua vida. A fisioterapia dispõe de inúmeros recursos dentre eles a Mobilização Neural, que facilita a condutibilidade nervosa, melhorando consequentemente o quadro álgico. O tratamento consiste em restaurar a mobilidade e a elasticidade do sistema nervoso periférico por meio de tensões, oscilações e angulações articulares. Neste sentido, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da técnica e avaliar o comportamento álgico, bem como o possível envolvimento de citocinas pró e anti-inflamatórias após o tratamento. A técnica foi aplicada três vezes por semana, num total de 10 intervenções, com duração de dez minutos cada sessão. Participaram deste estudo 46 indivíduos (28 mulheres e 18 homens), que foram alocados em três grupos: grupo MOB, grupo MOB+MED e Grupo CONTROLE. Foram utilizadas ferramentas para avaliar tais efeitos, dentre elas: Escala Visual Analógica (EVA); Teste da Distância do 3º dedo ao solo; Goniometria; Fotogrametria; Avaliação da qualidade de vida - WHOQOL-bref; Questionário de incapacidade de Roland Morris; Índice de Oswestry sobre Incapacidade e Ensaios de Multiplex para a dosagem de citocinas no tecido sanguíneo.Os resultados demonstraram uma melhora significativa na intensidade da dor (p<0,02) e mobilidade lombar (p<0,04), quando comparamos as medidas antes e após o tratamento, e consequentemente, uma melhora significativa na qualidade de vida e incapacidade dos pacientes. Ao analisarmos as citocinas (p<0,05), houve uma redução estatisticamente significativa nas citocinas pró-inflamatórias (IL-1&#946;, IL-6 e TNF&#945;) e aumento estatisticamente significativo de citocina anti-inflamatória (IL-4). Esperamos, por meio deste estudo, contribuir e compreender alguns mecanismos envolvidos durante o processo de reabilitação com a Mobilização Neural. / Low back pain has consequences such as pain, functional disability and decreased quality of life, which can affect approximately 70 to 90% of the Brazilian population in some period of their life. Physiotherapy has innumerable resources, among them Neural Mobilization, which facilitates the nervous conductivity, consequently improving the pain. The treatment consists in restoring the mobility and the elasticity of the peripheral nervous system through tensions, oscillations and articular angulations. In this sense, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of the technique and to evaluate the algic behavior, as well as the possible involvement of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines after treatment. The technique was applied three times a week, in a total of 10 interventions, lasting ten minutes each session. A total of 46 individuals (28 women and 18 men) participated in this study, which was allocated in three groups: MOB group, MOB + MED group and CONTROL group. Tools were used to evaluate such effects, among them: Visual Analog Scale (EVA); 3rd finger distance test to the ground; Goniometry; Photogrammetry; Quality of life assessment - WHOQOL-bref; Roland Morris Inaptation Questionnaire; Oswestry Index on Disability and Multiplex Assays for dosing cytokines in blood tissue. The results showed a significant improvement in pain intensity (p <0.02) and lumbar mobility (p <0.04), when we compared the measures before and after treatment, and consequently, a significant improvement in the quality of life and disability of patients. When we analyzed the cytokines (p <0.05), there was a statistically significant reduction in the proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1&#946;, IL-6, and FTN&#945;) and a statistically significant increase in anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4). We hope, through this study, to contribute and understand some mechanisms involved during the rehabilitation process with Neural Mobilization.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a contribuição da força muscular isocinética de flexores e extensores do joelho dominante e tronco na aquisição da massa óssea das regiões correspondentes a aplicação dessas forças em atletas de futebol feminino (GAF). MÉTODOS: vinte e duas atletas de futebol feminino foram comparadas com 20 controles pareados (GC). O conteúdo mineral ósseo (CMO) e a densidade mineral óssea (DMO) foram avaliados em corpo total, coluna lombar e quadril dominante (fêmur total e colo femoral) pelo software pediátrico do densitômetro Hologic QDR (modelo Discovery, Bedford, MA, USA). Pela análise de corpo total, foram determinadas as variáveis de composição corporal e a massa óssea do membro inferior dominante, tronco e cabeça. A força muscular no movimento de flexão e extensão do joelho e do tronco foi avaliada pelo dinamômetro isocinético Biodex Multi-joint System 3 (Shirley, NY, USA) na velocidade de 60°/s, com 5 repetições do modo concêntrico/excêntrico. As variáveis concêntricas de pico de torque, trabalho na repetição máxima e trabalho total dos flexores e extensores foram considerados. Foram utilizados o teste t de Student para análise entre grupos e os coeficientes de correlação de Pearson e de regressão linear simples para o GAF. RESULTADOS: Os grupos foram semelhantes para idade, peso, altura, raça e ingestão de cálcio (p>0.05), porém o GAF apresentou maior percentual de massa magra e menor percentual de gordura corporal que o GC (p<0.001). Todos os sítios ósseos submetidos à carga mecânica durante o exercício físico apresentaram valores significativamente superiores no GAF, assim como todas as variáveis de força isocinética concêntrica de joelho dominante e tronco (p<0.05 e p<0.001). As variáveis de massa óssea de todas as regiões avaliadas do GAF apresentaram correlações positivas com o peso, índice de massa corporal, massa magra total e do tronco. A DMO das regiões analisadas não apresentou nenhuma correlação significante com as variáveis de força muscular. Porém, todas as variáveis de força de flexão do tronco correlacionaram-se positivamente com o CMO do corpo total e do tronco, assim como as variáveis de extensão do joelho demonstraram associações positivas com o CMO do quadril e do membro inferior dominante. CONCLUSÃO: A força muscular exerceu uma contribuição positiva na aquisição do CMO dos sítios específicos. Esses resultados de correlação positiva entre a força e a quantidade mineral óssea de sítios específicos provêem evidências adicionais de um papel da força muscular na aquisição da massa óssea regional. / OBJECTIVE: to analyze the contribution of isokinetic muscular strength of dominant knee and trunk flexors and extensors in the acquisition of bone mass in the correspondent regions that these forces are applied in female soccer players. METHODS: twenty-two female soccer athletes (GAF) were compared with 20 matched-controls (GC). The bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) were evaluated in whole body, lumbar spine and dominant hip (femoral neck and total hip) with the paediatric software of Hologic QDR (Discovery model, Bedford, MA, USA). From whole body scan, the variables of body composition and bone mass of dominant leg, trunk and head were also determined. The muscular strength of flexion and extension movements in dominant knee and trunk were evaluated with the Biodex Multi-joint System 3 (Shirley, NY, USA) with 60°/s, and 5 repetitions at concentric/eccentric mode. The concentric variables peak torque, maximal repetition total work and total work of flexors and extensors were considered. Statistical analysis was performed using Student\'s t-test to compare groups and additionally Pearson\'s correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis to GAF. RESULTS: Both groups were similar regarding age, weight, height, race and calcium intake (p>0.05), however GAF presented a higher percentage of lean body mass and a lower percentage of body fat compared to GC (p<0.001). All loaded sites during exercise had significantly higher values of bone mass for GAF, and so for all isokinetic concentric strength variables of dominant knee and trunk (p<0.05 e p<0.001). Bone mass variables of GAF regions presented positive correlations with weight, body mass index, total and trunk lean mass. The BMD of any region presents significant correlations with variables of strength performance. Nevertheless, all strength variables of trunk flexors were positively correlated with BMC of whole body and trunk, so as knee dominant extensors with BMC of hip and dominant leg. CONCLUSION: muscular strength exerted a positive contribution to BMC acquisition at specifics sites. These results of positive correlation between force and bone mineral quantity of specific sites give us further evidences of the muscle strength role in the acquisition of regional bone mass.

La proprioception cervicale joue un rôle important dans le contrôle postural, mais la nature exacte de sa contribution est controversée. Dans certains cas de « coup du lapin », une atteinte posturale a été démontrée, sans que l'atteinte du rachis cervical puisse être tenue pour seule responsable. Malgré la forte prévalence des pathologies cervicales dégénératives, leurs conséquences posturales ont été peu étudiées dans la littérature scientifique. Il n'existe aucune publication centrée sur les deux types de pathologie responsables de névralgies cervicobrachiales : les hernies discales cervicales et l'arthrose cervicale. Cette étude a eu pour but d'évaluer le contrôle postural de deux groupes de patients présentant une pathologie cervicale dégénérative avec et sans stimulation optocinétique avant et après traitement chirurgical. Dix-sept patients présentant une radiculalgie ont été inclus dans cette étude et répartis en deux groupes selon l'origine arthrosique ou discale de la compression neurologique. Tous les patients ainsi que 31 témoins ont été soumis à un examen de posturographie statique comprenant 12 enregistrements : les quatre premiers enregistrements ont été réalisés la tête dans l'axe (à 0°) : yeux fermés, yeux ouverts sans stimulation optocinétique, yeux ouverts avec stimulation optocinétique dans le sens horaire, puis antihoraire. Ces quatre situations sensorielles ont été répétées tête tournée 30° à gauche, puis 30° à droite. Les patients ont à nouveau été soumis à ces 12 enregistrements six semaines après l'intervention. Aucun patient ne s'est plaint de sensations vertigineuses que ce soit en pré ou en postopératoire. Avant intervention, les yeux fermés, le groupe hernie discale était plus stable que le groupe arthrose. Après intervention, la contribution visuelle au contrôle postural avait diminué dans les deux groupes dans un environnement visuel dynamique, alors que dans un environnement visuel stable, elle n'avait diminué que dans le groupe arthrose. L'importance relative des informations visuelles et proprioceptives pour le contrôle postural varie selon le type de pathologie et la chirurgie tend à réduire la contribution visuelle surtout pour les patients présentant une arthrose cervicale / Cervical proprioception plays a key role in postural control, but its specific contribution is controversial. Postural impairment was shown in whiplash injuries without demonstrating the sole involvement of the cervical spine. The consequences of degenerative cervical spine diseases are underreported in posture-related scientific literature in spite of their high prevalence. No report has focused on the two different mechanisms underlying cervicobrachial pain: herniated discs and spondylosis. This study aimed to evaluate postural control of two groups of patients with degenerative cervical spine diseases with or without optokinetic stimulation before and after surgical treatment. Seventeen patients with radiculopathy were recruited and divided into two groups according to the spondylotic or discal origin of the nerve compression. All patients and a control population of 31 healthy individuals underwent a static posturographic test with 12 recordings; the first four recordings with the head in 0° position: eyes closed, eyes open without optokinetic stimulation, with clockwise and counter clockwise optokinetic stimulations. These four sensorial situations were repeated with the head rotated 30° to the left and to the right. Patients repeated these 12 recordings 6 weeks postoperatively. None of the patients reported vertigo or balance disorders before or after surgery. Prior to surgery, in the eyes closed condition, the herniated disc group was more stable than the spondylosis group. After surgery, the contribution of visual input to postural control in a dynamic visual environment was reduced in both cervical spine diseases whereas in a stable visual environment visual contribution was reduced only in the spondylosis group. The relative importance of visual and proprioceptive inputs to postural control varies according to the type of pathology and surgery tends to reduce visual contribution mostly in the spondylosis group

INTRODUÇÃO: A dor vertebral apresenta significativo impacto econômico e social. Estimativas mais recentes do Global Burden of Diseases relatam que as algias vertebrais crônicas (AC) são a principal causa de anos vividos com incapacidade no mundo. A prevalência de algias vertebrais ao longo da vida varia entre 54% e 80%. OBJETIVOS: Estimar a prevalência de algias vertebrais crônicas e identificar fatores associados em uma amostra de pessoas com 15 anos ou mais de idade em um segmento da população da cidade de São Paulo, Brasil. MÉTODO: Foi realizado um estudo de corte transversal. Um total de 826 participantes foi selecionado para entrevistas domiciliares entre dezembro de 2011 e fevereiro de 2012. Foram utilizados a Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão (HADS), o Teste de Fagerström para Dependência de Nicotina (FTND), o Teste para Identificação de Problemas Relacionados ao uso de Álcool (AUDIT), a Escala EuroQol-5D e o Critério de Classificação Econômica Brasil (CCEB). RESULTADOS: A prevalência de AC foi estimada em 22% (IC 95%, 19,3 - 25,0). Os seguintes fatores foram considerados independentemente associados a AC: sexo feminino, 30 ou mais anos de idade, quatro anos ou menos de escolaridade, sintomas compatíveis com ansiedade e esforço físico intenso durante a ocupação principal. Adicionalmente, pacientes com AC apresentaram qualidade de vida e autoavaliação de saúde significativamente piores, comparativamente àqueles sem AC. CONCLUSÕES: Observou-se uma prevalência de 22% de algias vertebrais crônicas em um segmento da população da cidade de São Paulo. Fatores demográficos, socioeconômicos, psicológicos e físicos foram independentemente associados a essa condição. Observou-se também uma associação entre algias vertebrais crônicas e pior qualidade de vida / Introduction: Spinal pain is associated with significant economic and societal impact and is an important health issue. It has recently been listed as the first cause of -years lived with disability worldwide and one of the most common reasons for which people seek medical care. Estimates of lifetime prevalence of spinal pain vary between 54% and 80%. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of chronic spinal pain (CSP) and to identify associated factors in a sample of persons aged 15 or older from a segment of the population of Sao Paulo City, Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiologic survey was performed to determine the prevalence of chronic spinal pain and to identify associated factors in a random sample of persons 15 years or older from a segment of the population of São Paulo City, Brazil. Face-to-face interviews were performed with 826 individuals between December 2011 and February 2012. Participants responded the following instruments: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, EuroQol 5D, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Fargerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), and Brazil Economic Classification Criteria (CCEB). Results: A prevalence of 22% (95% CI, 19.3 - 25.0) was observed for chronic spinal pain. The following factors were independently associated with chronic spinal pain: female gender, 30 years of age or older, four or less years of formal education, symptoms consistent with anxiety and intense physical strain for the main occupation. Quality of life and self-rated health were significantly worse among CSP individuals. Conclusions: This study found a prevalence of 22% for chronic spinal pain in a segment of the population of São Paulo city. Demographic, socioeconomic, psychological and physical factors were independently associated with this condition. Quality of life and self-rated health were significantly worse among CSP individuals

O presente texto descreve um método experimental simples para comparar a eficiência de distribuidores de líquido empregados nas indústrias de tratamento de minérios em lavadores, classificadores e moinhos e nas indústrias de processos químicos. A técnica consiste basicamente em analisar a dispersão pelo desvio padrão da massa do líquido coletado em tubos verticais dispostos em arranjo quadrático colocados abaixo do distribuidor. Como exemplo de aplicação, empregouse para a coleta da massa de líquido uma unidade piloto, montada no Laboratório de Engenharia Química da Universidade Santa Cecília em Santos, com um banco de 21 tubos verticais de 52 mm de diâmetro interno e 800 mm de comprimento. Uma manta acrílica que não dispersa o líquido com 50 mm de espessura foi fixada entre o distribuidor e o banco de tubos para evitar respingos. Foram realizados ensaios com nove distribuidores do tipo espinha de peixe de 4 tubos paralelos cada, para uma coluna piloto com 400 mm de diâmetro. A literatura é discordante no que concerne aos parâmetros de projeto e eficiência destes distribuidores. Variaram-se o número (n) de orifícios (95, 127 e 159 furos/m2, 12, 16 e 20 furos por distribuidor) o diâmetro (d) dos orifícios (2, 3 e 4 mm) e as vazões de entrada indicadas por rotâmetro nos distribuidores (q) de 1,2; 1,4 e 1,6 m3/h. A melhor eficiência de espalhamento pelo menor desvio padrão (0,302) foi obtida com n de 159 furos/m2, d de 2 mm e q de 1,4 m3/h indicando as limitações dos parâmetros de projeto da literatura. A pressão (p), na entrada do distribuidor para esta condição, foi de apenas 0,51 kgf/cm2. A relação adimensional entre a área da seção do tubo de alimentação e a somatória da área dos furos foi de 5,81, a vazão volumétrica total por unidade de área da seção da coluna para esta melhor condição foi de 11,32 m3/(h.m2) e a velocidade média (v) em cada orifício foi de 6,31 m/s. Portanto, o método proposto permite comparar e quantificar a eficiência de distribuidores além de demonstrar a não validade de alguns parâmetros de projeto recomendados pela literatura. / The current text describes a simple experimental method in order to compare the efficiency of the liquid distributors applied at the ore treatment industries in washers, classifiers and mills as well as at the chemical processing industries. The technique basically consist of analyzing the dispersion through the standard deviation of the liquid mass which was collected in vertical pipes placed in a square way under the distributor. As an example of us usage, it has been applied a pilot scale for collecting the liquid mass, installed at the Santa Cecília Universitys Chemical Engineering Laboratory in Santos, with a setting of 21 vertical tubes measuring 52 mm in internal diameter and 800 mm in length. A 50 mm thick acrylic blanket was fixed between the distributor and the pipe setting in order to avoid splashes. Some experiments have been made with a ladder-tipe distributors containing 4 parallel tubes each, for a pilot column of 400 mm in diameter. The literature shows disagreement regarding the characteristics of the project and the efficiency of the distributors. The number of holes has varied (n) 95, 127 and 159 holes/m2; 12, 16 and 20 holes for distributor, the diameter of the holes (d) 2, 3 and 4 mm and the flow of entrance in the distributors (q) of 1,2; 1,4 and 1,6 m3/h. The best efficiency of splashing of the lowest deviation pattern (0,302) was achieved with n of 159 holes/m2, d of 2 mm and q of 1,4 m3/h showing the limitation of characteristics of the project literature. The pressure (p), for this condition in the distributor entrance, was only 0,51 kgf/cm2. The measuring relation between the area of the section of the feeding pipe and the addition of the area of the roles was 5,81, the total volume of the out flow for unit of the area of the column section for this better condition was 11,32 m3/(h m2) and the average speed (v), in each hole was 6,31 m/s. Finally, the indicated method permits the comparison and quantification of the efficiency of the distributors, besides showing that some of the project concepts are not valid and the literature does not recommend them.

No description available.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a contribuição da força muscular isocinética de flexores e extensores do joelho dominante e tronco na aquisição da massa óssea das regiões correspondentes a aplicação dessas forças em atletas de futebol feminino (GAF). MÉTODOS: vinte e duas atletas de futebol feminino foram comparadas com 20 controles pareados (GC). O conteúdo mineral ósseo (CMO) e a densidade mineral óssea (DMO) foram avaliados em corpo total, coluna lombar e quadril dominante (fêmur total e colo femoral) pelo software pediátrico do densitômetro Hologic QDR (modelo Discovery, Bedford, MA, USA). Pela análise de corpo total, foram determinadas as variáveis de composição corporal e a massa óssea do membro inferior dominante, tronco e cabeça. A força muscular no movimento de flexão e extensão do joelho e do tronco foi avaliada pelo dinamômetro isocinético Biodex Multi-joint System 3 (Shirley, NY, USA) na velocidade de 60°/s, com 5 repetições do modo concêntrico/excêntrico. As variáveis concêntricas de pico de torque, trabalho na repetição máxima e trabalho total dos flexores e extensores foram considerados. Foram utilizados o teste t de Student para análise entre grupos e os coeficientes de correlação de Pearson e de regressão linear simples para o GAF. RESULTADOS: Os grupos foram semelhantes para idade, peso, altura, raça e ingestão de cálcio (p>0.05), porém o GAF apresentou maior percentual de massa magra e menor percentual de gordura corporal que o GC (p<0.001). Todos os sítios ósseos submetidos à carga mecânica durante o exercício físico apresentaram valores significativamente superiores no GAF, assim como todas as variáveis de força isocinética concêntrica de joelho dominante e tronco (p<0.05 e p<0.001). As variáveis de massa óssea de todas as regiões avaliadas do GAF apresentaram correlações positivas com o peso, índice de massa corporal, massa magra total e do tronco. A DMO das regiões analisadas não apresentou nenhuma correlação significante com as variáveis de força muscular. Porém, todas as variáveis de força de flexão do tronco correlacionaram-se positivamente com o CMO do corpo total e do tronco, assim como as variáveis de extensão do joelho demonstraram associações positivas com o CMO do quadril e do membro inferior dominante. CONCLUSÃO: A força muscular exerceu uma contribuição positiva na aquisição do CMO dos sítios específicos. Esses resultados de correlação positiva entre a força e a quantidade mineral óssea de sítios específicos provêem evidências adicionais de um papel da força muscular na aquisição da massa óssea regional. / OBJECTIVE: to analyze the contribution of isokinetic muscular strength of dominant knee and trunk flexors and extensors in the acquisition of bone mass in the correspondent regions that these forces are applied in female soccer players. METHODS: twenty-two female soccer athletes (GAF) were compared with 20 matched-controls (GC). The bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) were evaluated in whole body, lumbar spine and dominant hip (femoral neck and total hip) with the paediatric software of Hologic QDR (Discovery model, Bedford, MA, USA). From whole body scan, the variables of body composition and bone mass of dominant leg, trunk and head were also determined. The muscular strength of flexion and extension movements in dominant knee and trunk were evaluated with the Biodex Multi-joint System 3 (Shirley, NY, USA) with 60°/s, and 5 repetitions at concentric/eccentric mode. The concentric variables peak torque, maximal repetition total work and total work of flexors and extensors were considered. Statistical analysis was performed using Student\'s t-test to compare groups and additionally Pearson\'s correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis to GAF. RESULTS: Both groups were similar regarding age, weight, height, race and calcium intake (p>0.05), however GAF presented a higher percentage of lean body mass and a lower percentage of body fat compared to GC (p<0.001). All loaded sites during exercise had significantly higher values of bone mass for GAF, and so for all isokinetic concentric strength variables of dominant knee and trunk (p<0.05 e p<0.001). Bone mass variables of GAF regions presented positive correlations with weight, body mass index, total and trunk lean mass. The BMD of any region presents significant correlations with variables of strength performance. Nevertheless, all strength variables of trunk flexors were positively correlated with BMC of whole body and trunk, so as knee dominant extensors with BMC of hip and dominant leg. CONCLUSION: muscular strength exerted a positive contribution to BMC acquisition at specifics sites. These results of positive correlation between force and bone mineral quantity of specific sites give us further evidences of the muscle strength role in the acquisition of regional bone mass.

Caregivers injure their backs more than workers in any other industry. Efforts to reduce injuries have been on-going for decades with limited results. Mechanical lift devices have been incorporated into clinical practice over the past 30 years to reduce the risk of injury from patient lifting. Yet injury rates remain high. The use of mechanical lifts may be partly to blame. While these devices assist with lifting patients, they also introduce new activities that result in caregivers experiencing unsafe loading on the spine. We measured loads on the lower back during manoeuvres of the two most common lift types (overhead and floor) as well as during sling insertion. A new device called SlingSerterTM was evaluated for use in the clinical environment. We also investigated spine shrinkage as a measurement tool for estimating cumulative load. Caregivers worked alone and in pairs for both lift maneuvering and sling insertion activities. Overhead lift use resulted in much lower loads than floor lift use. We conclude caregivers can safely operate overhead lifts alone, while floor lift use remained unsafe even with two caregivers. Less-experienced caregivers had higher loads than more-experienced counterparts when using floor lifts. There was no corresponding effect of experience with overhead lift use and we found this to be a further benefit of overhead lifts over floor lifts. Most caregivers exceeded the safe limit for spine compression during sling insertion, though a single caregiver was at no higher risk of injury than two caregivers working together. Clinicians who tested SlingSerterTM agreed the device would be useful in clinical practice, particularly with bariatric patients and other special patient populations that are difficult to roll or turn. Finally, we investigated a novel method for estimating cumulative load based on spine shrinkage. There is growing recognition that excess cumulative load may be responsible for back injury. We found the variability in spine shrinkage was too large to estimate cumulative load directly. However, the technique may still be useful for determining the relative importance of the load from different activities to the cumulative total.

Caregivers injure their backs more than workers in any other industry. Efforts to reduce injuries have been on-going for decades with limited results. Mechanical lift devices have been incorporated into clinical practice over the past 30 years to reduce the risk of injury from patient lifting. Yet injury rates remain high. The use of mechanical lifts may be partly to blame. While these devices assist with lifting patients, they also introduce new activities that result in caregivers experiencing unsafe loading on the spine. We measured loads on the lower back during manoeuvres of the two most common lift types (overhead and floor) as well as during sling insertion. A new device called SlingSerterTM was evaluated for use in the clinical environment. We also investigated spine shrinkage as a measurement tool for estimating cumulative load. Caregivers worked alone and in pairs for both lift maneuvering and sling insertion activities. Overhead lift use resulted in much lower loads than floor lift use. We conclude caregivers can safely operate overhead lifts alone, while floor lift use remained unsafe even with two caregivers. Less-experienced caregivers had higher loads than more-experienced counterparts when using floor lifts. There was no corresponding effect of experience with overhead lift use and we found this to be a further benefit of overhead lifts over floor lifts. Most caregivers exceeded the safe limit for spine compression during sling insertion, though a single caregiver was at no higher risk of injury than two caregivers working together. Clinicians who tested SlingSerterTM agreed the device would be useful in clinical practice, particularly with bariatric patients and other special patient populations that are difficult to roll or turn. Finally, we investigated a novel method for estimating cumulative load based on spine shrinkage. There is growing recognition that excess cumulative load may be responsible for back injury. We found the variability in spine shrinkage was too large to estimate cumulative load directly. However, the technique may still be useful for determining the relative importance of the load from different activities to the cumulative total.