Biomechanical evaluation of nursing tasks in a hospital setting
Abbreviated Journal Title
Ergonomics
Keywords
nursing; spine; kinematics; compressive and shear force; perceived risk; of musculoskeletal injury; LOW-BACK-PAIN; RISK-FACTORS; QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY; WORKING-CONDITIONS; WORKPLACE FACTORS; DISORDERS; POSTURES; NURSES; WORKERS; PROFESSION; Engineering, Industrial; Ergonomics; Psychology, Applied; Psychology
Abstract
A field study was conducted to investigate spinal kinematics and loading in the nursing profession using objective and subjective measurements of selected nursing tasks observed in a hospital setting. Spinal loading was estimated using trunk motion dynamics measured by the lumbar motion monitor (LMM) and lower back compressive and shear forces were estimated using the three-dimensional (3D) Static Strength Prediction Program. Subjective measures included the rate of perceived physical effort and the perceived risk of low back pain. A multiple logistic regression model, reported in the literature for predicting low back injury based on defined risk groups, was tested. The study results concluded that the major risk factors for low back injury in nurses were the weight of patients handled, trunk moment, and trunk axial rotation. The activities that required long time exposure to awkward postures were perceived by nurses as a high physical effort. This study also concluded that self-reported perceived exertion could be used as a tool to identify nursing activities with a high risk of low-back injury.
Journal Title
Ergonomics
Volume
50
Issue/Number
11
Publication Date
1-1-2007
Document Type
Article
Language
English
First Page
1835
Last Page
1855
WOS Identifier
ISSN
0014-0139
Recommended Citation
"Biomechanical evaluation of nursing tasks in a hospital setting" (2007). Faculty Bibliography 2000s. 7262.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/facultybib2000/7262
Comments
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