Publisher Information: Uppsala universitet, Centrum för klinisk forskning Dalarna Karolinska Inst, Div Physiotherapy, Dept Neurobiol Care Sci & Soc, Huddinge, Sweden;Dalarna Univ, Sch Educ Hlth & Social Studies, Falun, Sweden;Mil Acad Karlberg, Swedish Armed Forces, Stockholm, Sweden Karolinska Inst, Div Physiotherapy, Dept Neurobiol Care Sci & Soc, Huddinge, Sweden;Swedish Armed Forces, Med Serv, Stockholm, Sweden Lund Univ, Dept Orthoped, Fac Med, Lund, Sweden Univ Gavle, Dept Occupat Hlth Sci & Psychol, Ctr Musculoskeletal Res, Gavle, Sweden Karolinska Inst, Div Physiotherapy, Dept Neurobiol Care Sci & Soc, Huddinge, Sweden;Dalarna Univ, Sch Educ Hlth & Social Studies, Falun, Sweden BMJ PUBLISHING GROUP 2019
Abstract: Objectives To evaluate the occurrence of low back pain (LBP) and LBP that limits work ability, to identify their potential early risks and to quantify occupational physical activity in Swedish Armed Forces (SwAF) marines during their basic 4 month marine training course. Design Prospective observational cohort study with weekly follow-ups. Participants Fifty-three SwAF marines entering the training course. Outcomes Incident of LBP and its related effect on workability and associated early risks. Occupational physical activity, as monitored using accelerometers and self-reports. Results During the training course, 68% of the marines experienced at least one episode of LBP. This yielded a LBP and LBP limiting work ability incidence rate of 13.5 (95% CI 10.4 to 17.8) and 6.3 (95% CI 4.2 to 10.0) episodes per 1000 person-days, respectively. Previous back pain and shorter body height (<= 1.80 m) emerged as independent risks for LBP (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4 to 4.3; HR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.3, respectively), as well as for LBP that limited work ability (HR 3.6, 95% CI 1.4 to 8.9; HR 4.5, 95% CI 2.0 to 10.0, respectively). Furthermore, managing fewer than four pull-ups emerged as a risk for LBP (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.0), while physical training of fewer than three sessions per week emerged as a risk for LBP that limited work ability (HR 3.0, 95% CI 1.2 to 7.4). More than 80% of the work time measured was spent performing low levels of ambulation, however, combat equipment (>= 17.5 kg) was carried for more than half of the work time. Conclusions Incidents of LBP are common in SwAF marines' early careers. The link between LBP and previous pain as well as low levels of exercise highlights the need for preventive actions early on in a marine's career. The role of body height on LBP needs further investigation, including its relationship with body-worn equipment, before it can effectively contribute to LBP prevention.
Processing Request
No Comments.