Quantification of spinal loading and its subjective perception in nursing profession

This dissertation evaluated the physical workload related to spinal loading in nursing profession using the objective and subjective measurements of the selected nursing tasks observed in the hospital setting. The spinal loading was estimated using the trunk motion dynamics measured by the Lumbar Motion Monitor, and estimation of the lower back compressive and shear forces. The subjective measures included the rate of perceived physical effort, the perceived risk, postural discomfort, and the comprehensive questionnaire with a total of 138 factors. A multiple logistic regression model for predicting low back injury reported in the literature was tested based on the defined risk groups. The perception of physical effort and risk of low back injury was modeled as a function of trunk motions and workplace variables using multiple regression models. A survey was also conducted to identify the relationship between the discomfort of low back at the end of the work day and physical and psychosocial factors. It was concluded that both the subjective and objective measurements of the physical workload were important for understanding of the risk of low back disorders in nursing profession. Physical and psychosocial factors were correlated with the discomfort of low back at the end of work day. However, no measured factors could directly predict the discomfort level of low back in the observed nursing tasks.