Occupational mechanical exposures as risk factor for chronic low-back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Publikation: Beitrag in FachzeitschriftÜbersichtsartikel (Review)BeigetragenBegutachtung

Beitragende

  • Alexander Jahn - , Universität Aarhus (Autor:in)
  • Johan Hviid Andersen - , University Research Clinic, Universität Aarhus (Autor:in)
  • David Høyrup Christiansen - , Universität Aarhus (Autor:in)
  • Andreas Seidler - , Hochschulmedizin (Medizinische Fakultät und Universitätsklinikum) (Autor:in)
  • Annett Dalbøge - , Universität Aarhus (Autor:in)

Abstract

Objectives The association between occupational mechanical exposures and low-back pain (LBP) has been studied in several systematic reviews. However, no systematic review addressing chronic LBP exists. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the association between occupational mechanical exposures and chronic LBP. Methods The study was registered in PROSPERO. We used an existing systematic review to identify articles published before January 2014. For studies published between January 2014 and September 2022, a systematic literature search was conducted in six databases. Two authors independently excluded articles, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias and level of evidence (GRADE). Meta-analyses were conducted using random-effects models comparing highest versus lowest exposure group with sensitivity analyses based on study quality (low/ moderate versus high risk of bias), study design (cohort versus case–control), and outcome definition (non-specific LBP versus specific chronic LBP). Results Twenty-six articles were included. Highest pooled odd ratios (OR) were found for combined mechanical exposures [OR 2.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4–3.6], lifting/carrying loads (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.4–2.2), and non-neutral postures (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2–1.9). For the remaining mechanical exposures (ie, whole-body vibrations, standing/walking, and sitting), OR ranged between 1.0 and 1.4. In the sensitivity analyses, generally, higher pooled OR were found in low/moderate risk of bias studies, case–control studies, and studies of specific chronic LBP. Conclusions Moderate evidence of an association was found for lifting/carrying loads, non-neutral postures, and combined mechanical exposures. Low or very low evidence was found for whole-body vibrations, standing/ walking, and sitting. Studies using standardized exposure definition, metric, and technical measurements are highly warranted.

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
Seiten (von - bis)453-465
Seitenumfang13
FachzeitschriftScandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health
Jahrgang49
Ausgabenummer7
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - 1 Okt. 2023
Peer-Review-StatusJa

Externe IDs

PubMed 37581384

Schlagworte

Ziele für nachhaltige Entwicklung

Schlagwörter

  • ergonomics, Key terms chronicity, musculoskeletal disorder, occupational health, physical workload, spine