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01-01-2015 | Original Article

The prevalence and characteristics of low back pain among sitting workers in a Japanese manufacturing company

Authors: Gen Inoue, Masayuki Miyagi, Kentaro Uchida, Tetsuhiro Ishikawa, Hiroto Kamoda, Yawara Eguchi, Sumihisa Orita, Kazuyo Yamauchi, Masashi Takaso, Kei-ichi Tsuchiya, Kazuhisa Takahashi, Seiji Ohtori

Published in: Journal of Orthopaedic Science | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is a major public health problem and the most common cause of workers’ disability, resulting in substantial economic burden in terms of workers’ compensation and medical costs. Sitting is a recognized potential risk factor for developing LBP. Therefore, eliminating risk factors associated with working conditions and individual work capacity may be beneficial in preventing LBP in sitting workers. The purpose of this prospective cross-sectional study is to investigate the prevalence of LBP and examine risk factors that contribute to the development of LBP in sitting workers at an electronics manufacturing company.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was administered to all subjects to assess the prevalence of LBP persisting for at least 48 h during the recent week. Data on demographic characteristics and potential risk factors for LBP were collected at routine annual check-ups. Patients with LBP completed the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ), which provided information on the attributes of LBP. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses examined the association between LBP and potential risk factors.

Results

Of the 1,329 sitting workers, 201 (15.1 %) acknowledged experiencing LBP during the recent week. In female workers, weight and body mass index were significantly correlated with the RDQ score. Univariate analyses identified male sex, prior history of LBP, height ≥170 cm, and weight ≥70 kg as significant risk factors of LBP. Multivariate logistic regression analyses identified prior history of LBP and past history of lumbar spine surgery as significant risk factors of LBP.

Conclusions

This study characterized the prevalence and attributes of LBP in Japanese sitting workers and provided information about potential risk factors contributing to occurrence of LBP in the workplace.

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Title: The prevalence and characteristics of low back pain among sitting workers in a Japanese manufacturing company
Authors: Gen Inoue
Masayuki Miyagi
Kentaro Uchida
Tetsuhiro Ishikawa
Hiroto Kamoda
Yawara Eguchi
Sumihisa Orita
Kazuyo Yamauchi
Masashi Takaso
Kei-ichi Tsuchiya
Kazuhisa Takahashi
Seiji Ohtori
Publication date: 01-01-2015
Publisher: Springer Japan
Published in: Journal of Orthopaedic Science / Issue 1/2015
Print ISSN: 0949-2658
Electronic ISSN: 1436-2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00776-014-0644-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The prevalence and characteristics of low back pain among sitting workers in a Japanese manufacturing company

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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