Validation of Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation and 3D SSP Model to Predict Risk of Work-Related Low Back Pain

Abstract

This study is based upon data collected for a large scale, multi-site prospective cohort study of work-related low back pain (WLBP). The aim of this study was to validate the Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation (RNLE) and the 3D Static Strength Prediction Model (3D SSPM) to predict the risk of WLBP. Complete baseline and follow up data on job physical exposure and WLBP status were available on 258 workers free of WLBP at baseline. Relationships between job physical factors and incident cases of WLBP were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model. There was evidence of association between load moment and the Lifting Index calculated from the RNLE and incidence of WLBP, and no evidence of association with estimated compressive force on L5/S1 disc and percent capable population. It is concluded that the RNLE is predictive of future risk of WLBP.