O-110 Association between occupational mechanical exposures and chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. (14th March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jensen, Alexander Jahn; Andersen, Johan H; Christiansen, David H; Seidler, Andreas; Dalbøge, Annett
• Is Part Of: Occupational and environmental medicine. Volume 80(2023)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A60
• Page End: A60
• Publication Date: 2023-03-14
• Subjects: Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; 616.980305
• DOI: 10.1136/OEM-2023-EPICOH.147
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1351-0711

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is a worldwide health problem and a predominant reason for years lived with a disability. LBP increases the risk of sick leave and is a common cause of early retirement from the labour market. Although LBP often is temporary, 4–20% of the adult population develops chronic LBP (pain >3 months). The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise the evidence on the association between occupational mechanical exposures (lifting/carrying, awkward postures, whole-body vibrations, standing/walking, sitting, and combined exposures) and chronic LBP. Methods: We used a systematic review conducted by The Swedish Council on Health Technology Assessment as basis to identify articles published from 1980 to January 2014. For studies published after January 2014, a systematic literature search was conducted in several databases. Two authors independently assessed the data extraction, risk of bias, and certainty of evidence. Random-effects model with weighted odds ratios was used in the meta-analysis and heterogeneity was assessed using I-squared statistics. Sensitivity analyses were conducted by dividing studies on study quality, study design, and outcome measurement. Results: Twenty-six articles were included in the meta-analysis, and the pooled odds ratios across all exposures ranged between 1.5 and 2.2. Lifting/carrying loads (OR=1.7), awkward postures (OR=1.5), and combined exposures (OR=2.2) were the only exposures rated as moderate certainty of evidence. The remaining exposures were rated either low or very low certainty of evidence. The sensitivity analyses comparing cohort and case-control studies revealed, in general, a higher odds ratio for case-control studies. Otherwise, no major differences between study quality or outcome measures were found. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between occupational mechanical exposures and chronic LBP. To ensure health and safety towards occupational mechanical exposures, high-quality studies are warranted with objective exposure assessments.