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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2019 Sep 26;57(5):588-595.
doi: 10.2486/indhealth.2018-0179. Epub 2019 Jan 16.

Effectiveness of lumbar supports in low back functionality and disability in assembly-line workers

Ana Vanessa Bataller-Cervero  1 , Juan Rabal-Pelay  1 , Luis Enrique Roche-Seruendo  1 , Belén Lacárcel-Tejero  2 , Andrés Alcázar-Crevillén  2 , Jose Antonio Villalba-Ruete  3 , Cristina Cimarras-Otal  1
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Effectiveness of lumbar supports in low back functionality and disability in assembly-line workers

Ana Vanessa Bataller-Cervero et al. Ind Health. .

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is a common problem in manufacturing workers. Several strategies have been proposed in order to reduce the pain and/or improve functionality. Among them, lumbar supports are a common solution prescribed for lumbar pain relief. Most of the studies in the literature only consider subjective sensations of the workers for evaluation assessment. This study applies biomechanical tests (a flexion-relaxation test and a functional movement evaluation test) to analyse the effectiveness of flexible lumbar supports in functionality and disability versus placebo intervention, consisting of kinesiotape placed on the low back without any stress. 28 workers participated in the study, randomised in control and intervention groups with a two months' intervention. None of the biomechanical tests showed statistical differences in between-groups pre-post changes. No benefits of wearing a flexible lumbar support during the workday have been found in these assembly-line workers versus placebo intervention.

Keywords: Flexible lumbar belt; Flexion-relaxation phenomenon; Functionality; Lumbar pain; Manufacturing workers.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
a) EMG probes and reflective markers location for FRP. b) Reflective markers location for functional test in posterior frontal and sagittal planes.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
a) Kinesiotape placement. b) lumbar support.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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