Body@Work

The effect of mechanical load, obtained from video observations on musculoskeletal pain in a working population.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
In this project the effect of mechanical load during working on musculoskeletal pain will be investigated. In order to do so, data from the prospective longitudinal SMASH (Study on Musculoskeletal disorders, Absenteeism, Stress and Health) study will be used. 1789 workers of different companies participated in this study which consisted of a baseline measurement and a 3-year follow-up. During the baseline measurement, there was a physical examination, a self-administered questionnaire and an assessment of physical load at workplace by video-observations. During the follow-up, the development of possible musculoskeletal (low back, shoulder or neck) pain complaints was assessed.
In the present project we aim to find a way of biomechanically analyzing video data for the assessment of mechanical loads. Several possible assessment methods will be explored and tested in mock-ups of realistic working conditions. The most suitable and valid assessment method will be used and applied on the available video material of the above-mentioned population. Outcomes will be used for the evaluation of the dose-response relationship of mechanical load and musculoskeletal pain.

PERIOD
This project started November 2009 and will continue for a period of 4 years.

FUNDING
There is no financial assistance from additional external sources.

INVESTIGATORS
Mr. Pieter Coenen, Msc1
Mr. Idsart Kingma, Dr.1
Ms. Cécile R.L. Boot, Dr.2
Ms. Paulien M. Bongers, Prof dr. ir.3
Mr. Jaap H. van Dieën, Prof. dr.1

1 Faculty of Human Movements Sciences, research institute MOVE, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
2 Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine, Department of Social Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
3 TNO Quality of Life, Department of Occupational Health, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands

OBJECTIVES
This project has two major objectives. The first objective is to explore and test methods for the biomechanical assessment of mechanical load based on video material.
Subsequently, the second objective is to apply the most valid and suitable method on available video-material of a group of workers. Outcomes will be used to investigate the dose-response relationship of mechanical load and musculoskeletal pain.

METHODS
During the first phase of the project, finding a method for the assessment of mechanical load from video material, a rather explorative research strategy will be used. Different methods will be explored in mock-ups of realistic working conditions and tested by a comparison with a golden standard laboratory method. We are currently working on a video assessment model in which mechanical load can be calculated based on interpolation of body orientations obtained from key frames from working tasks.
In the second phase of the project epidemiological tests will be used to investigate the dose-response relationship of mechanical load and musculoskeletal pain.

RESULTS
There are no results yet

PUBLICATIONS
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Pieter Coenen
e-mail:p.coenen@fbw.vu.nl
tel: +31 20 59 88496