Affiliations: Ergonomic Research Center of the University of
Guadalajara Art, Architecture and Design Center (CUAAD), Extremo Norte de la
Calzada Independencia, Huentitán el Bajo, CP44100, Guadalajara, Jalisco,
Mexico | Regional Public Health Research Institute, University
Health Sciences Center, University of Guadalajara. Sierra Mojada # 950, Puerta
No. 1, Edif. "N", Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Lilia R. Prado-León, CUAAD,
Extremo Norte de la Calzada Independencia, Huentitán el Bajo, CP44100,
Guadalajara, Jalisco, México. Tel.: +52 33 36 74 71 85, ext. 120; Fax:
+53 33 36 74 47 55; E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
Abstract: The objective of this study was to quantify and assess whether
lifting tasks in the workplace are a risk factor in lumbar spondyloarthrosis
etiology. A case-control study was performed with 231 workers, 18–55 years
old, insured by the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS, according to its
designation in Spanish). A multivariate analysis using conditional logistical
regression showed that lifting tasks, combined with driving tasks, are
associated with this illness (OR = 7.3; 95% CI 1.7–31.4). The daily
frequency of lifting as it interacts with work as a driver resulted in a
greater risk (OR = 10.4; 95% CI 2.0–52.5). The load weight, daily
task-hours and cumulative time showed a dose-response relationship. The
attributable risk for lifting tasks was 0.83, suggesting that 83% of lumbar
spondyloarthrosis development could be prevented if risk factors were
eliminated by ergonomic redesign of the task.
Keywords: lifting, low back pain, risk factors, occupational disease/prevention & control
