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Low back pain and biomechanical characteristics of back muscles in firefighters
Citation
Kong, P. W., Kan, T. Y. W., Roslan Abdul Ghani Mohamed Jamil, Teo, W. P., Pan, J. W., Md Noor Hafiz Abd Halim, Hasan Kuddoos Abu Bakar Maricar, & Hostler, D. (2024). Low back pain and biomechanical characteristics of back muscles in firefighters. Ergonomics, 67(5), 650-659. https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2023.2236821
Author
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Kan, Tommy Yew Weng
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Roslan Abdul Ghani Mohamed Jamil
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Pan, Jingwen
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Md Noor Hafiz Abd Halim
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Hasan Kuddoos Abu Bakar Maricar
•
Hostler, David
Abstract
Firefighters often experience low back pain (LBP), but their back muscle characteristics are not well studied. This study aimed to 1) compare the biomechanical characteristics of back muscles and self-reported back disabilities in frontline firefighters with and without LBP history, and 2) examine the relationships between back disability and biomechanical measurements. We recruited 42 male firefighters and assessed their perceived pain and disabilities, maximum isometric back extension strength, passive stiffness, and fatigability of the longissimus. 54.8% of the participants experienced LBP within the past year. Those indicating higher pain intensity also had greater disability as indicated by the Oswestry Disability Index. There were no significant differences in strength, stiffness or fatigability of the back muscles between firefighters with and without LBP history. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed no significant relationship between the back disability and any biomechanical or demographic measures, likely due to the high functional abilities of the participants.
Date Issued
2024
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Journal
Ergonomics
Dataset
https://doi.org/10.25340/R4/S6LYLR
Project
SCDF 4/19 KPW
Funding Agency
Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)
Home Team Science and Technology Agency
Ministry of Home Affairs (Singapore)