Lumbar Flexion During Driving: Establishing a Methodology for Characterising Real-Time Posture Data Collected by Innovative Technology

Abstract

Objective

To determine a methodology for the analysis of real-time driving posture data in the low back pain population.

Background

The strength of the relationship between driving posture and low back pain is yet to be defined due to the lack of studies in the field using validated and repeatable posture measurement tools. Reliable and validated real-time measurement tools are now available, yet reliable methods of analysis of these data are yet to be established.

Method

Ten occupational drivers completed a typical work shift while wearing an inertial motion sensor system (dorsaVi ViMove). Real-time lumbar flexion data were extracted, with test–retest reliability of mean lumbar flexion, peak lumbar flexion, and standard deviation of lumbar flexion analysed at different times across a work shift, and in different sections within a drive.

Results

Mean lumbar flexion was highly repeatable over numerous drives in one day, with greater test–retest reliability if the first five minutes of driving data were excluded. Peak lumbar flexion had acceptable test-retest reliability over numerous drives in one day, while standard deviation of lumbar flexion was not a repeatable measure.

Conclusion

Mean lumbar flexion was a reliable outcome for characterising driving posture in drivers with low back pain. Peak lumbar flexion may be used if appropriate to the individual study. Standard deviation of lumbar flexion is not a reliable posture outcome.

Application

This paper provides a reliable methodology for analysis of real-time driving posture data in occupational drivers with low back pain.

Keywords

car sitting analysis low back pain reliability

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