Standard values of the upper body posture and postural control: a study protocol

Association between constitution, axiography, orthodontic cast analysis, and upper body posture in women aged 31 to 40 years

OBJECTIVE

Whether it is primarily the spine that reacts with pain to the negative consequences of everyday stress and possibly the temporomandibular system as a result (ascending chain), or whether incorrect stress in the dental area has an influence on body geometry (descending chain), is still a controversially discussed topic. The aim of this study is to investigate possible relationships between constitutional, axiographic, and dental parameters with upper body posture.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 106 subjectively healthy women between 31 and 40 years of age voluntarily participated in this study. Data collection was done by filling out a questionnaire with constitutional and anamnestic parameters and by evaluating orthodontic casts, axiographic measurements, and video raster stereographic measurements. These data were analyzed using correlations and group comparisons, with the significance level set at p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

Positive correlations were shown between the constitutional factors of body weight and BMI and the lumbar bending angle (p = 0.01), the kyphosis angle (p = 0.001), and lordosis angle (weight p = 0.05; BMI p = 0.03). In the cast analysis, regardless of the direction of the midline shift (left/right/none), a left lateral tilt can be seen which is greatest at 2.12° with a left midline shift. In addition, the elevated pelvic side correlates with the side of the displacement of the jaw, with the stronger manifestation being on the left side. With a vertical anterior bite in the normal range, the kyphosis angle is 48.09°, while with a deep bite, it is 60.92°, and with an open bite, it is 62.47°; thus, the group in the normal range differs significantly (p = 0.01) from the other two. The greater the protrusion, the smaller the sagittal plane angles (kyphosis angle, lumbar bending angle, each p = 0.03), and the more dorsal the posture (p = 0.04). The lordosis angle differs significantly (p = 0.001) between the group of subjects with a protrusion in the normal range (52.34°) and the group with an increased advancement of the mandible (41.79°).

CONCLUSION

There is a correlation between body weight, BMI, midline shift, and protrusion, as well as the vertical anterior step and upper body posture in women between 31 and 40 years of age. Interdisciplinary functional examinations of the temporomandibular musculature, and also sustained orthodontic treatment, can contribute to an improvement in upper body posture.

Upper body posture in Latin American dancers: a quantitative cross-sectional study comparing different postures

BACKGROUND

In Latin American dance sport (LD), the shoulder girdle and the torso area are particularly stressed due to the dance style specific requirements. The aim of the study was to define differences in various dance specific upper body postures in Latin American dancers and to show gender-specific differences.

METHODS

Three dimensional back scans were performed in n = 49 dancers (28 f/21 m). Five typical trunk positions in Latin American dance (habitual standing and 4 dance specific positions, P1-P5) were compared with each other. Statistical differences were calculated using the Man-Whitney U test, Friedmann test, Conover-Iman test and a Bonferroni-Holm correction.

RESULTS

Significant gender differences were found in P2, P3 and P4 (p ≤ 0.01-0.001). In P5, the frontal trunk decline, the axis deviation, the standard deviation of the rotation, the kyphosis angle and the shoulder as well as the pelvic rotation were also significantly different. The comparison of the postures showed significant differences between postures 1-5 (p ≤ 0.01-0.001) in the males, (scapular height, right and left scapular angles and pelvic torsion). Similar results were observed for the female dancers, with only the parameters of frontal trunk decline with the lordosis angle as well as the right and left scapular angles being non-significant.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is an approach to better understand the involved muscular structures in LD. Performing LD changes the static parameters of the upper body statics. Further projects are needed to analyse the field of dance even more thoroughly.

Musculoskeletal complaints, postural patterns and psychosocial workplace predictors in police officers from an organizational unit of a German federal state police force - a study protocol

BACKGROUND

Police officers are exposed to a particularly high risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and psychosocial stress due to their working conditions. Therefore, the aim of this project will be to assess the occupational physical and mental health of police officers from an organizational unit of the police force of a German federal state.

METHODS

The aim is to analyze at least 200 active police officers of a state police force in Germany between the age of 18 and 65 years. In a mixed-methods design, a video raster stereography-based measurement of the upper body posture and a modified version of the Nordic Questionnaire (NQ) will be used for investigating their physical health, while the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) and the Operational Police Stress Questionnaire (PSQ-Op) will be used to analyze their mental health. In addition, job-specific psychosocial factors at the workplace will be assessed (using self-designed questions that were previously evaluated in an expert interview).

DISCUSSION

To date, there is a lack of current questionnaire-based data on the prevalence of MSDs in police officers, or of MSDs associated with injuries or psychosocial workplace factors. Thus, in this study, these MSDs will be correlated with quantitative upper body posture data. If these results prove an increased physical and/or psychosocial stress, then the existing workplace health promotion measures should be analyzed and modified if necessary.

Standard values of the upper body posture in healthy adults with special regard to age, sex and BMI

In order to classify and analyze the parameters of upper body posture in clinical or physiotherapeutic settings, a baseline in the form of standard values with special regard to age, sex and BMI is required. Thus, subjectively healthy men and women aged 21-60 years were measured in this project. The postural parameters of 800 symptom-free male (n = 397) and female (n = 407) volunteers aged 21-60 years (Ø♀: 39.7 ± 11.6, Ø ♂: 40.7 ± 11.5 y) were studied. The mean height of the men was 1.8 ± 0.07 m, with a mean body weight of 84.8 ± 13.1 kg and an average BMI of 26.0 ± 3.534 kg/m². In contrast, the mean height of the women was 1.67 ± 0.06 m, with a mean body weight of 66.5 ± 12.7 kg and an average BMI of 23.9 ± 4.6 kg/m². By means of video rasterstereography, a 3-dimensional scan of the upper back surface was measured when in a habitual standing position. The means or medians, confidence intervals, tolerance ranges, the minimum, 2.5, 25, 50, 75, 97.5 percentiles and the maximum, plus the kurtosis and skewness of the distribution, were calculated for all parameters. Additionally, ANOVA and a factor analyses (sex, BMI, age) were conducted. In both sexes across all age groups, balanced, symmetrical upper body statics were evident. Most strikingly, the females showed greater thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis angles (kyphosis: Ø ♀ 56°, Ø♂ 51°; lordosis: Ø ♀ 49°, Ø♂ 32°) and lumbar bending angles (Ø ♀ 14°, Ø♂ 11°) than the males. The distance between the scapulae was more pronounced in men. These parameters also show an increase with age and BMI, respectively. Pelvic parameters were independent of age and sex. The upper body postures of women and men between the ages of 21 and 60 years were found to be almost symmetrical and axis-conforming with a positive correlation for BMI or age. Consequently, the present body posture parameters allow for comparisons with other studies, as well as for the evaluation of clinical (interim) diagnostics and applications.

Standard reference values of the upper body posture in healthy male adults aged between 51 and 60 years in Germany

Comparative values are essential for the classification of orthopedic abnormalities and the assessment of a necessary therapy. At present, reference values for the upper body posture for healthy, male adults exist for the age groups of 18-35, 31-40 and 41-50 years. However, corresponding data on the decade of 51 to 60 year-old healthy men are still lacking. 23 parameters of the upper body posture were analyzed in 102 healthy male participants aged 51-60 (55.36 ± 2.78) years. The average height was 180.76 ± 7.81 cm with a weight of 88.22 ± 14.57 kg. The calculated BMI was 26.96 ± 3.92 kg/m2. In the habitual, upright position, the bare upper body was scanned three-dimensionally using video raster stereography. Mean or median values, confidence intervals, tolerance ranges and group comparisons, as well as correlations of BMI and physical activity, were calculated for all parameters. The spinal column parameters exhibited a good exploration of the frontal plane in the habitual standing position. In the sagittal plane, a slight, ventral inclination of the trunk with an increased kyphosis angle of the thoracic spine and increased thoracic bending angle was observed. The parameters of the pelvis showed a pronounced symmetry with deviations from the 0° axis within the measurement error margin of 1 mm/1°. The scapula height together with the scapula angles of the right and left side described a slightly elevated position of the left shoulder compared to the right side. The upper body posture is influenced by parameters of age, height, weight and BMI. Primarily there are significant correlations to measurements of trunk lengths D (age: p ≤ 0.02, rho = -0.23; height: p ≤ 0.001, rho = 0.58; weight: p ≤ 0.001, rho = 0.33), trunk lengths S (age: p ≤ 0.01, rho = -0.27; height: p ≤ 0.001, rho = 0.58; weight: p ≤ 0.001, rho = 0.32), pelvic distance (height: p ≤ 0.01, rho = 0.26; weight: p ≤ 0.001, rho = 0.32; BMI: p ≤ 0.03, rho = 0.22) and scapula distance (weight: p ≤ 0.001, rho = .32; BMI: p ≤ 0.01, rho = 0.27), but also to sagittal parameters of trunk decline (weight: p ≤ 0.001, rho = -0.29; BMI: p ≤ 0.01, rho = -0.24), thoracic bending angle (height: p ≤ 0.01, rho = 0.27) and kyphosis angle (BMI: p ≤ 0.03, rho = 0.21). The upper body posture of healthy men between the ages of 51 and 60 years was axially almost aligned and balanced. With the findings of this investigation and the reference values obtained, suitable comparative values for use in clinical practice and for further scientific studies with the same experimental set-up have been established.

Standard reference values of the upper body posture in healthy male adults aged between 31 and 40 years in Germany-an observational study

Background

In order to classify and analyze the parameters of upper body posture, a baseline in the form of standard values is demanded. To this date, standard values have only been published for healthy men aged 18–35 and 41–50 years. Data for male adults aged between 31 and 40 years are lacking.

Methods

The postural parameters of 101 symptom-free male volunteers aged 31–40 (35.58 ± 2.88) years were studied. The mean height of the men was 179.89 ± 7.38 cm, with a mean body weight of 86.36 ± 11.58 kg and an average BMI of 26.70 ± 3.35 kg/m². By means of video rasterstereography, a 3-dimensional scan of the upper back surface was measured in a habitual standing position. The means or medians, confidence interval, tolerance range, and group comparisons and correlations of BMI and physical activity were calculated for all parameters.

Results

The habitual standing position was found to be almost symmetrical and the axis aligned in the spine, pelvis, and shoulder region, while the spine position was marginally inclined ventrally. The kyphosis angle of the thoracic spine was greater than the lordosis angle of the lumbar spine. All deviations fell under the measurement error margin of 1 mm/1°. The greater the BMI, the greater was the pelvic and scapular distance. The lower the BMI, the further caudally positioned was the right shoulder. The pelvic and scapular distances were also lower with the increasing athleticism of the participants.

Conclusion

The upper body posture of men between the ages of 31 and 40 years was found to be almost symmetrical and axis-conforming, with the kyphosis angle, pelvic distance, and shoulder distance enlarging with increasing BMI. Consequently, postural parameters presented in this survey allow for comparisons with other studies, as well as the evaluation of clinical diagnostics and applications.

Symmetrical dental occlusion blocking - changes of body sway and weight distribution in healthy subjects across 4 age decades

Objectives

Symmetrical dental occlusion blocking is used in dentistry as a quick diagnostic tool to test for potential influences of the craniomandibular system on body sway and weight distribution. This study presents the changes of body sway and pressure distribution in healthy subjects, free of a temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). Immediate effects between occlusal blocking and rest position on body sway and body weight distribution in general, as well as for both genders and for four age decades will be evaluated.

Materials and methods

725 (396f/329 m) subjects (neither subjective signs of TMD nor acute/chronic complaints in the musculoskeletal system) volunteered (21 to 60 years) while both genders were divided into four age groups according to decades. A pressure measuring platform was used. Body sway and weight distribution were recorded in two dental occlusion conditions (a) in rest position and (b) symmetrical blocking (bicuspid region) by cotton rolls.

Results

Both, the frontal sway and the sagittal sway reduced by 0.67 mm (t(724) = − 3.9 (p <  0.001)) and by 0.33 mm (t(724) = − 3.4 (p <  0.001)). The relative pressure under the left forefoot increased by 0.33% (t(724) = 2.88 (p <  0.001)) and the relative pressure overall under the forefoot increased by 0.67% (t(724) = − 3.4 (p <  0.001)). Gender-specific, age-specific and BMI-specific reactions could not be identified.

Conclusions

Subjects, free of any TMD and with no complaints of the musculoskeletal system, show small changes of the body sway and weight distribution when biting symmetrically on a cotton roll. These changes are independent of age, gender or body mass index (BMI). Due to the relative large sample size, the presented results can also be seen as norm values when body sway is used as an additional assessment of a TMD.

Standard reference values of the upper body posture in healthy middle-aged female adults in Germany

In order to classify and analyze the parameters of upper body posture, a baseline in form of standard values is demanded. To this date, standard values have only been published for healthy young women. Data for female adults between 51 and 60 years are lacking. 101 symptom-free female volunteers aged 51–60 (55.16 ± 2.89) years. The mean height of the volunteers was 1.66 ± 0.62 m, with a mean body weight of 69.3 ± 11.88 kg and an average BMI of 25.02 ± 4.55 kg/m². By means of video raster stereography, a 3D-scan of the upper back surface was measured in a habitual standing position. The confidence interval, tolerance range and ICCs were calculated for all parameters. The habitual standing position is almost symmetrical in the frontal plane the most prominent deviation being a slightly more ventral position of the left shoulder blade in comparison to the right. The upper body (spine position) is inclined ventrally with a minor tilt to the left. In the sagittal plane, the kyphosis angle of the thoracic spine is greater than the lordosis angle of the lumbar spine. The pelvis is virtually evenly balanced with deviations from an ideal position falling under the measurement error margin of 1 mm/1°. There were also BMI influenced postural variations in the sagittal plane and shoulder distance. The ICCs are calculated from three repeated measurements and all parameters can be classified as "almost perfect". Deflections from an ideally symmetric spinal alignment in women aged 51–60 years are small-scaled, with a minimal frontal-left inclination and accentuated sigmoidal shape of the spine. Postural parameters presented in this survey allow for comparisons with other studies as well as the evaluation of clinical diagnostics and applications.

Systematic changes of the static upper body posture with a symmetric occlusion condition

Background

Temporary occlusal changes and their influence on the upper body statics are still controversially discussed. Furthermore, concrete statements on whether age- or gender-specific differences in neurophysiological reactions exist are missing. Therefore, it is the aim of this study to evaluate the immediate effects of a symmetrical occlusion blocking on the upper body posture. These effects shall be investigated for both genders and for a larger age range.

Methods

In this study, 800 (407f/393 m) subjects volunteered aged from 21 to 60 years. Both genders were divided into four age groups according to decades. The three-dimensional upper body posture was measured by using the rasterstereography (ABW-Bodymapper). The habitual static posture was measured in two dental occlusion conditions (a) in rest position and (b) symmetrical blocking in the bicuspid region by cotton rolls.

Results

A significant reduction of the trunk length (0.72 mm; p <  0.001), an increase of the lumbar (0.30°; p <  0.001) and the thoracic bending angle (0.14°; p = 0.001), a reduction of the spinal forward decline (0.16°; p <  0.001) and a reduction of the scapular distance (0.36 mm; p = 0.001) was found. Gender-specific reactions can only be recorded in scapular distance, in that regard men reduce this distance while over all age groups women did not show a significant change.

Discussion

Slight gender- and age-independent reactions due to a symmetric occlusion blockade are shown: A gender independent reaction of the spinal related variables in the sagittal plane (thoracic and lumbar flexion angle, trunk length, spinal forward decline). In addition, a gender specific change of the shoulder blade distance could be observed, where men reduced the distance while female did not show a change. However, since these reactions are of a minimum amount, it can be concluded that neurophysiological compensation mechanisms work equally well regardless of age and sex, and the upper body posture of healthy people changes only very slightly due to a temporarily symmetrical altered bite position.

Standard reference values of the postural control in healthy female adults aged between 31 and 40 years in Germany: an observational study

BACKGROUND

To detect deviations from a normal postural control, standard values can be helpful for comparison purposes. Since the postural control is influenced by gender and age, the aim of the present study was the collection of standard values for women between 31 and 40 years of age.

METHODS

For the study, 106 female, subjectively healthy, German subjects aged between 31 and 40 years (35 ± 2.98 years) were measured using a pressure measuring platform.

RESULTS

Their average BMI was 21.60 ± 4.65 kg/m2. The load distribution between left and right foot was almost evenly balanced with a median 51.46% load on the left [tolerance interval (TR) 37.02%/65.90%; confidence interval (CI) 50.06/52.85%] and 48.54% [TR 43.10/62.97%; CI 47.14/49.93%] on the right foot. The median forefoot load was 33.84% [TR 20.68/54.73%; CI 31.67/37.33%] and the rearfoot load was measured at 66.16% [TR 45.27/79.33%; CI 62.67/68.33%]. The median/mean body sway in the sagittal plane was measured 12 mm [TR 5.45/23.44 mm; CI 11.00/14.00 mm] and 8.17 mm in the frontal plane [TR 3.33/19.08 mm; CI 7.67/9.33 mm]. The median of the ellipse area is 0.72 cm2 [TR 0.15/3.69 cm2; CI 0.54/0.89°]. The ellipse width has a median of 0.66 cm [TR 0.30/1.77 cm; CI 0.61/0.78 cm] and the height of 0.33 cm [TR 0.13/0.71 cm; CI 0.30/0.37 cm]. The ellipse angle (sway, left forefoot to right rearfoot) has a mean of - 19.34° [TR - 59.21/- 0.44°; CI - 22.52/- 16.16°] and the ellipse angle sway from right forefoot to left rearfoot has a mean of 12.75° [TR 0.09/59.09°; CI 9.00/16.33°].

CONCLUSION

The right-to-left ratio is balanced. The forefoot-to-rearfoot ratio is approximately 1:2. Also, the body sway can be classified with 12 and 8 mm as normal. The direction of fluctuation is either approx. 19° from the left forefoot to the right rearfoot or approx. 13° the opposite. Body weight, height, and BMI were comparable to the German average of women in a similar age group, so that the measured standard values are representative and might serve as baseline for the normal function of the balance system in order to support the diagnosis of possible dysfunctions in postural control.

Standard reference values of the upper body posture in healthy male adults aged between 41 and 50 years in Germany

BACKGROUND

Classifications of posture deviations are possible when they can be compared to the standard values for healthy persons. Standard values for healthy male adults aged between 41 and 50 years are currently missing.

METHODS

100 healthy volunteers (41-50 years old; 45.37 ± 3.06 years) were included in the study. Their body weight ranged from 68 to 132 kg (88.76 ± 15.93 kg), their heights from 1.64 to 2.0 m (1.81 ± 0.07 m) and the Body Mass Index (BMI) ranged from 19.0 kg/m² to 37.7 kg/m² (26.2 ± 3.96 kg/m²). A three-dimensional back scan was performed to quantify the upper back posture during habitual standing. The upper and lower limit for 95% of the tolerance regions and the left and right limit of the confidence interval were calculated.

RESULTS

The upper body posture of the subjects was close to the symmetry, or 0°, axis. There was a moderate ventral upper body inclination with a slight left lateral axial deviation and rotation of the spine to the right. An enhanced kyphotic posture was observed in the sagittal plane in the area of the thoracic spine. The shoulder and pelvis areas were almost balanced.

CONCLUSION

Healthy males between 41 and 50 years were found to have an almost balanced posture with minimal ventral body inclination and a marginal scoliotic deviation. These values allow a comparison with other studies for control and patient data and may serve as basis in both clinical practice and scientific studies.

Influence of typical handball characteristics on upper body posture and postural control in male handball players

Background

Well defined constitutional parameters support the physical fatigue resistance in handball to maintain the performance level for the majority of actions. Ideal constitutional conditions are necessary to achieve these physiological advantages in handball. But limited knowledge exists about the upper body posture or the postural control in correlation to the Body Mass Index (BMI), playing years, playing position and throwing arm in professional male handball.

Methods

Ninety-one male handball players participate (24.1 ± 5.9 years; playing experience 16.6 ± 5.7 years). A three-dimensional back scanner and a pressure measuring plate were used.

Results

Correlations between BMI and upper body posture and postural control were not significant. Same counts for the comparison between the left and right throwing arm according to upper body posture and postural control (p ≥ 0.05). Correlations between the years of playing can be found at pelvis height (p ≤ 0.04) and for the length of the Center of Pressure (CoP) (p ≤ 0.01). Wing players are 6.5-8.5 cm smaller. The playing position is independently of BMI, age or upper body posture (p ≥ 0.05). Backcourt players have a higher load of the left and a lower load of the right foot compared to wing players (p ≤ 0.001). Left-right comparison (p ≤ 0.001/ 0.01) can be seen in pivot player (covered area), backcourt player (weight distribution left/right [rear] foot), wing player (weight and force distribution left/right foot, covered area).

Conclusion

Goalkeeper, Backcourt and pivot players are taller and heavier than wing players. These physiological demands are not detectable in the upper body posture and slightly in postural control. Wing players have the most asymmetric load distribution and the longest length of CoP. Since goalkeepers do not differ from pivot or backcourt players, this can be lead back to the same training.

Standard reference values of the postural control in healthy young female adults in Germany: an observational study

OBJECTIVE

Many people of all ages suffer from vertigo due to different reasons. The comparison of patient data with standard values can highlight deteriorations or changes in postural control and thus indicate, for example, an increased risk of falling. Our aim is to measure standard values for the postural control of young healthy women.

DESIGN

Observational study.

SETTING

Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt/Main.

PARTICIPANTS

106 healthy German female subjects aged between 21 and 30 years (25±2.7 years) were measured. Their average body mass index (BMI) was 21.1±2.61 kg/m².

OUTCOME MEASURES

A pressure measuring platform was used to measure the weight distribution and postural sway in habitual standing. Median, tolerance range and CI were calculated.

RESULTS

Height, weight and BMI are comparable to the average young German female population. The load distribution between right and left foot was 49.91%:50.09%. The forefoot was less loaded than the rear foot (33.3%:66.67%). The right rear foot carried most of the body weight (34.34%). The average body sway was 9.50 mm in the frontal and 13.00 mm in the sagittal plane.

CONCLUSIONS

Standard values for the postural control of the women aged 21-30 years correlate with the already collected data of healthy subjects and can therefore be described as representative. The standard values enable diagnosing and treating impaired balance.

Standard reference values of the upper body posture in healthy young female adults in Germany: an observational study

OBJECTIVE

Classifications of posture deviations are only possible compared with standard values. However, standard values have been published for healthy male adults but not for female adults.

DESIGN

Observational study.

SETTING

Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt/Main.

PARTICIPANTS

106healthy female volunteers (21-30 years old; 25.1±2.7 years) were included. Their body weight ranged from 46 to 106 kg (60.3±7.9 kg), the heights from 1.53 to 1.82 m (1.69±0.06 m) and the body mass index from 16.9 kg/m² to 37.6 kg/m² (21.1±2.6 kg/m²).

OUTCOME MEASURES

A three-dimensional back scan was performed to measure the upper back posture in habitual standing. The tolerance ranges and CI were calculated. Group differences were tested by the Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

In normal posture, the spinal column was marginally twisted to the left, and the vertebrae were marginally rotated to the right. The kyphosis angle is larger than the lumbar angle. Consequently, a more kyphotic posture is observed in the sagittal plane. The habitual posture is slightly scoliotic with a rotational component (scapular depression right, right scapula marginally more dorsally, high state of pelvic right, iliac right further rotated anteriorly).

CONCLUSIONS

Healthy young women have an almost ideally balanced posture with minimal ventral body inclination and a marginal scoliotic deviation. Compared with young males, women show only marginal differences in the upper body posture. These values allow a comparison to other studies, both for control and patient data, and may serve as guideline in both clinical practice and scientific studies.

Postural sway, working years and BMI in healthy truck drivers: an observational study

OBJECTIVES

The following study analyses the influence of risk factors among the occupational group of truck drivers on postural control and body mass index (BMI).

DESIGN

Observational study.

SETTING

One motorway station close to several highways in Germany.

PARTICIPANTS

180 truck drivers (177 male/3 female), aged 21-65 years old, took part in this study.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Postural control was examined using a pressure plate. In order to examine the influence of body weight (BMI) and working years on postural control, subjects were divided into samples of five and three groups, respectively. Furthermore, it was evaluated whether the subjects suffered from back pain. For data analysis, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used as the data were not normally distributed. Once the p value of the Kruskal-Wallis test was p≤0.05, the Conover-Iman comparison and afterwards the Bonferroni-Holm correction were used. The significance level was set at α ≤0.05.

RESULTS

Regarding the number of working years, a significant increase of frontal (p≤0.04) and sagittal (p≤0.001) sway were observed. The correlation of the five BMI groups with the number of working years demonstrates that an increase of the working years leads to an increase of BMI (p≤0.03). Furthermore, the majority of truck drivers participating in this study suffered from back pain (61.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

BMI and musculoskeletal impairment are indicators of health risk factors. In this study, it is shown that an increasing number of working years and an increasing BMI lead to a decrease in frontal and sagittal postural sway. In addition, the number of working years correlates with body weight and back pain.