Effectiveness of a manual furniture handling device in reducing low back disorders risk factors

Low back disorders (LBDs) are prevalent in the manual furniture moving industry. However, few practical lifting aids are available, especially when handling objects requiring two movers. A belt system, the GRIPSystem™, has been developed to assist movers who operate in pairs while lifting heavy and awkward furniture. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of this manual device in reducing key low back disorders risk factors. Twelve experienced movers (9 male and 3 female) were recruited to participate in this study. The participants lifted three household furniture items, at three varied weights, with and without the lifting device, while trunk kinematics and 10 muscle EMG signals were recorded. The results showed that the device significantly lowered the kinematics and muscle activity of the lower back, as well as the risk of LBDs. Other potential benefits of the device are also discussed. However, further studies are needed to confirm the device's effectiveness in reducing LBDs in the moving industry.Relevance to IndustryThis study has an immediate relevance to the moving industry and potentially other industries (e.g., paramedics and fire fighting). The approach may provide a cost-effective intervention for reducing LBDs among workers who perform two-person lifting and carrying of large objects.