Nurses and EMS workers frequently suffer musculoskeletal injuries at a disproportionate rate in relation to the rest of the population. This problem poses a great threat to the healthcare industry. The most common form of this injury is lumbar spine injury. In a previous study, it was determined that the valgus knee, asymmetrical lifting technique, and rotation of the trunk and pelvis. An intervention was then created based on weightlifting to specifically reduce these issues. The purpose of this study was to determine the learnability of this intervention among nursing students, and if further implementation could be used in an introductory nursing course.
Methods:
Following IRB approval, seventeen Nursing students (11 females, 6 males) with no current lifting restrictions were recruited to complete the study. Following completion of informed consent. Data were collected through an XSENS motion capture system with 17 different sensors placed on different anatomical locations to identify body segments (foot, shank, thigh, pelvis, spine, upper arm, forearm) and joints (ankle, knee, hip, L5S1, shoulder, elbow, wrist). Body measurement were obtained for calibration purposes, then basic demographic data collected, including the average hours of weightlifting activities performed each week. Participants were advised to complete three repetitions of the following movements using a 34 kg mannequin: 1) the direct patient lift from the floor 2) lift from the floor with mannequin attached to rigid spine board 3) the push portion of the horizontal transfer 4) the pull portion of the horizontal transfer. The intervention was conducted with the participants, and three repetitions of each movement were performed using the newly learned techniques. One month later participants returned to perform each of the motions again
Results:
Preliminary results indicate improvements in the angles of the knees, hips, and waist, and about the L5S1 joint post intervention. Improvements were present at the one-month post intervention collection, but not at a level as high as immediately after the intervention training. Further analysis to be completed.
Conclusion:
The intervention created showed a significant change from the initial lifts. This intervention could be implemented in an introductory nursing class to foster a fundamental understanding of proper lifting techniques. Less injuries in nurses and EMS workers would benefit the general welfare and the healthcare industry. More longitudinal studies may be necessary to better understand the long-term effects of this intervention on the reduction of lumbar spine injury rates.