John D. Lloyd, PhD, CPE
Board Certified Ergonomist
32824 Michigan Avenue
San Antonio, Florida 33576
Tel: 813-624-8986
Email: DrJohnLloyd@Tampabay.RR.com
Development of A Seated Device for Measuring Diurnal Variability in Stature Compression
Problem: A reliable non-invasive device for measuring spinal compression is required.
Methods: Twenty-three subjects were marked externally at the C7 spinal process. Two investigators collected measures of participant seated spinal length. Comparisons were made using ANOVA between 1) three sets of repeated measures, 2) inhalation and exhalation, 3) morning and afternoon sessions and 4) week one to week two.
Results: Inter-rater reliability between two investigators was excellent. A significant difference was found in mean difference scores between same day morning and afternoon measures but not between weeks or inhalation and exhalation.
Conclusions: The measurement apparatus described herein was proven to be highly reliable and provides an excellent opportunity to investigate the relationship between diurnal compression and back pain in the workplace.
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