Importance of non-patient transfer activities in nursing-related back pain: II. Observational study and implications.

To determine the low back stressor exposures of hospital nursing staff members, the daily activities of 63 staff members were observed and coded. In addition to direct patient contact activities, non-patient contact activities were common. Many patient contact actions were static (isometric), requiring maintenance of an antigravity position which stresses the low back. These findings suggest the need to expand the focus of work practice training, equipment redesign, and future research activities.