Method for objective assessment of physical work load at the workplace.

This paper presents a method for objective assessment of physical work load at the workplace. The method is based on the DynaPort ADL Monitor. Using accelerometry, this monitor enables the assessment of gross motor activity as it occurs during the activities of daily living (ADL). A case study is conducted to explore the usefulness of the monitor in support of occupational research. The focus is on the cause and reduction of mechanical low back pain (LBP). A patient suffering from mechanical LBP participated in the study. He worked as messenger in contrast with his usual occupation. The patient was examined in both occupations using the monitor. The ADL profiles indicated that the messenger job was more likely to cause LBP than the other occupation of a mechanic.