Björn Äng - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Björn Äng

BMJ Open, 2015

To estimate the prevalence of self-rated musculoskeletal pain and pain limiting work ability in S... more To estimate the prevalence of self-rated musculoskeletal pain and pain limiting work ability in Swedish Armed Forces (SAF) marines, and to study factors potentially associated with pain limiting work ability for the most prevalent pain regions reported. Population-based, cross-sectional survey. There were 272 SAF marines from the main marine battalion in Sweden included in the study. Self-assessed musculoskeletal pain and pain limiting the marines' work ability within a 6-month period, as obtained from structured questionnaires. The association of individual, health and work-related factors with musculoskeletal pain limiting work ability was systematically regressed with multiple logistic models, estimating OR and 95% CI. Musculoskeletal pain and pain limiting work ability were most common in the back, at 46% and 20%, and lower extremities at 51% and 29%, respectively. Physical training ≤1 day/week (OR 5.3, 95% CI 1.7 to 16.8); body height ≤1.80 m (OR 5.0, 95% CI 1.6 to 15.1) and ≥1.86 m (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.4 to 14.1); computer work 1/4 of the working day (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.0 to 10.0) and ≥1/2 (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 10.1) of the working day were independently associated with back pain limiting work ability. None of the studied variables emerged significantly associated with such pain for the lower extremities. Our findings show that musculoskeletal pain and resultant limitations in work ability are common in SAF marines. Low frequency of physical training emerged independently associated with back pain limiting work ability. This suggests that marines performing physical training 1 day per week or less are suitable candidates for further medical evaluation and secondary preventive actions. While also associated, body height and computer work need further exploration as underlying mechanisms for back pain limiting work ability. Further prospective studies are necessary to clarify the direction of causality.

Spine, 2009

The study was a randomized controlled trial. Treatment was for 8 weeks, with follow-up posttreatm... more The study was a randomized controlled trial. Treatment was for 8 weeks, with follow-up posttreatment and at 6-, 12-, and 36- months. The purpose was to evaluate the effect of a graded exercise intervention emphasizing stabilizing exercises in patients with nonspecific, recurrent low back pain (LBP). Exercise therapy is recommended and widely used as treatment for LBP. Although stabilizing exercises are reportedly effective in the management of certain subgroups of LBP, such intervention protocols have not yet been evaluated in relation to a more general exercise regimen in patients with recurrent LBP, all at work. Seventy-one patients recruited consecutively (36 men, 35 women) with recurrent nonspecific LBP seeking care at an outpatient physiotherapy clinic were randomized into 2 treatment groups; graded exercise intervention or daily walks. The primary outcome was perceived disability and pain at 12-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included physical health, fear-avoidance, and s...

Human Movement, 2008

Purpose. The aim of this controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of a combined sensorimotor ... more Purpose. The aim of this controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of a combined sensorimotor skill and strength training program on postural steadiness in junior females performing rhythmic sports gymnastics. Basic procedures. Twenty-six rhythmic sports athletes, aged 9 to 12 years, were randomized into one of two groups; a 6-week experimental group or to a control group, (during the 2004-2005 training period). In the experimental group, a sensorimotor and back-muscle-strengthening regime was added to the everyday training, while the control group continued with their ordinary training. Before and after the intervention, and at a 12-month follow, bipedal-stance center of foot pressure (CoP) sway area was examined with a statokinesigram indicating amplitude of vertical pressure fluctuations after stimulation of the vestibular system, and the distribution of body weight between legs. Main findings. At the 6week follow-up, the experimental group had a larger decrement in CoP sway area (-59%, p = 0.004) and in asymmetrical body weight distribution (-58%, p < 0.001) compared to the control group (-0.1% and 2.3%, respectively), but not at the 12-month followup. Conclusions. The present sensorimotor skill and strength training program indicated short-term improved postural steadiness in rhythmic sports athletes. Exercises that specifically emphasize somatosensory and back strength aspects of training for postural steadiness may advantageously be integrated into their training routines.

Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 2005

The aim was to evaluate the reliability of a method of measuring neck muscle fatigue among helico... more The aim was to evaluate the reliability of a method of measuring neck muscle fatigue among helicopter pilots. Method: Surface EMG from three areas in the neck region, bilaterally, was recorded among 10 male helicopter pilots while they were performing isometric contractions in flexion and extension for 45 s, sustaining a force representing 75% of maximum strength in a seated position. Perceived fatigue was rated using the Borg CR-10 scale. The test was repeated twice the first day and then two additional times with one-week intervals. Variables analyzed were the slope of the median frequency change, the normalized slope, and the ratings after 15, 30 and 45 s; and also the initial median frequency (IMDF). The intra-class correlation (ICC) and the measurement error (S w ), intra-and inter-day were calculated statistically.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 2005

Background: When working in darkness, helicopter pilots often use night vision goggles (NVG) and ... more Background: When working in darkness, helicopter pilots often use night vision goggles (NVG) and a counterweight (CW) attached to the helmet. In addition, missions also entail whole-body vibration and ergonomically unfavorable neck and body postures. The present aim was to assess the mechanical load and compare it with previously published data comprising recordings of muscle activity induced by different head-worn equipment used by helicopter pilots.

BMJ Open, 2015

To estimate the prevalence of self-rated musculoskeletal pain and pain limiting work ability in S... more To estimate the prevalence of self-rated musculoskeletal pain and pain limiting work ability in Swedish Armed Forces (SAF) marines, and to study factors potentially associated with pain limiting work ability for the most prevalent pain regions reported. Population-based, cross-sectional survey. There were 272 SAF marines from the main marine battalion in Sweden included in the study. Self-assessed musculoskeletal pain and pain limiting the marines&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; work ability within a 6-month period, as obtained from structured questionnaires. The association of individual, health and work-related factors with musculoskeletal pain limiting work ability was systematically regressed with multiple logistic models, estimating OR and 95% CI. Musculoskeletal pain and pain limiting work ability were most common in the back, at 46% and 20%, and lower extremities at 51% and 29%, respectively. Physical training ≤1 day/week (OR 5.3, 95% CI 1.7 to 16.8); body height ≤1.80 m (OR 5.0, 95% CI 1.6 to 15.1) and ≥1.86 m (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.4 to 14.1); computer work 1/4 of the working day (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.0 to 10.0) and ≥1/2 (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 10.1) of the working day were independently associated with back pain limiting work ability. None of the studied variables emerged significantly associated with such pain for the lower extremities. Our findings show that musculoskeletal pain and resultant limitations in work ability are common in SAF marines. Low frequency of physical training emerged independently associated with back pain limiting work ability. This suggests that marines performing physical training 1 day per week or less are suitable candidates for further medical evaluation and secondary preventive actions. While also associated, body height and computer work need further exploration as underlying mechanisms for back pain limiting work ability. Further prospective studies are necessary to clarify the direction of causality.

Spine, 2009

The study was a randomized controlled trial. Treatment was for 8 weeks, with follow-up posttreatm... more The study was a randomized controlled trial. Treatment was for 8 weeks, with follow-up posttreatment and at 6-, 12-, and 36- months. The purpose was to evaluate the effect of a graded exercise intervention emphasizing stabilizing exercises in patients with nonspecific, recurrent low back pain (LBP). Exercise therapy is recommended and widely used as treatment for LBP. Although stabilizing exercises are reportedly effective in the management of certain subgroups of LBP, such intervention protocols have not yet been evaluated in relation to a more general exercise regimen in patients with recurrent LBP, all at work. Seventy-one patients recruited consecutively (36 men, 35 women) with recurrent nonspecific LBP seeking care at an outpatient physiotherapy clinic were randomized into 2 treatment groups; graded exercise intervention or daily walks. The primary outcome was perceived disability and pain at 12-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included physical health, fear-avoidance, and s...

Human Movement, 2008

Purpose. The aim of this controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of a combined sensorimotor ... more Purpose. The aim of this controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of a combined sensorimotor skill and strength training program on postural steadiness in junior females performing rhythmic sports gymnastics. Basic procedures. Twenty-six rhythmic sports athletes, aged 9 to 12 years, were randomized into one of two groups; a 6-week experimental group or to a control group, (during the 2004-2005 training period). In the experimental group, a sensorimotor and back-muscle-strengthening regime was added to the everyday training, while the control group continued with their ordinary training. Before and after the intervention, and at a 12-month follow, bipedal-stance center of foot pressure (CoP) sway area was examined with a statokinesigram indicating amplitude of vertical pressure fluctuations after stimulation of the vestibular system, and the distribution of body weight between legs. Main findings. At the 6week follow-up, the experimental group had a larger decrement in CoP sway area (-59%, p = 0.004) and in asymmetrical body weight distribution (-58%, p < 0.001) compared to the control group (-0.1% and 2.3%, respectively), but not at the 12-month followup. Conclusions. The present sensorimotor skill and strength training program indicated short-term improved postural steadiness in rhythmic sports athletes. Exercises that specifically emphasize somatosensory and back strength aspects of training for postural steadiness may advantageously be integrated into their training routines.

Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 2005

The aim was to evaluate the reliability of a method of measuring neck muscle fatigue among helico... more The aim was to evaluate the reliability of a method of measuring neck muscle fatigue among helicopter pilots. Method: Surface EMG from three areas in the neck region, bilaterally, was recorded among 10 male helicopter pilots while they were performing isometric contractions in flexion and extension for 45 s, sustaining a force representing 75% of maximum strength in a seated position. Perceived fatigue was rated using the Borg CR-10 scale. The test was repeated twice the first day and then two additional times with one-week intervals. Variables analyzed were the slope of the median frequency change, the normalized slope, and the ratings after 15, 30 and 45 s; and also the initial median frequency (IMDF). The intra-class correlation (ICC) and the measurement error (S w ), intra-and inter-day were calculated statistically.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 2005

Background: When working in darkness, helicopter pilots often use night vision goggles (NVG) and ... more Background: When working in darkness, helicopter pilots often use night vision goggles (NVG) and a counterweight (CW) attached to the helmet. In addition, missions also entail whole-body vibration and ergonomically unfavorable neck and body postures. The present aim was to assess the mechanical load and compare it with previously published data comprising recordings of muscle activity induced by different head-worn equipment used by helicopter pilots.