Research on "how to lift" training
The Cochrane Collaboration
The Cochrane Collaboration conducted a systematic review in 2011 to determine the effectiveness of manual handling advice and training and the use of assistive devices in preventing and treating back pain in workers.
Cochrane found moderate evidence to prove manual handling advice and training is no more effective at preventing back pain related disability than having no intervention.
Verbeek , J., Martimo , K., Karppinen, J., Kuijer , P., Viikari-Juntura, E., & Takala, E. (2011). Manual material handling advice and assistive devices for preventing and treating back pain in workers. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (6), Art. No.: CD005958. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005958.pub3
British Medical Journal
In 2008, research published in the British Medical Journal, concluded 'there is no evidence to support use of advice or training in working techniques for preventing back pain or consequent disability'.
The training interventions that were studied focused on lifting techniques, with training duration varying from a single session to training once a week for two years.
Martimo, K., Verbeek, J., Karppinen, J., Furlan, A., Takala, E., Kuijer , P., … Viikari-Juntura, E. (2008). Effect of training and lifting equipment for preventing back pain in lifting and handling: systematic review. British Medical Journal, 336(7641), 429—431. doi:10.1136%2Fbmj.39463.418380.BE
Postal workers study
In this study, approximately 4000 US postal workers were involved in a randomised control trial for more than five years from 1985 to 1990, to test the effectiveness of manual handling training.
The study included workers and supervisors being taught principles of back safety, core lifting and handling posture, exercises and pain management. A refresher training session occurred six months later and then on a yearly basis.
The study concluded that:
- the training program did not reduce the rate of lower back injury
- there was no significant difference in the median cost per injury
- there was no difference in the rate of musculoskeletal disorders or handling behaviours.
Halfway through the study, a survey was conducted to measure knowledge gained and behaviour changes made by the group. The survey found significant increases in the knowledge of safe lifting behaviour among workers, but no significant improvement in actual lifting behaviour or reduction in reported discomfort.
Daltroy, L., Iversen, M., Larson, M., Lew, R., Wright, E., Ryan, J., … Liang, M. (1997). A controlled trial of an educational program to prevent low back injuries. The New England Journal of Medicine, 337(5), 322—328.