The purpose of this study was to evaluate a tool for assessing spinal compression of the lower back, compared to two other existing methods. The overall goal was efficiently and effectively identifying risk factors for reducing back injuries in industrial workplaces

The researchers evaluated an approach to measuring trunk angle (the angle of the torso in relation to either the pelvis or the ground) and estimating spinal compression (the forces squeezing together the bones of the spine) using a new device called the Virtual Corset™. The Virtual Corset ™ is potentially on par with laboratory based methods, but it is also user friendly and less expensive

Based on laboratory tests, the study found that the Virtual Corset™ accurately measured trunk angle, particularly when two of the devices (one torso-mounted and one pelvis-mounted) were used at the same time. For measuring trunk angle, the Virtual Corset™ has the potential to be used in back injury research, and for prevention and rehabilitation purposes

More research is recommended on the use of the Virtual Corset™ to estimate spinal compression