How does BACK-TRACK Back-To-Work Work?

Click here to see how BACK-TRACK Pro works.

Data Collection: The Device

The BACK-TRACK device attaches to an individual's belt or waistband and measures trunk flexion (the angle at which the individual bends over). When the device senses that the programmed thresholds have been exceeded, (defaults have been pre-set but can be amended remotely over the web), it vibrates to alert the user about their undesirable lifting technique. There are two preset thresholds, one for leaning (which has a delay function also) and one for stooping (which alerts the user immediately). For rehabilitation, these thresholds can be amended to suit the client (by an OH professional).

The Back-To-Work product also has an activity detection function. For effective rehabilitation, it is necessary for an individual to maintain a minimum amount of activity per hour. An OH professional can set an activity target of say 5 minutes per hour and the BACK-TRACK Back-To-Work will record activity events and if the target is missed, the BACK-TRACK will vibrate to remind the wearer.

The device also records these events, listing the date and time of an event. Each device has a unique ID encoded within it to identify individual users. When the user connects the device to a PC (via USB) or recharging rack at the end of their shift, the data automatically uploads to an online reporting system. Data Transfer Software downloaded from the BACK-TRACK website is required to upload the collected data.

Review: The Reports

The BACK-TRACK Back-To-Work report is very simple - download an example here.

There is a page that tells the OH professional about exposure to excessive forward flexion and a page that shows the individuals activity (or inactivity) and whether targets have been reached or not.

These are accessed by logging into the BACK-TRACK website from any web enabled browser (including even iPhones, etc), selecting the period of interest, and individual. Within about 5 seconds, the report is generated as a PDF which can be saved, printed, emailed etc.

Back-To-Work reports are only accessible by an OH professional.

Feedback: 1-on-1 Conversations

The Back-To-Work product is effective because there is no-where to hide. The OH professional knows exactly what an individual is doing, whether there is a pattern to the forward flexion numbers and discuss the activity results etc and all of this can be done either face to face or remotely. By feeding back appropriate information to a manager, a rehabilitation plan can be discussed.

It is possible for the OH Professional to keep online notes of dialogue with the individual. These are confidential and our "permissions" levels do not enable supervisors nor managers access to this section of the BACK-TRACK interface.

It is desirable to start the rehabilitation process prior to an absence and with BACK-TRACK Back-To-Work and an OH professional providing appropriate guidance, a rehabilitation and care plan can usually prevent the condition worsening. BACK-TRACK have created a number of back-care guides for rehabilitation which are industry specific. Our General guide is available for review here.