State Innovation Promotion of the Free State of Saxony

Biomechanical investigations on loading factors of connective tissue and derivations of movement recommendations for pain prevention and therapy of Saxony's working population

Due to the demographic change, the population in Saxony is becoming older than in the other German federal states, resulting in an increased prevalence of (chronic) pain in the locomotor system. Younger people are also increasingly affected by pain conditions, leading to a large number in days off work. Patients require long-term therapies, and pain can even lead to incapacity to work. Consequently, preserving and promoting the health of Saxony's working population must be given greater priority.

With the development of (chronic) pain and injuries of the musculoskeletal system, the focus is shifting to a long-neglected factor: the fibrous connective tissue/ fascia. Mechano and pain receptors within these tissues cause sensations of pain when inflammation and injuries occur within them. For example, changes in the fascia of the lower back are thought to be a common and overlooked cause of back pain, since fascia have their own pain receptors. To counteract such pathological tissue changes, it is necessary to identify optimal loading factors. Therefore, training recommendations should be provided for both preventive and rehabilitative purposes. Therefore, the implemented measurement tools will be evaluated and, on the basis of biomechanical tissue properties, used to evaluate morphological adaptations of the connective tissues (e.g. tendons). The final results will be used to design workplace-oriented movement programs focusing on connective tissues. These programs should help to reduce pain for workers in different areas of the workplace in a time-efficient manner, e. g. in the context of a company’s health promotion.

Funding period: January 2018 to December 2020

Contact:

Nicolai Kram, Telephone +49 371 531-34787, E-Mail nicolai.kram@hsw.tu-chemnitz.de