Static ergonomic strength testing in evaluating occupational back pain.

Quantitatively describing work limitation due to occupational back pain is difficult. Static ergonomic strength testing (SEST) was employed as part of a multidisciplinary evaluation program for occupational back pain, providing a quantitative description of lift ability in several positions. Comparison of intrasubject with intersubject variation confirmed that SEST did truly measure a personal characteristic. The expected degree of intrasubject variability is independent of the degree of impairment and provides a guide for detecting inadequate subject efforts. The technique allows worker-specific work restriction limitations to be recommended.