Background context
Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent and costly musculoskeletal disorder that often occurs in the working-age population. Although numerous physical activities have been implicated in its complex etiology, determining causation remains challenging and requires a methodologically rigorous approach.
Purpose
To conduct a systematic review of the scientific literature focused on establishing a causal relationship between awkward occupational postures and LBP.
Study design
Systematic review of the literature using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Occupational Safety and Health database, gray literature, hand-searching occupational health journals, reference lists of included studies, and experts. Evaluation of methodological quality using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies. Summary levels of evidence for each of the Bradford Hill criteria for causality for each category of awkward occupational posture and type of LBP.