DORTMUND Approach

Overview

The Dortmund Approach is a biomechanically grounded method for assessing the spinal load associated with manual load handling tasks. The method calculates the compressive force on the lumbar spine — specific ally the L4/L5 intervertebral disc — during lifting, lowering, holding, and carrying tasks, using biomechanical models that account for load weight, handling distance, posture, and the frequency and duration of exposure. The Dortmund Approach is particular ly valued for its ability to provide an absolute measure of spinal load — expressed in Newtons — that can be compared against established biomechanical tolerance limits for the lumbar spine.