The present case-control study identified the relative contribution of demographic, physical demand, physical fitness as well as occupational and individual psychosocial variables to back-related work disability in the US Army. Soldiers diagnosed with a lumbosacral strain and medically discharged from the Army (n=174) were compared with non-disabled controls (n=173). Data were obtained from the US Army Health Risk Appraisal (HRA). For cases, these data predated disability determination by 1 to 3 years. For controls, the HRA was completed during the same time period. Significant predictors of back disability were: age, lower rank, infrequent aerobic exercise, higher work stress, worries and lower social support.

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