Estimation of loads in the lumbar spine during slow symmetrical lifts and a method for their reduction

Authors
Citation
Kd. Thomson, Estimation of loads in the lumbar spine during slow symmetrical lifts and a method for their reduction, P I MEC E H, 213(H4), 1999, pp. 293-299
Citations number
14
Categorie Soggetti
Mechanical Engineering
Journal title
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS PART H-JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE
ISSN journal
09544119 → ACNP
Volume
213
Issue
H4
Year of publication
1999
Pages
293 - 299
Database
ISI
SICI code
0954-4119(1999)213:H4<293:EOLITL>2.0.ZU;2-I
Abstract
During slow, symmetrical lifts the anterior abdominal wall buckles at about the level of L3 vertebra, causing a local reduction in the cross-sectional area of the abdominal cavity. Calculations are made on the effect this buc kling has on both lumbar vertebral compression and erector muscle tension. A simple exercise in statics shows that the size of the diaphragm is not re levant in determining the load relief due to intra-abdominal pressure, nor are the tensile loads in the abdominal muscles arising from this pressure. Finally a description is given of a simple harness worn on the torso, which is predicted to reduce substantially the loads in both the erector muscles and the lumbar vertebrae.