Spinal loading in static and dynamic postures: EMG and intra-abdominal pressure study

Abstract

The difference in physiological stress between static posture loading and dynamic lift is poorly understood. Therefore, the quantitative pattern of gradual increase and decrease of stress as measured by EMG of erectores spinae at T₁₂ and L₃ and intraabdominal pressure (IAP) due to steady progressive loading and unloading in static stooping posture was studied and compared with that of stoop lifting of the same weight. For dynamic loading and unloading a steady flow of 25 kg of water into or out of a plastic tub held in the hand while maintaining a stooping posture was used. The subjects also performed stoop lifting weights of 15 and 25 kg. In static posture loading the mean EMG at T₁₂ was approximately 50% of the L₃ level. During unloading in that posture it was reduced to 33%. The level of electromyographic activity at T₁₂ for loading was not significantly different from unloading. At L₃ however, the magnitude increased significantly for unloading. The EMG and intraabdominal pressure responses of static posture were between 33 and 50% of the corresponding phases during stoop lifting of the same weight. An insignificant difference in IAP and heart rate between static posture loading and stoop lifting indicates a less critical role of IAP and no difference in cardiac stress in less stressful tasks.