Relation between intra-abdominal pressure and lumbar moments when lifting weights in the erect posture

Abstract

Several investigations have shown that during physical activity there is a relationship between the magnitude of trunk stresses and increases in intraabdominal pressure (IAP). This study was undertaken to quantify this relationship for moments acting at lumbar level (L4/5) during lifting activities. Fourteen young males performed a series of 60 bimanual lifts in the sagittal plane in 12 different hand positions, while standing in an erect posture. In each hand position, loads ranging from 59 to 706 N were selected in order to apply identical forces at the shoulder, whatever the hand-shoulder distance. The moment about L4/5 was determined through a biomechanical model deriving data from the subject's anthropometry and the photographically recorded posture.

Results showed that IAP was well correlated with the lumbar moment in all the hand positions but one, whose postural configuration put some limitations on the exertion of force. When data from that position were excluded, IAP (kPa) was related to the moment (Nm) at L4/5 level by y=0·079x−1127 (r=0·75). IAP measurement may thus be used as an index of spinal stress in real-life lifting tasks.

Keyword:

• Abdominal pressure
• Trunk stress
• Biomechanical model
• Lumbar forces

Additional information

Notes on contributors

PH. MAIRIAUX

Work Physiology Unit, B.P. 3038, Catholic University of Louvain, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium