IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

The effect of the interaction between asymmetric mouvement and muscular coactivation on lumbar loading in healthy subjects and subjects with lumbar back pain - Phase 1

Abstract

Lumbar loading resulting in damage to intervertebral discs is exacerbated by certain combinations of trunk movements, such as bending and leaning, which are common components of many tasks. Because most currently available models are static and two-dimensional, they are ill-suited to the study of those movements, which are three-dimensional. This project developed a three-dimensional model that evaluates the force exerted on intervertebral discs, taking into account of the level of muscle activation, and validated it through laboratory simulations of materials handling. Muscle coactivation was observed regardless of the specific task performed, was related to the nature of the movement performed, and resulted in higher-than-predicted disk forces. The model could help identify and understand the behaviour of biomechanical variables associated with the risk of back injuries.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0092-0300
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 1998
Research Field: Occupational Rehabilitation
Team:
  • Denis Gagnon (Université de Sherbrooke)
  • Patrick Loisel (Université de Sherbrooke)