The effect of voluntary diaphragmatic activation on back lifting

The effect of increased intraabdominal pressure upon the activation of the erector spinae muscles during back lifting was studied in 10 healthy volunteers. The intraabdominal pressure was increased by voluntary prelifting coactivation of the diaphragm and the abdominal muscles. EMG was recorded with surface electrodes over the diaphragm and the erector spinae, abdominal and intercostal muscles. The EMG signals were rectified and averaged from 20 lifts of 10 kg with and without pressurization to give mean level of activity during 2 s before lifting and during successive angular positions of the trunk during lifting. In 7 of the 10 subjects the pre-lifting coactivation of diaphragm and abdominal muscles reduced erector spinae activity at lift-off and/or during the trunc erecting movement. An increased intraabdominal pressure thus often has an unloading effect on the erector spinae muscle during back lifting.