The influence of hip extensor and lumbar spine extensor strength on lumbar spine loading during a squat lift

Weakness of the hip extensors and lumbar spine extensors has been proposed to contribute to greater demands on the lumbar spine during lifting. The purpose of the current study was to examine the associations among strength of the hip and lumbar spine extensors, lumbar spine extensor moments and lumbar paraspinal muscle activation during a squat lift task. Twenty-seven healthy females participated. Strength of the hip and lumbar spine extensors was measured using a dynamometer. Lumbar spine moments and lumbar paraspinal muscle activity were quantified during the concentric phase of the squat lifting task. There was a significant positive association between lumbar extensor strength and average lumbar extensor moment during lifting (r = 0.498, p = 0.008). Similarly, hip extensor strength was positively associated with the average lumbar extension moment (r = 0.382, p = 0.049). Hip extensor strength was negatively associated with activation of the lumbar paraspinal muscles during lifting (ρ = -0.382, p = 0.049). Stronger individuals are more likely to use their hip extensors and lumbar spine extensors to perform a squat lift task. In contrast, those with lower strength employ subtle biomechanical changes to reduce lumbar spine demand.