Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 30, 2025

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Small Animal Bone Compression Testing for Research
Published on: December 1, 2023
The mechanical loading of the spine in physical activities
Robin Schäfer1,2, Katharina Trompeter3,4, Daniela Fett3
1Department of Sports Medicine and Sports Nutrition, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany. robin.schaefer@rub.de.
Purpose:
To summarize the mechanical loading of the spine in different activities of daily living and sports.
Methods:
Since the direct measurement is not feasible in sports activities, a mathematical model was applied to quantify spinal loading of more than 600 physical tasks in more than 200 athletes from several sports disciplines. The outcome is compression and torque (normalized to body weight/mass) at L4/L5.
Results:
The data demonstrate high compressive forces on the lumbar spine in sport-related activities, which are much higher than forces reported in normal daily activities and work tasks. Especially ballistic jumping and landing skills yield high estimated compression at L4/L5 of more than ten times body weight. Jumping, landing, heavy lifting and weight training in sports demonstrate compression forces significantly higher than guideline recommendations for working tasks.
Conclusion:
These results may help to identify acute and long-term risks of low back pain and, thus, may guide the development of preventive interventions for low back pain or injury in athletes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Normal Strain under Axial Loading
Impact Loading
In cases of elastic deformation,...
Residual Stresses in Bending
Stress: General Loading Conditions
The shearing force, possessing potential directionality within the plane of the section, is simplified into two component forces running parallel to the x and y axes....
Eccentric Axial Loading in a Plane of Symmetry
Relation between Poisson's ratio, Modulus of Elasticity and Modulus of Rigidity

