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Relative lumbar and pelvic motion during loaded spinal flexion/extension
J M Nelson1, R P Walmsley, J M Stevenson
1School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Spine
|January 15, 1995
Summary
Lumbar-pelvic rhythm differs based on lift direction. Simultaneous motion is more common during down lifts (flexion), while sequential motion is more prevalent during up lifts (extension).
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human movement analysis
- Spinal kinematics
Background:
- Discrepancies exist regarding the sequential versus simultaneous nature of pelvic and lumbar spine rotations during bending and lifting.
- Understanding lumbar-pelvic rhythm is crucial for analyzing trunk motion during functional tasks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamic interplay between the lumbar spine and pelvis during trunk motion.
- To ascertain how the direction of lift (ascending vs. descending) influences lumbar-pelvic rhythm.
Main Methods:
- Thirty healthy women (19-35 years) participated.
- Electromagnetic tracking (3Space Tracker System) monitored simultaneous lumbar and pelvic motion.
- Subjects performed loaded lifting and lowering of a 9.5 kg box with extended knees.
Main Results:
- Lumbar and pelvic motion occurred simultaneously during both flexion and extension.
- A greater degree of separation between lumbar and pelvic movements was observed during ascending lifts compared to descending lifts.
Conclusions:
- Lumbar-pelvic rhythm is direction-dependent, varying with trunk flexion and extension.
- Simultaneous lumbar and pelvic rotation was more characteristic of down lifts (flexion).
- Sequential rotation of the lumbar spine and pelvis was more evident during up lifts (extension).