Neuromuscular control of lifting in the elderly
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Updated: Oct 21, 2026

Assessment of Neuromuscular Function Using Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Published on: September 13, 2015
J M Brown1, J H Mills, A Baker
1Department of Biomedical Science, University of Wollongong, Australia.
Abstract:
The aim of this investigation was to determine, utilising an electromyographic (EMG) technique, the influence of the ageing process on the neuromotor control of the stoop-lift. Seven elderly (60-75 years) and seven young (18-25 years) subjects completed a series of ten unresisted (no weight) stoop-lifts. EMG potentials were recorded with 4-mm bipolar surface electrodes from the erector spinae and medial hamstring muscle groups. The temporal features of the stoop-lift itself were recorded with an electrogoniometer. The results of this investigation showed that the elderly subjects had a significantly (p < 0.05) earlier onset of the erector spinae muscle during the up-phase of the stoop-lift compared to the younger subjects. In addition, reactivation of the erector spinae muscle in the up-phase occurred at hand positions significantly (p < 0.05) closer to the floor in the elderly group indicating more stooped postures. Thus the EMG profiles of the erector spinae within the elderly subjects performing unresisted stoop-lifts approximated those previously reported in younger subjects performing resisted (with a weight) lifting. The earlier onset of the erector spinae in the up-phase of the stoop-lift was partially explained by a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in flexibility (sit and reach test) associated with the elderly subjects. The results further stress the potential for injury associated with the utilisation of the stoop-lift, particularly by elderly populations.
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