Age-related biomechanical differences during asymmetric lifting

Abstract This study investigated age-related biomechanical differences during asymmetric lifting. Eleven younger and twelve older participants were instructed to lift loads of different weights to an asymmetric destination. The trunk kinematics and low back moments were examined. The results showed that older adults adopted safer lifting strategies compared with younger adults. Specifically, the peak trunk sagittal flexion angle was 32% lower and the peak trunk transverse twisting angle was 22% lower in older adults compared with those in younger adults. It was also found that the average low back moment in the deposit phase was 32% higher in older adults than that in younger adults, most probably due to the age-related increased body weight. Based on these findings and the fact of age-related decreased muscle strengths, physical exercise programs were suggested to be more effective than instructions of safe lifting strategies in LBP risk reduction during asymmetric lifting for older adults. For younger adults, safe lifting strategy instructions might be effective to reduce risks of LBP. Relevance to industry Lifting tasks are very common in occupational settings which are often associated with low back pain (LBP). The findings from the present study can aid in better understanding differences in LBP risks of asymmetric lifting between older and younger adults. Implications on ergonomic interventions for reducing LBP risks of asymmetric lifting have been discussed as well based on these findings.

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