Subjects were found to move from a more neutral (in flexion)
to a more kyphotic (in extension) lumbar curvature during
lifting tasks, particularly while lifting heavier objects. This
suggests increased involvement at the extreme of the range
of curvatures that may result in increased risk of injury.
The subjects in this study were healthy, inexperienced,
young adults. A future study might also examine experienced
workers. If a kyphotic posture during lifting is a risk
factor for low back injuries, experienced workers may be
found to avoid the lifting patterns observed in inexperienced
workers. Future studies should also be performed to see if
subjects exhibiting pronounced kyphotic postures go on to
exhibit a higher incidence of low back injury. Finally, future
studies should examine the possibility of training subjects to
avoid excessively kyphotic postures. Such training may be a
method to reduce low back injury risk.
Acknowledgements