Abstract
The incidence of back injury is a significant problem in heavy industry, but little is known about the demands placed on the spinal mechanism during functional types of locomotion such as might be used in the workplace. In this study electromyography was used to analyze the activity of erector spinae and rectus abdominis muscles in 18 normal male subjects during level walking, stair climbing, stair descent, ramp climbing and ramp descent. Body segment position in the sagittal plane was recorded on high speed cinefilm. Comparison between the five different locomotion types showed significant differences in segment positions, range of motion and myoelectric activity. The results of this study could be used by occupational therapists to design assessment instruments, work hardening programs and modifications to the workplace for back injured clients and to recommend prevention programs for persons at risk for low-back injury.
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