The Effect of a Variable Lumbar Erector Spinae Sagittal Plane Moment Arm on Predicted Spinal Loading

Abstract

Recent research indicates that the sagittal plane moment arm of the erector spinae decreases at the L₅/S₁ level during torso flexion. The objective of this study was to assess the predicted L₅/S₁ spinal loading from a lifting task when allowing the erector spinae sagittal plane moment arm to vary during torso flexion. Nineteen male subjects lifted three loads from two origin locations to an upright neutral posture. Spinal loading was predicted from an EMG-assisted biomechanical model that allowed the erector spinae moment arm to vary during torso flexion. The predicted lateral, anterior-posterior shear and compression forces increased by 7.4%, 11.1% and 6.6%, respectively, when compared to using a biomechanical model that kept the erector spinae moment arm constant. These results suggest that models that account for the varying erector spinae moment arm predict greater spinal loads, especially for motions that involve a large degree of torso flexion.

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