The mechanical loading of the spine in physical activities

Robin Schäfer; Katharina Trompeter; Daniela Fett; Kai Heinrich; Johannes Funken; Steffen Willwacher; Gert-Peter Brüggemann; Petra Platen

doi:10.1007/s00586-023-07733-1

The mechanical loading of the spine in physical activities

Robin Schäfer
, Katharina Trompeter
, Daniela Fett
, Kai Heinrich
, Johannes Funken
, Steffen Willwacher
, Gert-Peter Brüggemann
, Petra Platen

Institute of Biomechanics and Orthopaedics

Publication: Contribution to journal › Journal articles › Research › peer-review

Abstract

PURPOSE: To summarize the mechanical loading of the spine in different activities of daily living and sports.

METHODS: Since the direct measurement is not feasible in sports activities, a mathematical model was applied to quantify spinal loading of more than 600 physical tasks in more than 200 athletes from several sports disciplines. The outcome is compression and torque (normalized to body weight/mass) at L4/L5.

RESULTS: The data demonstrate high compressive forces on the lumbar spine in sport-related activities, which are much higher than forces reported in normal daily activities and work tasks. Especially ballistic jumping and landing skills yield high estimated compression at L4/L5 of more than ten times body weight. Jumping, landing, heavy lifting and weight training in sports demonstrate compression forces significantly higher than guideline recommendations for working tasks.

CONCLUSION: These results may help to identify acute and long-term risks of low back pain and, thus, may guide the development of preventive interventions for low back pain or injury in athletes.

Original language	English
Journal	European Spine Journal
ISSN	1432-0932
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-023-07733-1
Publication status	Published - 11.05.2023

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

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Force Profile of Functional Leg Muscle Groups in Curve Sprinting - Preliminary Results
Funken, J., Zedler, M., Lüdorff, S., Alt, T., Heinrich, K. & Potthast, W., 12.07.2023, ISBS Conference Proceedings Archive: 41st International Society of Biomechanics in Sports Conference. Milwaukee: International Society of Biomechanics in Sports, Vol. 41. p. 1-4 4 p.
Publication: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution - Article for conference › Research › peer-review

Open Access

Citation

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abstract = "PURPOSE: To summarize the mechanical loading of the spine in different activities of daily living and sports.METHODS: Since the direct measurement is not feasible in sports activities, a mathematical model was applied to quantify spinal loading of more than 600 physical tasks in more than 200 athletes from several sports disciplines. The outcome is compression and torque (normalized to body weight/mass) at L4/L5.RESULTS: The data demonstrate high compressive forces on the lumbar spine in sport-related activities, which are much higher than forces reported in normal daily activities and work tasks. Especially ballistic jumping and landing skills yield high estimated compression at L4/L5 of more than ten times body weight. Jumping, landing, heavy lifting and weight training in sports demonstrate compression forces significantly higher than guideline recommendations for working tasks.CONCLUSION: These results may help to identify acute and long-term risks of low back pain and, thus, may guide the development of preventive interventions for low back pain or injury in athletes.",

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T1 - The mechanical loading of the spine in physical activities

AU - Schäfer, Robin

AU - Trompeter, Katharina

AU - Fett, Daniela

AU - Heinrich, Kai

AU - Funken, Johannes

AU - Willwacher, Steffen

AU - Brüggemann, Gert-Peter

AU - Platen, Petra

PY - 2023/5/11

Y1 - 2023/5/11

N2 - PURPOSE: To summarize the mechanical loading of the spine in different activities of daily living and sports.METHODS: Since the direct measurement is not feasible in sports activities, a mathematical model was applied to quantify spinal loading of more than 600 physical tasks in more than 200 athletes from several sports disciplines. The outcome is compression and torque (normalized to body weight/mass) at L4/L5.RESULTS: The data demonstrate high compressive forces on the lumbar spine in sport-related activities, which are much higher than forces reported in normal daily activities and work tasks. Especially ballistic jumping and landing skills yield high estimated compression at L4/L5 of more than ten times body weight. Jumping, landing, heavy lifting and weight training in sports demonstrate compression forces significantly higher than guideline recommendations for working tasks.CONCLUSION: These results may help to identify acute and long-term risks of low back pain and, thus, may guide the development of preventive interventions for low back pain or injury in athletes.

AB - PURPOSE: To summarize the mechanical loading of the spine in different activities of daily living and sports.METHODS: Since the direct measurement is not feasible in sports activities, a mathematical model was applied to quantify spinal loading of more than 600 physical tasks in more than 200 athletes from several sports disciplines. The outcome is compression and torque (normalized to body weight/mass) at L4/L5.RESULTS: The data demonstrate high compressive forces on the lumbar spine in sport-related activities, which are much higher than forces reported in normal daily activities and work tasks. Especially ballistic jumping and landing skills yield high estimated compression at L4/L5 of more than ten times body weight. Jumping, landing, heavy lifting and weight training in sports demonstrate compression forces significantly higher than guideline recommendations for working tasks.CONCLUSION: These results may help to identify acute and long-term risks of low back pain and, thus, may guide the development of preventive interventions for low back pain or injury in athletes.

U2 - 10.1007/s00586-023-07733-1

DO - 10.1007/s00586-023-07733-1

M3 - Journal articles

C2 - 37166549

SN - 1432-0932

JO - European Spine Journal

JF - European Spine Journal

ER -

The mechanical loading of the spine in physical activities

Abstract

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Force Profile of Functional Leg Muscle Groups in Curve Sprinting - Preliminary Results

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