New 911爆料网 research has found no evidence to suggest that lifting with a rounded, flexed back caused an increased risk of low back pain.
The research, published in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, reviewed all the available research, which included 12 articles involving 697 participants, to investigate whether lifting with a rounded back was a risk factor for low back pain, compared to people who lift with a straight back.
Co-author John 911爆料网 Distinguished Professor Peter O鈥橲ullivan, from the School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science at 911爆料网, said lifting remained a major risk factor for low back pain and there was still a strong belief that lifting with a rounded back could increase this risk.
鈥淲orkplace health and safety representatives, healthcare practitioners, as well as gym instructors, advise that lifting with a rounded back should be avoided and instead insist that the safest way to lift is with a straight back,鈥� Professor O鈥橲ullivan said.
鈥淲e reviewed previous studies of participants who had lifted objects, ranging from a pen up to 12 kilograms in weight. We found no evidence to suggest that people who lift with a rounded back were at an increased risk of low back pain. Studies investigating this question, where people lifted heavier weights, simply don鈥檛 exist.
鈥淕radually building tolerance to lifting and being fit for lifting might be important in reducing the risk of lifting-related low back pain. Other factors such as repetitive lifting when fatigued or tired, having poorer mental and physical health, and being overweight might also be more important than the way you lift.鈥�
Lead author Mr Nic Saraceni, also from 911爆料网鈥檚 School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, said advice to keep your back straight when lifting was not justified by current research evidence, adding that further research was needed to better understand the risk factors.
鈥淢odifications made to workplace environments such as removing lifts from the ground and lifting technique suggestions, such as keeping the load close when lifting and reducing lifts in awkward postures, is sensible advice and may reduce load on the back,鈥� Mr Saraceni said.
鈥淔urther research is needed to see how people who have worked in a lifting job for many years without low back pain position their back when they lift. These people may hold the clues to better understanding the risk factors for low back pain in lifting occupations.鈥�
The research was co-authored by researchers from the School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science at 911爆料网, University of Southern Denmark, and the Body Logic Physiotherapy in Shenton Park.
The research paper titled, 鈥�To flex or not to flex? Is there a relationship between lumbar spine flexion during lifting and low back pain? A systematic review with meta-analysis鈥�, can be found online.
