The role of back muscle endurance, maximum force, balance and trunk rotation control regarding lifting capacity

Abstract

Evaluation of lifting capacity is widely used as a reliable instrument in order to evaluate maximal and safe lifting capacity. This is of importance in regard to planning rehabilitation programs and determining working ability. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of basic functions on the lifting capacity measured by the progressive isoinertial lifting evaluation (PILE) and the functional capacity evaluation (FCE) tests in a lower (floor to waist) and an upper (waist to shoulder) setting and compare the two test constructs. Seventy-four female subjects without acute low back pain underwent an examination of their lifting capacities and the following basic functions: (1) strength and endurance of trunk muscles, (2) cardiovascular endurance, (3) trunk mobility and (4) coordination ability. A linear regression model was used to predict lifting capacity by means of the above-mentioned basic functions, where the F statistics of the variables had to be significant at the 0.05 level to remain in the model. Maximal force in flexion showed significant influence on the lifting capacity in both the PILE and the FCE in the lower, as well as in the upper, lifting task. Furthermore, there was a significant influence of cardiovascular endurance on the lower PILE and also of endurance in trunk flexion on the lower FCE. Additional inclusion of individual factors (age, height, weight, body mass index) into the regression model showed a highly significant association between body height and all lifting tasks. The r (2) of the original model used was 0.19/0.18 in the lower/upper FCE and 0.35/0.26 in the lower/upper PILE. The model r (2) increased after inclusion of these individual factors to between 0.3 and 0.4. The fact that only a limited part of the variance in the lifting capacities can be explained by the basic functions analyzed in this study confirms the assumption that factors not related to the basic functions studied, such as lifting technique and motor control, may have a strong influence on lifting capacity. These results give evidence to suggest the inclusion of an evaluation of lifting capacity in clinical practice. Furthermore, they raise questions about the predictive value of strength and endurance tests in regard to lifting capacity and work ability.

Muscular Performance Assessment of Trunk Extensors: A Critical Appraisal of the Literature

“…In most studies, about three MVC are measured at short periods intervals; sometimes additional trials are permitted and the best result of the contractions is selected (Demoulin et al, 2006a;Schenk et al, 2006).…”

Maximum acceptable weight of lift reflects peak lumbosacral extension moments in a functional capacity evaluation test using free style, stoop and squat lifting

“…This is supported by the suggestion of Nussbaum and Lang (2005) that relative joint demands may determine MAWL and the relation found between back muscle activity levels and decisions to modify weights during tests of MAWL (Jorgensen et al 1999, Davis et al 2000. On the other hand, Schenk et al (2006) found that only 18-19% of the variance in MAWL, assessed using a functional capacity evaluating (FCE) lifting test, could be accounted for by basic capacities such as strength and endurance of the trunk muscles. Although trunk capacity partially explained MAWL, several uncertainties remain, including the effect of differences in lifting technique.…”

The functional fitness capacity of adults with Down syndrome in South Africa

“…Schenk et al (2006) determined that the abdominal muscles contribute to the stabilisation of the lumbar spine in both lateral and frontal positions when lifting objects. Thus, without sufficient abdominal strength one can expect that the individual is likely to develop lower back pain and as a consequence the person becomes less mobile and less functional.…”

“…It has already been highlighted that adequate abdominal strength elicits high performance scores on general ability tasks, as well as provide stabilisation of the lumbar spine for many essential basic activities such as lifting, pulling and pushing (Michaelides et al, 2009;Schenk et al, 2006). Levinger et al (2007) showed that resistance training which included abdominal training, improved the capacity to perform ADL and this result was independent of changes in body fat or aerobic power.…”