3-DIMENSIONAL MOTION ANALYSIS AND POSTERIOR ANNULUS PRESSURE MEASUREMENT OF THE LUMBAR SPINE DURING ‘FREE SQUAT’ WEIGHT LIFT TRAINING

Hypothesis: Athletes significantly alter their lumbar spinal motion when performing squat lifting at heavy weights. This altered motion effects a change in pressure in the posterior annulus of lumbar discs.Study Design:3-D motion analysis of lumbar spinal motion in athletes, during squat weight lifting.Pressure measurement of the posterior annulus following the motion analysis study.Methods: 48 athletes performed 6 lifts at 40% maximum, 4 lifts at 60% max and 2 lifts at 80% max. 3-D motion analysis system, measured lumbar spine motion. Exercise performed as a ‘free’ squat and repeated with a weight lifting support belt.4 cadaveric sheep spinal motion segments mounted in purpose built jig, replicating angulation seen in the in vivo motion study. These samples were then fixed to a tension/compression loading frame, replicating the forces seen in the in vivo study. Pressure measurement was achieved using a Flexiforce single element force sensor strip, positioned at the posterior annulus.Posterior annulus pre...