Journal
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS
Volume 27, Issue 2, Pages 605-612Publisher
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2019.1620489
Keywords
observational learning; lower back disorders; movement (re)training; back school; manual materials handling
Funding
- Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders
- University of Toronto's Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education [Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program]
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Untrained observers alter their spine as directed via static images of different lifting techniques, with changes depending on the combination of postural characteristics pictured. Acute changes in lifting mechanics can be elicited via visual observation of pictured techniques, but additional instruction may be needed to attenuate peak lumbar flexion displacements and velocities.
Purpose. This study aimed to determine whether untrained observers alter their spine as directed via static images of different lifting techniques. Methods. Ten men and eight women, who had no lifting or visual observation training, performed box lifts. Following a self-selected lifting technique trial, participants performed four experimental lifting trials (in randomized order) wherein they were instructed to execute lifts in accordance with the techniques pictured. These techniques differed by the amount of knee, trunk and spine flexion modeled. Peak lumbar flexion angles and flexion/extension velocities were quantified, and then statistically analyzed via general linear models with two within-participant factors (condition = technique; phase = lift/lower). Results. Lumbar flexion angles and flexion/extension velocities differed between conditions (p < 0.001), although the effects depended on the combination of postural characteristics pictured. A main effect of phase was observed for peak lumbar flexion velocity only (p = 0.001). No condition x phase interaction effects were detected for any dependent variables (p > 0.050). Conclusions. Acute changes in lifting mechanics can be elicited via visual observation of pictured techniques. However, if using pictures to attenuate peak lumbar flexion displacements and velocities when lifting, auxiliary instruction may be needed to direct observers' attention to the spine curvature displayed.
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