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Research on the Mechanism of Spinal Stability Under Body Load

Received: 31 October 2024     Accepted: 13 November 2024     Published: 3 December 2024
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Abstract

In modern society, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and spinal problems has become increasingly concerning, particularly among students and working professionals who regularly carry heavy loads. The growing awareness of health issues related to load carrying has sparked significant research interest in this field. This study investigated the mechanisms of spinal stability under various loading conditions among college students. While backpacks are essential in daily life, their impact on spinal biomechanics and potential injury risks remains a concern. Twenty university students (10 males, 10 females) participated in this research examining the effects of different load magnitudes (0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, and 30% body weight) and carrying durations on spinal stability. Using three-dimensional motion capture, force platform measurements, and surface electromyography, we analyzed participants' postural control and muscle activity during both static stance and dynamic walking conditions at various gradients (0°, 5°, 10°, 20°). Results showed that loads exceeding 20% body weight caused significant alterations in spinal alignment, with forward lean angles increasing by 7-8 degrees at 30% body weight loading. During inclined walking, the combination of slope and load had multiplicative effects, with 30% body weight load at 20° slope resulting in approximately 10-12 degrees more spine forward flexion compared to level ground. Prolonged loading (60 minutes) led to a 30-35% increase in center of pressure sway range, indicating deteriorated postural control. EMG analysis revealed significant muscle fatigue, with erector spinae and multifidus muscles showing primary roles in maintaining spinal stability. Recovery of spinal stability parameters required approximately 30 minutes following heavy load carrying. These findings provide important guidance for establishing evidence-based recommendations for load carrying among college students and emphasize the need for appropriate rest periods and carrying techniques to maintain spinal health.

Published in International Journal of Sports Science and Physical Education (Volume 9, Issue 4)
DOI 10.11648/j.ijsspe.20240904.14
Page(s) 72-78
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

College Students, Spinal Stability, Backpack Carriage, Biomechanical

References
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[2] Ramprasad M, Alias J, Raghuveer AK. Effect of backpack weight on postural ang les in preadolescent children, Indian pediatrics, 2010, 47(7): 575-580.
[3] Grimmer K, Dansie B, Milanese S, et al. Adolescent standing postural response to backpack loads: a randomized controlled experimental study, BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2002, 3(1): 10.
[4] Chow D H K, Hin C K F, Ou D, et al. Carry-over effects of backpack carriage on trunk posture and repositioning ability, International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 2011, 41(5): 530-535.
[5] Hong Y, Brueggemann GP. Changes in gait patterns in 10-year-old boys with increasing loads when walking on a treadmill, Gait&posture, 2000, 11(3): 254-259.
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[7] Singh T, Koh M. Effects of backpack load position on spatiotemporal parameters and trunk forward lean, Gait & posture, 2009, 29(1): 49-53.
[8] Al-Khabbaz YSSM, Shimada T, Hasegawa M. The effect of backpack heaviness on trunk-lower extremity muscle activities and trunk posture, Gai&posture, 2008, 28(2): 297-302.
[9] Investigating the effects of postural habits and awareness on early adolescent's internet addiction levels, International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 2024, 36(2): 143-149.
[10] PASCOE DD, PASCOE DE, WANG YT, et al. Influence of carrying book bags on gait cycle and posture of youths, Ergonomics, 1997, 40(6): 631-641.
[11] Negrini S, Negrini A. Postural effects of symmetrical and asymmetrical loads on the spines of schoolchildren, Scoliosis, 2007, 2(8): 1-7.
[12] Orloff H A, Rapp C M. The effects of load carriage on spinal curvature and posture, Spine, 2004, 29(12): 1325-1329.
[13] Vaghela NP, Parekh SK, Padsala D, Patel D. Effect of backpack loading on cervical and sagittal shoulder posture in standing and after dynamic activity in school going children, J Family Med Prim Care. 2019 Mar; 8(3): 1076-1081.
[14] Janakiraman B, Ravichandran H, Demeke S, Fasika S. Reported influences of backpack loads on postural deviation among school children: A systematic review, J Educ Health Promot. 2017 May 5;6:41.
[15] Mexi A, Kafetzakis I, Korontzi M, Karagiannakis D, Kalatzis P, Mandalidis D. Effects of Load Carriage on Postural Control and Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters during Level and Uphill Walking, Sensors (Basel). 2023 Jan 5; 23(2): 609.
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[17] Perrone, M.; Orr, R.; Hing, W.; Milne, N.; Pope, R. The Impact of Backpack Loads on School Children: A Critical Narrative Review. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15, 2529.
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[19] Pinupong C, Jalayondeja W, Mekhora K, et al. The Effects of Ramp Gradients and Pushing–Pulling Techniques on Lumbar Spinal Load in Healthy Workers,Safety and Health at Work, 2020, 11(3): 307-313.
Cite This Article
  • APA Style

    Ren, J., Xiao, H. (2024). Research on the Mechanism of Spinal Stability Under Body Load. International Journal of Sports Science and Physical Education, 9(4), 72-78. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsspe.20240904.14

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    ACS Style

    Ren, J.; Xiao, H. Research on the Mechanism of Spinal Stability Under Body Load. Int. J. Sports Sci. Phys. Educ. 2024, 9(4), 72-78. doi: 10.11648/j.ijsspe.20240904.14

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    AMA Style

    Ren J, Xiao H. Research on the Mechanism of Spinal Stability Under Body Load. Int J Sports Sci Phys Educ. 2024;9(4):72-78. doi: 10.11648/j.ijsspe.20240904.14

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  • @article{10.11648/j.ijsspe.20240904.14,
      author = {Jianchang Ren and Haili Xiao},
      title = {Research on the Mechanism of Spinal Stability Under Body Load
    },
      journal = {International Journal of Sports Science and Physical Education},
      volume = {9},
      number = {4},
      pages = {72-78},
      doi = {10.11648/j.ijsspe.20240904.14},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsspe.20240904.14},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijsspe.20240904.14},
      abstract = {In modern society, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and spinal problems has become increasingly concerning, particularly among students and working professionals who regularly carry heavy loads. The growing awareness of health issues related to load carrying has sparked significant research interest in this field. This study investigated the mechanisms of spinal stability under various loading conditions among college students. While backpacks are essential in daily life, their impact on spinal biomechanics and potential injury risks remains a concern. Twenty university students (10 males, 10 females) participated in this research examining the effects of different load magnitudes (0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, and 30% body weight) and carrying durations on spinal stability. Using three-dimensional motion capture, force platform measurements, and surface electromyography, we analyzed participants' postural control and muscle activity during both static stance and dynamic walking conditions at various gradients (0°, 5°, 10°, 20°). Results showed that loads exceeding 20% body weight caused significant alterations in spinal alignment, with forward lean angles increasing by 7-8 degrees at 30% body weight loading. During inclined walking, the combination of slope and load had multiplicative effects, with 30% body weight load at 20° slope resulting in approximately 10-12 degrees more spine forward flexion compared to level ground. Prolonged loading (60 minutes) led to a 30-35% increase in center of pressure sway range, indicating deteriorated postural control. EMG analysis revealed significant muscle fatigue, with erector spinae and multifidus muscles showing primary roles in maintaining spinal stability. Recovery of spinal stability parameters required approximately 30 minutes following heavy load carrying. These findings provide important guidance for establishing evidence-based recommendations for load carrying among college students and emphasize the need for appropriate rest periods and carrying techniques to maintain spinal health.
    },
     year = {2024}
    }
    

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  • TY  - JOUR
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    AU  - Jianchang Ren
    AU  - Haili Xiao
    Y1  - 2024/12/03
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    AB  - In modern society, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and spinal problems has become increasingly concerning, particularly among students and working professionals who regularly carry heavy loads. The growing awareness of health issues related to load carrying has sparked significant research interest in this field. This study investigated the mechanisms of spinal stability under various loading conditions among college students. While backpacks are essential in daily life, their impact on spinal biomechanics and potential injury risks remains a concern. Twenty university students (10 males, 10 females) participated in this research examining the effects of different load magnitudes (0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, and 30% body weight) and carrying durations on spinal stability. Using three-dimensional motion capture, force platform measurements, and surface electromyography, we analyzed participants' postural control and muscle activity during both static stance and dynamic walking conditions at various gradients (0°, 5°, 10°, 20°). Results showed that loads exceeding 20% body weight caused significant alterations in spinal alignment, with forward lean angles increasing by 7-8 degrees at 30% body weight loading. During inclined walking, the combination of slope and load had multiplicative effects, with 30% body weight load at 20° slope resulting in approximately 10-12 degrees more spine forward flexion compared to level ground. Prolonged loading (60 minutes) led to a 30-35% increase in center of pressure sway range, indicating deteriorated postural control. EMG analysis revealed significant muscle fatigue, with erector spinae and multifidus muscles showing primary roles in maintaining spinal stability. Recovery of spinal stability parameters required approximately 30 minutes following heavy load carrying. These findings provide important guidance for establishing evidence-based recommendations for load carrying among college students and emphasize the need for appropriate rest periods and carrying techniques to maintain spinal health.
    
    VL  - 9
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