Kinematic Analysis of Lifting by Individuals with Lower Back Pain and Fear of Movement

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of impaired trunk movements during lifting in people with lower back pain (WLBP) with fear of movement.

Methods: Twenty-six WLBP and eighteen pain-free healthy workers (HW) were recruited. We calculated the peak angular velocity of trunk and motion time during lifting an object. WLBP were evenly divided into low-fear and high fear groups. We compared the angular velocity of trunk with three groups and examined the relationship between these factors and pain-related factors.

Results: Our kinematic analyses revealed significant differences in the extension phase and the peak angular velocity of trunk extension in the first trial among the three groups. The peak angular velocity of trunk extension in first trial was significant correlated with TSK.

Conclusion: It was shown that lifting in people with lower back pain with fear of movement was characterized by the movement of the trunk extension.