Effects of Upper Limb Elevation Exercise Load on Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Movement in Healthy Adult Males

Abstract

[Purpose] To clarify the effects of different load magnitudes on spinal motion during bilateral upper-limb elevation by seated healthy adults. [Participants and Methods] Fifteen adult males performed shoulder flexion from 0° to 90° under four loading conditions: no load, 0.5 kg, 1.0 kg, and 2.0 kg. Still images were extracted at 15° intervals from lateral video recordings, and two-dimensional angular analysis was used to calculate thoracic, thoracolumbar junction, and lumbar spine angles. [Results] Under the 0.5 kg condition, changes in thoracic spine angle were small from 15° to 90°. Under the 1.0 kg and 2.0 kg conditions, thoracic and lumbar spine angles changed with increasing flexion angle, but lumbar motion direction was inconsistent at some angles. No changes were observed in the thoracolumbar junction. [Conclusion] Movement patterns of each spinal segment changed according to load magnitude. Further investigation of older adults and individuals with musculoskeletal or other health conditions is needed.