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Berglund, Lars, PhD
Publications (10 of 23) Show all publications
Larsson, H., Strömbäck, E., Schau, M., Johansson, S. & Berglund, L. (2024). Lumbopelvic movement control in powerlifters with and without low back pain. Physical Therapy in Sport, 65, 74-82
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Lumbopelvic movement control in powerlifters with and without low back pain
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2024 (English)In: Physical Therapy in Sport, ISSN 1466-853X, E-ISSN 1873-1600, Vol. 65, p. 74-82Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Objectives: To measure lumbopelvic movement control in powerlifters with and without low back pain (LBP).

Design: Quantitative Cross-sectional.

Participants: Twelve powerlifters with LBP and 28 powerlifters without LBP.

Setting: Powerlifters were recruited in nine different cities and filmed while performing a movement control test battery.

Main outcome measures: Lumbopelvic movement control test battery consisting of seven tests, with a possible score between 0 and 13. The tests were rated by a physical therapist blinded to the group allocation and comparisons of the frequency of current/incorrect tests between groups were calculated.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the movement control test battery between the powerlifters with LBP (Median = 7.0, (2–11)) and powerlifters without LBP (Median = 6.0, (1–10)) (P = 0.59). There were no statistically significant differences between groups when the individual movement control tests were analyzed separately.

Conclusions: The lack of significant differences between groups indicates that performance in lumbopelvic movement control test might not be associated with LBP in powerlifters. More studies on associations between LBP and movement control and other body functions are needed to guide assessment and treatment of powerlifters with LBP and for investigation of possible risk factors for LBP in powerlifters.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2024
Keywords
Powerlifting, Low back pain, Movement control
National Category
Physiotherapy
Research subject
physiotherapy
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-218369 (URN)10.1016/j.ptsp.2023.11.006 (DOI)2-s2.0-85179466511 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2023-12-19 Created: 2023-12-19 Last updated: 2023-12-20Bibliographically approved
Andersson, F. & Berglund, L. (2023). Development of A Training And Injury Log For Powerlifting: A Feasibility Study. International Journal of Strength and Conditioning, 3(1)
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Development of A Training And Injury Log For Powerlifting: A Feasibility Study
2023 (English)In: International Journal of Strength and Conditioning, ISSN 2634-2235, Vol. 3, no 1Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Research on risk factors and injuries in powerlifting has so far only been studied through cross-sectional/observational studies. In other sports, training load has been prospectively investigated and shown to influence injury risk. However, no method to quantify training load in powerlifting exist. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of a novel standardized method for prospective recording of training load and injuries. The study was conducted in two phases with eight powerlifters initially included in each phase respectively. In Phase 1, the powerlifters registered training load and injuries throughout four weeks and answered a feasibility questionnaire. Based on the results from the questionnaire, updates to the training and injury log were made and the powerlifters in Phase 2 used the updated version to log four weeks of training. Training load and injuries were reported consistently which made calculations on training load and injury incidence possible. The participants reported rate of perceived exertion as difficult to assess and report. However, 9/12 powerlifters stated that they could the training and injury log for a period of at least six months. In conclusion, this standardized training and injury log seems to be a feasible method to quantify training load and injuries in powerlifting. The method could be used in further prospective studies on training load and injuries in powerlifting and in clinical practice.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association, 2023
Keywords
resistance training, athletic injuries sports, athletes
National Category
Physiotherapy
Research subject
physiotherapy
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-212694 (URN)10.47206/ijsc.v3i1.116 (DOI)
Available from: 2023-08-08 Created: 2023-08-08 Last updated: 2023-08-09Bibliographically approved
Bengtsson, V., Berglund, L., Öhberg, F. & Aasa, U. (2023). Thoracolumbar and Lumbopelvic Spinal Alignment During the Barbell Back Squat: A Comparison Between Men and Women. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 18(4), 820-830
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Thoracolumbar and Lumbopelvic Spinal Alignment During the Barbell Back Squat: A Comparison Between Men and Women
2023 (English)In: International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, E-ISSN 2159-2896, Vol. 18, no 4, p. 820-830Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Background:  Maintaining neutral spinal alignment is considered important when performing the barbell back squat exercise. Since male and female lifters may differ in injury location it is important to examine whether they differ in spinal alignment during the back squat.

Objectives:  The study aimed to quantify the spinal alignment in the upper and lower lumbar spine during the barbell back squat exercise in male and female lifters. Secondary aims were to compare alignment during the back squat to standing habitual lumbar spine alignment and determine whether male and female lifters differ in these aspects.

Study design:  Observational, Cross-sectional.

Methods:  Competitive power- and weightlifters were recruited and performed three repetitions of the barbell back squat exercise using a load equivalent to 70% of their one-repetition maximum. Spinal alignment and range of motion were measured using inertial measurement units placed on the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine. Data was presented descriptively and comparisons between men and women as well as spinal alignment in four different positions were done with a factorial repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results:  Twenty-three (14 males, 9 females) were included. During execution of the squat, spinal alignment adjustments in the lumbar spine were made in all three planes of movement, compared to the start position, in both male and female lifters. Compared to their standing habitual posture, all lifters adjusted their upper lumbar spine to a less lordotic position when in the start position of the back squat (standing upright with the barbell on their back). Only male lifters assumed a less lordotic alignment in their lower lumbar spine in the start position compared their habitual posture.

Conclusions:  Adjustments of spinal alignment, predominantly in the sagittal plane, are made during execution of the back squat in both male and female lifters. Further, lifters adopt a less lordotic alignment with a heavy barbell on their upper back, more so in male than female lifters. In conclusion, it seems that spinal alignment changes noticeably during the barbell back squat.

Level of evidence:  3

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 2023
Keywords
Inertial sensors, Lifting technique, Posture, Powerlifting, Weightlifting
National Category
Physiotherapy
Research subject
physiotherapy
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-212693 (URN)10.26603/001c.83942 (DOI)37547841 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85166774211 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2023-08-08 Created: 2023-08-08 Last updated: 2023-08-15Bibliographically approved
Bengtsson, V., Aasa, U., Öhberg, F. & Berglund, L. (2022). Thoracolumbar and lumbopelvic spinal alignment during the deadlift exercise: a comparison between men and women. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 17(6), 1063-1074
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Thoracolumbar and lumbopelvic spinal alignment during the deadlift exercise: a comparison between men and women
2022 (English)In: International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, E-ISSN 2159-2896, Vol. 17, no 6, p. 1063-1074Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Background: A neutral spinal alignment is considered important during the execution of the deadlift exercise to decrease the risk of injury. Since male and female powerlifters experience pain in different parts of their backs, it is important to examine whether men and women differ in spinal alignment during the deadlift.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to quantify the spinal alignment in the upper (thoracolumbar, T11-L2) and lower (lumbopelvic, L2-S2) lumbar spine during the deadlift exercise in male and female lifters. Secondary aims were to compare lumbar spine alignment during the deadlift to standing habitual posture, and determine whether male and female lifters differ in these aspects.

Study Design: Observational, Cross-sectional.

Methods: Twenty-four (14 men, 10 women) lifters performed three repetitions of the deadlift exercise using 70% of their respective one-repetition maximum. Spinal alignment and spinal range of motion were measured using three inertial measurement units placed on the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine. Data from three different positions were analyzed; habitual posture in standing, and start and stop positions of the deadlift, i.e. bottom and finish position respectively.

Results: During the deadlift, spinal adjustments were evident in all three planes of movement. From standing habitual posture to the start position the lumbar lordosis decreased 13° in the upper and 20° in the lower lumbar spine. From start position to stop position the total range of motion in the sagittal plane was 11° in the upper and 22° in the lower lumbar spine. The decreased lumbar lordosis from standing habitual posture to the start position was significantly greater among men.

Conclusions: Men and women adjust their spinal alignment in all three planes of movement when performing a deadlift and men seem to make greater adjustments from their standing habitual posture to start position in the sagittal plane. Level of Evidence 3.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
North American Sports Medicine Institute, 2022
Keywords
inertial sensors, lifting technique, posture, powerlifting
National Category
Physiotherapy Orthopaedics
Research subject
physiotherapy
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-200377 (URN)10.26603/001c.37859 (DOI)36237649 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85139461910 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2022-11-08 Created: 2022-11-08 Last updated: 2023-05-04Bibliographically approved
Aasa, U., Bengtsson, V., Berglund, L. & Öhberg, F. (2022). Variability of lumbar spinal alignment among power- and weightlifters during the deadlift and barbell back squat. Sports Biomechanics, 21(6), 707-717
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Variability of lumbar spinal alignment among power- and weightlifters during the deadlift and barbell back squat
2022 (English)In: Sports Biomechanics, ISSN 1476-3141, E-ISSN 1752-6116, Vol. 21, no 6, p. 707-717Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

The aims of the study were to evaluate the relative and absolute variability of upper (T11-L2) and lower (L2-S2) lumbar spinal alignment in power- and weightlifters during the deadlift and back squat exercises, and to compare this alignment between the two lifting groups. Twenty-four competitive powerlifters (n = 14) and weightlifters (n = 10) performed three repetitions of the deadlift and the back squat exercises using a load equivalent to 70% of their respective one-repetition maximum. The main outcome measures were the three-dimensional lumbar spinal alignment for start position, minimum and maximum angle of their spinal alignment, and range of motion measured using inertial measurement units. Relative intra-trial reliability was calculated using the two-way random model intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and absolute reliability with minimal detectable change (MDC). The ICC ranged between 0.69 and 0.99 and the MDC between 1 degrees-8 degrees for the deadlift. Corresponding figures for the squat were 0.78-0.99 and 1 degrees-6 degrees. In all participants during both exercises, spinal adjustments were made in both thoracolumbar and lumbopelvic areas in all three dimensions. In conclusion, when performing three repetitions of the deadlift and the squat, lumbar spinal alignment of the lifters did not change much between repetitions and did not differ significantly between power- and weightlifters.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Routledge, 2022
Keywords
Inertial sensors, powerlifting, weightlifting, lifting technique
National Category
Physiotherapy
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-165734 (URN)10.1080/14763141.2019.1675751 (DOI)000496089200001 ()31718474 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85075026469 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2019-12-10 Created: 2019-12-10 Last updated: 2022-08-04Bibliographically approved
Falk, J., Aasa, U. & Berglund, L. (2021). How accurate are visual assessments by physical therapists of lumbo-pelvic movements during the squat and deadlift?. Physical Therapy in Sport, 50, 195-200
Open this publication in new window or tab >>How accurate are visual assessments by physical therapists of lumbo-pelvic movements during the squat and deadlift?
2021 (English)In: Physical Therapy in Sport, ISSN 1466-853X, E-ISSN 1873-1600, Vol. 50, p. 195-200Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Objectives: To investigate the accuracy of visual assessments made by physical therapists of lumbo-pelvic movements during the squat and deadlift and how much movement is considered injurious.

Design: Quantitative Cross-sectional.

Participants: 14 powerlifters, 10 Olympic weightlifters and six physical therapists.

Setting: The lifters were recorded simultaneously by video and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) system while performing squats and deadlifts. The physical therapists assessed the videos and rated whether specific lumbo-pelvic movements were visible during the lifts and whether the movement amplitude was considered injurious.

Main outcome measures: The nominal visual assessments, if there was a movement and if it was considered injurious, were compared to the degrees of movement attained from the IMU system.

Results: During the squat, a posterior pelvic tilt of ≥34° was required to visually detect the movement. For other lumbo-pelvic movements, there was no significant difference in the amount of movement between those who were assessed as moving or not moving their lumbo-pelvic area, nor was there a difference in movement amplitude between those who were assessed as having an increased risk of injury or not.

Conclusions: Physical therapists did not consistently detect lumbo-pelvic movements during squats and deadlifts when performed by competitive lifters.

Keywords
Inertial measurement units, Kinematics, Movement analysis, Powerlifting, Weightlifting
National Category
Physiotherapy
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-185323 (URN)10.1016/j.ptsp.2021.05.011 (DOI)000661948900025 ()2-s2.0-85108073148 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2021-06-28 Created: 2021-06-28 Last updated: 2023-09-05Bibliographically approved
Aasa, U. & Berglund, L. (2020). A descriptive analysis of functional impairments and patho-anatomical findings in eight powerlifters. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 60(4), 582-593
Open this publication in new window or tab >>A descriptive analysis of functional impairments and patho-anatomical findings in eight powerlifters
2020 (English)In: Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, ISSN 0022-4707, E-ISSN 1827-1928, Vol. 60, no 4, p. 582-593Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a common pain problem in powerlifters. There is a lack of evidence to guide powerlifters and health-care professionals in understanding the role of powerlifting in the development of LBP and treatment of injuries in powerlifters. This study aimed to describe functional impairments and patho-anatomical findings in eight powerlifters with and without LBP. METHODS: First, four powerlifters with LBP were recruited. Each powerlifter was then matched with a pain-free lifter (Control) by age, Body Mass Index and competition weight class. They all performed physical performance tests and were examined with magnetic resonance imaging. Four weeks prior to the examination the powerlifters also recorded training load. Powerlifters with LBP were also examined by a physiotherapist in order to define their pain and impairments. RESULTS: The four male powerlifters with LBP had a nociceptive pain associated with non-ideal squatting technique, higher flexibility in their lumbar spine than in their hips and patho-anatomical findings such as degenerated discs (four), spondylolysis (one) and spinal stenosis (one). However, the controls also showed similar functional impairments and patho-anatomical findings. CONCLUSIONS: Powerlifters with and without LBP show similar functional impairments and patho-anatomical findings. However, powerlifters' LBP seems associated with pain during movement and loading of the lumbar spine. The association and causation between specific functional impairments, patho-anatomical findings and LBP in powerlifters has to be further investigated in studies including more participants.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Edizioni Minerva Medica, 2020
Keywords
Resistance training, Magnetic resonance imaging, Weight lifting, Musculoskeletal diseases
National Category
Sport and Fitness Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-172827 (URN)10.23736/S0022-4707.19.10201-0 (DOI)000538439500011 ()31974334 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85084695123 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2020-06-29 Created: 2020-06-29 Last updated: 2023-03-23Bibliographically approved
Sjöberg, H., Aasa, U., Rosengren, M. & Berglund, L. (2020). Content validity index and reliability of a new protocol for evaluation of lifting technique in the powerlifting squat and deadlift. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 34(9), 2528-2536
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Content validity index and reliability of a new protocol for evaluation of lifting technique in the powerlifting squat and deadlift
2020 (English)In: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, ISSN 1064-8011, E-ISSN 1533-4287, Vol. 34, no 9, p. 2528-2536Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

The aim of the study was to create a protocol to cover aspects of technique considered to be associated with risk of injury in the powerlifting squat and deadlift and to examine the content validity and reliability of the aspects included in the protocols. For the content validity investigation, a consensus group of 3 powerlifting physiotherapists identified the domains of content (risk of injury) for 2 protocols (1 for squat and 1 for deadlift) of essential aspects of lifting technique through discussions and a review of the literature. Eight selected powerlifting experts rated the relevance of each aspect in relation to risk of injury (acute or by overuse), and a quantitative estimate of the content validity of each aspect was measured through calculations of a Content Validity Index (CVI). Aspects of low content validity were discarded, and the remainders were evaluated for their inter-rater and intra-rater reliability among 4 experienced powerlifters used to coaching and evaluating powerlifting technique. The reliability was calculated and analyzed with kappa and percentage of agreement. The final protocols included 17 aspects of squat technique and 10 aspects of deadlift technique that showed good to excellent CVI and percentage of agreement between 64 and 100%. The protocols, formed in this study, will provide evidence-based recommendations on safe lifting technique for coaches and strength practitioners' to use to make relevant assessments and instructions.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
National Strength and Conditioning Association, 2020
Keywords
injury prevention, sports medicine, acute injury, overuse injury, resistance training, weightlifting
National Category
Physiotherapy
Research subject
physiotherapy
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-152499 (URN)10.1519/JSC.0000000000002791 (DOI)000571172500019 ()30199449 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85090044845 (Scopus ID)
Note

First published online 2018

Available from: 2018-10-08 Created: 2018-10-08 Last updated: 2023-03-23Bibliographically approved
Bengtsson, V., Berglund, L. & Aasa, U. (2018). Narrative review of injuries in powerlifting with special reference to their association to the squat, bench press and deadlift. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 4, Article ID e000382.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Narrative review of injuries in powerlifting with special reference to their association to the squat, bench press and deadlift
2018 (English)In: BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, E-ISSN 2055-7647, Vol. 4, article id e000382Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Pain and injuries are considered a common problem among elite athletes and recreational lifters performing the squat, bench press and deadlift. Since all three lifts engage multiple joints and expose the lifters' bodies to high physical demands often several times a week, it has been suggested that their injuries might be related to the excessively heavy loads, the large range of motion during the exercises, insufficient resting times between training sessions and/or faulty lifting technique. However, no previous article has summarised what is known about specific injuries and the injury aetiology associated with the three lifts. Thus, the aim of this narrative review was to summarise what is known about the relationships between the powerlifting exercises and the specific injuries or movement impairments that are common among lifters and recreationally active individuals.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
BMJ Publishing Group Ltd, 2018
National Category
Physiotherapy
Research subject
physiotherapy
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-152500 (URN)10.1136/bmjsem-2018-000382 (DOI)000596798200086 ()2-s2.0-85050395800 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2018-10-08 Created: 2018-10-08 Last updated: 2023-09-05Bibliographically approved
Strömbäck, E., Aasa, U., Gilenstam, K. & Berglund, L. (2018). Prevalence and consequences of injuries in powerlifting: a cross-sectional study. The Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 6(5), Article ID 2325967118771016.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Prevalence and consequences of injuries in powerlifting: a cross-sectional study
2018 (English)In: The Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, ISSN 2325-9671, Vol. 6, no 5, article id 2325967118771016Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Background: Powerlifting consists of the squat, bench press, and dead lift, and extreme loads are lifted during training and competitions. Previous studies, which have defined an injury as an event that causes an interruption in training or competitions, have reported a relatively low frequency of powerlifting injuries (1.0-4.4 injuries/1000 hours of training). No previous study has investigated the prevalence of injuries, defined as a condition of pain or impairment of bodily function that affects powerlifters’ training, in a balanced sample of men and women, and no studies have established possible risk factors for an injury.

Purpose: To investigate the prevalence, localization, and characterization of injuries among Swedish subelite classic powerlifters, with an emphasis on differences between men and women, and to investigate whether training and lifestyle factors are associated with an injury.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods: A total of 53 female and 51 male Swedish subelite powerlifters answered an online questionnaire including questions about background characteristics, training habits, and lifestyle factors. The main part of the questionnaire included questions about injuries and their consequences. An injury was defined as a condition of pain or impairment of bodily function that affects powerlifters’ training.

Results: Seventy percent (73/104) of participants were currently injured, and 87% (83/95) had experienced an injury within the past 12 months. The lumbopelvic region, shoulder, and hip were the most commonly injured areas for both sexes. Women experienced a significantly greater frequency of injuries in the neck and thoracic region than men. Injuries seemed to occur during training, although only 16% (11/70) of those currently injured had to completely refrain from training. Training frequency, greater personal best in the dead lift, injury onset during bench-press and dead-lift training, use of straps, alcohol consumption, and dietary issues were associated with current injuries.

Conclusion: Injuries are very common in subelite powerlifters. Men and women report similar injury frequencies but different anatomic locations. These injuries do not prevent powerlifters from training and competing, but they may change the content of training sessions. Why powerlifters develop injuries is still unclear; however, it is likely that the management of training loads and optimization of the lifting technique during the squat, bench press, and dead lift are of importance.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications, 2018
Keywords
sports injury, risk factors, resistance training, low back pain
National Category
Physiotherapy Sport and Fitness Sciences Other Medical Sciences not elsewhere specified
Research subject
physiotherapy; biomechanics
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-147734 (URN)10.1177/2325967118771016 (DOI)000432239400001 ()2-s2.0-85048296297 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2018-05-16 Created: 2018-05-16 Last updated: 2023-03-23Bibliographically approved
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