The three-dimensional thoracolumbar and lumbopelvic spinal alignment during the squat exercise: a comparison between powerlifters and weightlifters
2018 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE credits
Student thesisAlternative title
Rygens tredimensionella thorakolumbala och lumbosakrala kurvatur under utförandet av knäböj: en jämförelse mellan styrkelyftare och tyngdlyftare (Swedish)
Abstract [en]
Introduction: The squat is a common strength training exercise used by athletes for injury-reduction, rehabilitation, muscle hypertrophy, and performance-enhancement. Aims: To quantify the three-dimensional spinal alignment in the thoracolumbar and lumbopelvic spine during the squat exercise, compare the alignment during the squat to the alignment during habitual posture, determine whether powerlifters and weightlifters differ in these aspects, and to examine the absolute and relative intrarater test-retest reliability of the spinal alignment during the squat exercise. Methods: Twenty-three competitive lifters: 13 powerlifters and 10 weightlifters were included. They performed the squat exercise with three repetitions at 70% of one-repetition maximum. Three-dimensional thoracolumbar (T11-L2) and lumbopelvic (L2-S2) spinal alignment and range of motion (ROM) were measured using inertial measurement units. Absolute reliability was estimated with minimal detectable change (MDC). Relative reliability was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: No statistically significant group*time interaction was found for thoracolumbar or lumbopelvic spinal alignment in neither dimension. However, statistically significant interactions for time was found in all three dimensions in thoracolumbar and lumbopelvic spinal alignment. During the squat, adjustments were made in all three dimensions in both the thoracolumbar and lumbopelvic spinal alignment. The MDC ranged between 3.4-27.4° and ICC between 0.91-1.00. Conclusion: These findings suggest that that powerlifters and weightlifters assumes a less lordotic thoracolumbar spinal alignment when the loaded barbell is placed on the upper back and that further adjustments are made in the thoracolumbar and lumbopelvic spinal alignment during the squat. Despite high relative reliability, the MDC was considered high.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2018. , p. 22
Keywords [en]
Inertial sensors, Powerlifting, Lumbar, Range of motion
National Category
Physiotherapy
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-153360OAI: oai:DiVA.org:umu-153360DiVA, id: diva2:1263875
Educational program
Master's Programme in Physiotherapy
Supervisors
Examiners
2019-02-132018-11-172019-02-13Bibliographically approved