Effect of lumbo-pelvic belt on motor control strategy of trunk muscles during lifting and lowering of different loads symmetrically

Background and Aim: In spite of massive knowledge increase and ergonomic correction, lumbar disorders extremely prevail in working environments. Efforts have been made in order to decrease prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders caused by lifting, carrying and pulling down objects by using some belts. The purpose of this research is to determine the effect of lumbo-pelvic belt in symmetrical load lifting on one of motor control indexes. Materials and Methods: In this research twenty men were asked to lift objects with different weights of 5.5, 7.5, 9.5 and 12.5 kg in position of complete trunk and hips flexion and knees extension using and not using belt and put them on the target desk. Surface Electromyography has been recorded from two pairs of back muscles and three of abdominal muscles. Results: Lifting different loads with belt showed significant increase in symmetrical index (p<0.05). Conclusion: Using belt brings about more coordination in trunk agonist and antagonist muscles activity while lifting the loads. Key words: Surface electromyography, Lumbo-pelvic belt, Symmetrical index, Lumbar spine