Intraabdominal pressure changes associated with lifting: implications for postoperative activity restrictions.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to describe the effect of the lifting maneuver and the quantity of weight lifted on the generation of intraabdominal pressure.


METHODS
Forty-one women who underwent urodynamic evaluation performed 4 lifting maneuvers, each while lifting 0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 kg. The lifting maneuvers were routine activities that included squatting with and without assistance, lifting from a counter, and receiving weight. Pressure was recorded with a rectal microtip catheter. Each lift was performed twice, and the average pressure change was analyzed.


RESULTS
When controlled for potential confounding variables, repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed a significant interaction between lift weight and lift maneuver (P < .001). Squatting was associated with generation of higher intraabdominal pressure than lifting from a counter or receiving weights into outstretched arms (P < .001). Lifting > or = 2.5 kg resulted in significant changes in intraabdominal pressure, regardless of lift maneuver (P < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
Both the lifting maneuver and the quantity of weight should be considered when counseling patients regarding postoperative lifting.
Gerten
Kimberly A
KA
Division of Women's Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA. gerten@uab.edu
Richter
Holly E
HE
Wheeler
Thomas L
TL
Pair
Lisa S
LS
Burgio
Kathryn L
KL
Redden
David T
DT
Varner
R Edward
RE
Hibner
Michael
M
D000005:Abdomen; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017770:Lifting; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011312:Pressure