title: Three-dimensional model for studying the dynamic loads on the spine during lifting.
abstract: To compute the dynamic loads on the spine during lifting, a kinematical description of the motor act is required. This was obtained by means of an automatic system that allows the detection of small retro-reflective markers in a television field. Geometrical relations between the markers and the anatomical landmarks have been determined to define the location of each body segment in space. The dynamic equilibrium equations have been used to calculate the loads on the L3/L4 intervertebral disc and a sensitivity analysis was carried out. The movements analysed were lifting and lowering a load to and from a table. The results show that in the experimental conditions tested (spontaneous speed of execution of the tasks) the inertial factors are extremely important in the determination of compression on the intervertebral disc.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, Polytechnic of Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Frigo