The effect of wearing work boots on lumbar spine flexion.

Abstract

The unilateral muscle activity of the erector spinae muscles, hip extensors, knee extensors, ankle dorsiflexors and plantarflexors, along with joint articulation kinematics of the ankle, knee, hip and lumbar region in the sagittal plane, were examined as' a multi-link system. The objective was to determine the effects of wearing work boots on joint kinematics with particular emphasis on the lumbar angle formed by the spinous processes of S3-L3-T10. Seventeen male subjects volunteered to perform specific 'repeated measures' exercises of a material handling nature while wearing properly laced work boots and barefoot with the feet on boot wedges but in an unbound state. Differences in relative angles, and EMG magnitude and timing were examined. The results of this study demonstrate that by externally restricting the articulation of the ankle-foot complex, other joints of the body compensate. If the restriction is in place for the most part, potentially, derogatory side effects could result such as back problems and the low back could become more susceptible to injury. Any research identifying other etiological factors that could be contributing to back pain or injury is very relevant. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)