Korean J Occup Environ Med.  2005 Dec;17(4):259-266.

Effects of Back-belt on Electromyographic Activities and Angle of Lower Back and Extremity during Lifting

• Kim MH
• Lee JA
• Jung DY
• Jung MY

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to examine the electromyographic activities of the erector spinae muscle of the back and the rectus femoris muscle of the thigh, and to measure the angles of the spinal and knee flexions in order to determine the effect of wearing a back belt.
METHODS
Fifteen healthy males participated in the study. Surface electromyography was used to measure the level of muscle activities at the two muscle groups. The Simi system, utilizing two-dimensional analysis of movement, was used to examine the range of motion of the back and low extremity.
RESULTS
Firstly, the angle of the spinal flexion was significantly less in the back-belt-wearing group than in the control, and that of the knee flexion was significantly increased in the back-belt-wearing group. Secondly, there was no significant change in the electromyographic signals of the erector spinae muscle of the back and the rectus femoris muscle of the thigh.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of back belts helps workers to correct their posture when lifting boxes. It can therefore protect workers from acute back injuries.

Keyword

Back belt; Electromyographic activity; Lifting; Range of motion

MeSH Terms

Back Injuries
Electromyography
Extremities*
Humans
Knee
Lifting*
Male
Posture
Quadriceps Muscle
Range of Motion, Articular
Thigh