REDUCTION IN ANTERIOR SHEAR FORCES ON THE L4/L5 DISK BY THE LUMBAR MUSCULATURE

The purpose of this study was to assess the possible role of muscles in offsetting the anterior shear forces caused by the load and upper body mass and their accelerations that act on the L4/L5 intervertebral joint during dynamic squat lifts. Fifteen males lifted five loads from 5.8 to 32.4 kg. Anterior shear forces estimated to be acting on the lumber spine, based on model output, ranged from 492 N at 5.8 kg to 736 N at 32.4 kg. However, the peak shear force that had to be supported by the facets and possibly the disc remained relatively constant at approximately 200 N, regardless of the load mass. The posteriorly directed fascicles of the lumbar portions of the iliocostalis lumborum and longissimus thoracis muscles increased their force output, as estimated from an EMG driven model, in proportion to the anterior load shear force demands, thereby sharing the load on the intervertebral joint. It appears that the combination of anatomical design and neural control of the musculature leads to a situation where the resultant shear force on the joint can be maintained at a relatively constant and safe level in the types of lifts studied. This 'safety' mechanism is useful only with the preservation of lordosis during lifting, when the muscles must provide the majority of the support moment.