Lifting posture & strength

A 2021 research paper investigated the difference lower back posture influences trunk extensor strength, muscle activity and neuromuscular efficiency.

They compared three positions of the lower back:

• Maximal extension
• Mid-range / ‘flat back’
• Fully flexed

Results found lower back extensor strength is greater in more flexed lifting postures. Using a straight back posture to lift results in poor neuromuscular efficiency & may not be an efficient way to lift heavy loads.

The findings of this research directly challenge the belief that lifting with a straight back is better when performing manual tasks.

Grant Mawston, Laura Holder, Peter O’Sullivan, Mark Boocock. (2021). Flexed lumbar spine postures are associated with greater strength and efficiency than lordotic postures during a maximal lift in pain-free individuals. Gait & Posture (Volume 86). Pages 245-250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.02.029.