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Kim, Lee, Jung, and Jung: Effects of Back-belt on Electromyographic Activities and Angle of Lower Back and Extremity during Lifting
Original Article

Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2005; 17(4): 259-266.

Published online: 30 January 2019

DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2005.17.4.259

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

Min Hee Kim, Jung Ah Lee, Do Young Jung, Min Ye Jung

Department of Rehabilitation Therapy, The Graduate School, Yonsei University of Korea, Korea.

Department of Prosthetics & Orthotics, Suncheon First College of Korea, Korea.

Department of Occupational Therapy, Health Science College, Yonsei University of Korea, Korea.

Institute of Health Science, Yonsei University of Korea, Korea.

minye@yonsei.ac.kr

Copyright © 2005 The Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

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.

Keywords: Back belt, Electromyographic activity, Lifting, Range of motion

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