The force-velocity relation and intra-abdominal pressure during lifting activities

Abstract
An experiment was performed to test the static and dynamic lifting capabilities of the back. Twenty healthy male and female subjects exerted maximal force with the back under isometric and isokinetic lifting positions. Torque about the lumbosacral junction and intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) production were monitored under the experimental conditions. Torque production capability was found to increase as trunk angle increased and decreased as angular velocity increased. IAP was found to be primarily a funciton of angle and a weak indicator of torque. A significant IAP-torque onset delay was identified as was a physiological source of IAP.