Lifting techniques: why are we not using evidence to optimize movement?

Key Points

1. Contrary to the beliefs of most physiotherapists, squat lifting has not been shown to be superior to stoop lifting for prevention of low back pain.

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BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Frequent lifting from the ground is a risk factor for low back pain. Although the vast majority of clinicians believe that the safest way to lift is to avoid low back flexion by using a squat technique, there is no good evidence to support this belief.

This paper reviewed the available evidence on the relationship between lifting technique and back pain and offers clinical suggestions for applying the evidence.

Frequent lifting from the ground is a risk factor for low back pain.

A program of progressive loading could be used to create adaptations that improve tolerance for lifting patterns that are painful.

REVIEW OF EVIDENCE

The authors distinguished two basic lifting techniques: squat lifting and stoop lifting. Squat lifting embodies the common advice to “lift with your legs” by bending the knees and trying to keep the spine upright and neutral. Stoop lifting is basically

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