Abstract
Studies have consistently shown that a high percentage of low
back injuries are due to cumulative trauma, and more specifically
to improper techniques of lifting. It is important to focus on
the way children lift objects because early instruction may be
vital in. minimizing damage to the back over a lifetime. In this
study, 108 children, aged two through nine years were videotaped
while lifting a series of weighted boxes. The purpose was to
describe lifting patterns in children and to determine whether
the observed patterns represent developmental stages. There was
a potential for each child to earn a maximum of forty points:
actual scores ranged from seven to thirty~eight. Only 8% used a
straight back while lifting. Sixty-one percent of the two and
three year aIds and 20% of the other children had knee flexion of
90 degrees or more. This study provides support for the presence
of developmental stages of lifting in children. Ideas for future
research in lifting patterns and training programs are discussed.
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