Affiliation:
1. Department of Research, College of Functional Movement Clinicians, Auckland, New Zealand,
Abstract
One cannot completely avoid spinal flexion while deadlifting, but is it possible to reduce it? The hypothesis of this case study is: “One can reduce their lumbar flexion under load voluntarily and immediately by simply being requested to do so.” This case study documented an experienced powerlifter modifying his lumbar flexion under a barbell-loaded isometric weight of 150 kg. The participant was instructed to perform a 45° angled static hip hinge for 25 s for two sets – with a 10-min rest period between sets. The sacrum and lumbar spine were measured using a digital inclinometer, covering the two key positions designated “max-flexion” and “max-neutral.” The inclinometer was placed over S1/S2 and L5/T12 for all measurements. The participant’s standing neutral (lordosis) was measured with a digital inclinometer at −35°. For a max unloaded flexion, the participant was asked to touch his toes, and a second measurement was taken at 69°. Between the initial max-flexion and set 2’s loaded “max-neutral,” the lifter could avoid flexing 40° or 58% of his max flexion merely from being requested to do so. The participant maintained 42% of his max flexion while under a significant load for 25 s.