Numerical Simulation Analysis of Lumbosacral Joints during Preparation to Lift Barbell

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the stress characteristics of the lumbosacral segments of the preparation phase of barbell lifting using finite element method and to provide scientific and objective mechanical factors of lumbosacral joint injury in weightlifters for prevention and treatment of lumbar weightlifting injuries. METHOD: The three-dimensional lumbosacral finite element model was established by reverse engineering method based on DICOM data (L5-S5 segments included). The Von Mise stress trends of lumbosacral bone, soft tissue such as intervertebral disc, ligament were analyzed between normal physiological activities when flexion, extension, left bend, right bend and preparation phase of barbell lifting. CONCLUSION: The vertebral body is the main stress-bearing part during lifting and the intervertebral disc plays a major role in transmitting the load. Long-term repeated high-stress stimulation could cause slight fractures of cancellous bone and end-plate of vertebrae. Interspinous ligament bears more load and is more likely to get injured relative to other ligaments. The force imbalance of the left and right ligament also reveal that minimizing spinal flexion and torsion compound action could reduce the possibility of ligament injury.