physioscience 2025; 21(S 03): S8
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1812362
Abstracts
Präsentationen/Presentations
PS 4

Pain-related fear affects lifting biomechanics differently in workers with and without lifting tasks

Authors

  • C Bangerter

    1   Bern University of Applied Sciences, School of Health Professions, Division of Physiotherapy, Spinal Movement Biomechanics Group, Bern, Switzerland
    2   University of Basel, Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, Basel, Switzerland

  • O Faude

    2   University of Basel, Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, Basel, Switzerland

  • D Weidinger

    1   Bern University of Applied Sciences, School of Health Professions, Division of Physiotherapy, Spinal Movement Biomechanics Group, Bern, Switzerland

  • A A Meichtry

    1   Bern University of Applied Sciences, School of Health Professions, Division of Physiotherapy, Spinal Movement Biomechanics Group, Bern, Switzerland

  • M L Meier

    3   University of Zurich, Balgrist University Hospital, Department of Chiropractic Medicine, Integrative Spinal Research, Zurich, Switzerland

  • C C Hasler

    4   University Children’s Hospital of Basel, Orthopaedic Department, Basel, Switzerland
    5   University of Basel, Faculty of Medicine, Basel, Switzerland

  • S Schmid

    1   Bern University of Applied Sciences, School of Health Professions, Division of Physiotherapy, Spinal Movement Biomechanics Group, Bern, Switzerland
    5   University of Basel, Faculty of Medicine, Basel, Switzerland
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Background Higher task-specific pain-related fear has been associated with reduced lumbar spine motion during lightweight object lifting in both individuals with chronic low back pain (LBP) and healthy individuals. These findings suggest the adoption of protective movement strategies that may have adverse long-term consequences. However, it remains unclear whether such fear-related adaptations also occur in individuals who regularly lift heavy objects at work.

This study aimed to investigate whether the effect of task-specific pain-related fear on lifting kinematics differs between individuals with (LIFTER) and without (NON-LIFTER) occupations involving repetitive lifting, and to quantify how this effect depends on object weight, movement task (lifting or lowering), and LBP history.

Methods A total of 156 healthy individuals (76 LIFTER, 80 NON-LIFTER) provided information on previous LBP episodes, completed pain-related fear questionnaires, and lifted and lowered 5-kg and 15-kg boxes. Lumbar spine range of motion (ROM) was measured using a strain gauge-based system, while whole-body lifting strategy was assessed from video recordings. Task-specific pain-related fear was quantified using item 3 of the Photograph Series of Daily Activities – Short electronic Version (PHODA-lift). To evaluate the effect of task-specific pain-related fear on lifting kinematics, linear mixed models were fitted.

Results Median PHODA-lift scores were 80 for LIFTER and 60 for NON-LIFTER. Linear mixed models revealed that the effect of task-specific pain-related fear on lumbar spine ROM significantly differed between group (NON-LIFTER vs. LIFTER: –0.087, p = 0.039), weight (5 kg vs. 15 kg: 0.026, p = 0.006), and task (lifting vs. lowering: 0.059, p = 0.001), but not LBP history (No LBP vs. LBP: –0.005, p = 0.897). No significant effects were observed for whole-body lifting strategy.

Conclusions Higher task-specific pain-related fear was associated with reduced lumbar spine ROM in NON-LIFTER but not in LIFTER, suggesting that occupational lifting experience modulates the expression of fear-related movement adaptations. These protective strategies were more evident during lowering heavier loads, likely indicating higher perceived threat. The elevated PHODA-lift scores in LIFTER suggest a strong belief that lifting with a flexed spine is dangerous, potentially learned and reinforced through manual handling training.



Publication History

Article published online:
23 October 2025

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