Sling-based infant carrying affects lumbar and thoracic spine neuromechanics during standing and walking

Low back pain (LBP) and pelvic girdle pain (PGP) are common problems in women after childbirth with an overall prevalence of 25% [1]. During this time, mothers are required to regularly lift up and carry their infants for longer periods. Previous research indicated that carrying a load in front with the arms caused increased lumbar lordosis [2,3], which has been described as a possible contributing factor in the development of LBP in this population [4]. In addition, anterior load carrying was associated with increased trunk muscle activity [3,5,6], which could be another contributing factor, especially when considering that postpartum women were reported to have reduced muscular endurance [7].
Source: Gait and Posture - Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Source Type: research