Title: Comparative biomechanical analysis of lumbar spine in trainees with varied barbell positions: a finite element study

Authors: Diwei Chen; Datao Xu; Huiyu Zhou; Xuanzhen Cen; Yang Song; Dong Sun

Addresses: Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Zhejiang, China ' Faculty of Engineering, University of Pannonia, Veszprem, Hungary ' Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Zhejiang, China ' Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Zhejiang, China ' Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China ' Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Zhejiang, China

Abstract: Considering various training goals, barbell squat variations like high bar back squat (HBBS) and front barbell squat (FBS) are popular. However, it is crucial to understand their differing effects on lumbar spine biomechanics. The objective is to comprehensively investigate the biomechanical mechanisms of lumbar during squatting movements. Data from 16 participants underwent analysis using musculoskeletal and finite element models. In the FBS, the lumbar vertebral joints exhibit a significantly greater extension angle compared to HBBS. Additionally, significant disparities in extension moment of the lumbar vertebral joints are observed between HBBS and FBS during the 0%–26% and 34%–77% phases of the movement. Moreover, Von Mises stress values on both the vertebrae and intervertebral discs are lower than those experienced in HBBS. The research results indicate that, with a focus on lumbar spine protection, FBS can effectively reduce the load on the lumbar spine under comparable conditions.

Keywords: finite element model; lumber spine; squat exercise; lower back pain; kinetics; training injuries.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBET.2025.144810

International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, 2025 Vol.47 No.2, pp.87 - 106

Received: 08 Mar 2024
Accepted: 09 May 2024
Published online: 03 Mar 2025 *

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