A rounded back is just as efficient and safe as a straight posture and bent knees when it comes to heavy lifting, study finds

  • There is no 'significant difference' in the two lifting postures, research reveals
  • Scientists studying forestry workers found they used less energy when stooping
  • Squatting technique is taught to every employee in the country and deemed safe

A rounded back is just as efficient as keeping a straight posture and bent knees when doing heavy lifting, a new study reveals.

Having the right posture when picking up heavy objects has always been vital so as not to damage the lower back.

But a group of scientists claim keeping a straight back and bent knees may be the same, or worse, than stooping with a bent back.

Scientists, who published their findings in the Scandinavian Journal of Pain, are calling for a change in lifting guidelines after studying forestry workers, according to The Telegraph.

A group of scientists claim keeping a straight back and bent knees may be the same, or worse, than stooping with a bent back

A group of scientists claim keeping a straight back and bent knees may be the same, or worse, than stooping with a bent back

They found that workers who stooped to pick things up used up less energy than those who squatted.

The paper also found that there was 'no significant difference' in the two lifting postures.

The squatting technique is taught to every employer in the country and is thought to be the safest way to lift. 

One of the biggest causes of back pain for workers in the NHS is caused by heavy lifting.

Both the NHS and the Health and Safety Executive recommend keeping a straight back, or squatting with thighs parallel to the ground. 

The squatting technique (pictured) is taught to every employer in the country and is thought to be the safest way to lift
The squatting technique is thought to be the safest way to lift compared to stopping with a bent back (pictured).

The squatting technique (pictured left) is taught to every employer in the country and is thought to be the safest way to lift compared to stopping with a bent back (pictured right). 

However scientists argue that there is a distinct lack of any real life evidence to support the straight back approach.

Researchers at Curtin University in Australia said: 'The findings of this study may have implications for ergonomic guidelines and public health information relating to bending and lifting back postures.' 

Lifting should also be determined by a persons height or weight, researchers at University of Aberdeen found.

And those with curvier spines are more prone to naturally stoop when lifting things from the ground. 

The comments below have not been moderated.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.