J Strength Cond Res October 2010 PMID 20885195

The lumbar and sacrum movement pattern during the back squat exercise.

Mark R McKean, Peter K Dunn, Brendan J Burkett

Mentions

14
Peak: 4 in Jun 2021
across 4 sources since Apr 2021

Extended reach

51,162
potential audience

Total likes

3,090

Video views

32,736

Mentions per month

Apr 2021 – Dec 2023

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter9 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Facebook2 posts
  • News1 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions reflect a high level of interest and agreement, with many users emphasizing that spinal flexion during squats is natural and questioning traditional advice to maintain neutrality. For example, posts mention research showing lumbar flexion under load and suggest that allowing the spine to flex might be beneficial, using tone and questions to provoke reflection on safety and technique.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most posters agree that spinal flexion during squats is natural and that arching the back can be problematic, aligning with the study's findings about lumbar bending under load.

InterestHigh interest

Discussions reflect high interest, with users engaging deeply on mechanics, safety, and implications of spinal movement during squats.

EngagementHigh engagement

Posts demonstrate deep engagement through questions, references to research, and practical advice, indicating active discussion and reflection.

ImpactModerate impact

Comments highlight the significance of understanding spinal movement for safer, more effective training, suggesting moderate to high impact on workout practices.

Abstract in brief

  • This study examined how the lumbar (lower back) and sacrum (base of the spine) move during back squats, especially focusing on differences between narrow and wide stance squats and between men and women.
  • Researchers found that men and women have different movement patterns in their lumbar and sacrum segments during the squat, with significant differences based on stance width and gender.
  • The findings also suggest that the lumbar spine tends to become kyphotic (curved forward) when a load is added, which questions the common advice to maintain a curved or "neutral" lumbar spine during squatting exercises.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Michael Braccio
@MichaelBraccio · X

@GregLehman @_Tyson_Beach @bretcontreras When I was looking I could only find this for the squat which showed that as soon as the squat was loaded with a bar the spine went into flexion. Wonder if the same when taking slack out of the bar with DL https://t.co/nEfJeZsKNa

Jun 9, 2021 · 5 likes · 1 share · 697 followers View post →
Zac Cupples
@ZCupples · X

If you ever get back pain with squatting, a contributing factor could be an ⬆️ lower back arch & rib flare, especially when squats involve some degree of spinal flexion So what do we do? This

Mar 7, 2023 · 3 likes · 3,789 followers View post →
Michael Braccio
@MichaelBraccio · X

Once you load the bar during a squat, the lumbar spine flexes. This study found lumbar flexion range to be 13 degrees in women and 26 in males. Not much of a difference in narrow vs wide stance either. https://t.co/nEfJeZsKNa

Apr 23, 2021 · 3 likes · 697 followers View post →
Zac Cupples
@ZCupples · X

If you want your squat to be better, the WORST thing you can do is arch your back In fact, it goes against natural squat mechanics (ref - https://t.co/pLjM5Z6iS9) So what should you do instead? I'll tell in this

Mar 23, 2023 · 2 likes · 3,789 followers View post →
Zac Cupples
@ZCupples · X

@vanbeek__3 Would you agree that the curves changes based on the directionality that the spine has to move in various lifts? This study seems to suggest so re: back squat - https://t.co/pLjM5Z6iS9 Curve maintenance here seems undesirable Also, gait changes? Not sure I follow

Jan 29, 2023 · 1 like · 3,789 followers View post →
Michael Braccio
@MichaelBraccio · X

New YouTube video on spinal flexion and lifting. Can it be avoided? Is it safe?

May 25, 2021 · 1 like · 697 followers View post →

All mentions

Zac Cupples
@ZCupples · X

3️⃣ Back squat Back squats require a fair amount of shoulder motion to hold the bar. If you are stiff AF, you’ll arch a bunch to get into position. You don’t want that since the spine actually should flex a bit with back squats (ref - https://t.co/pLjM5Z6iS9) https://t.co/tz3gNSwvK8

Jul 10, 2023 · 3,789 followers View post →
Zac Cupples
@ZCupples · X

If you want your squat to be better, the WORST thing you can do is arch your back In fact, it goes against natural squat mechanics (ref - https://t.co/pLjM5Z6iS9) So what should you do instead? I'll tell in this

Mar 23, 2023 · 2 likes · 3,789 followers View post →
Zac Cupples
@ZCupples · X

If you ever get back pain with squatting, a contributing factor could be an ⬆️ lower back arch & rib flare, especially when squats involve some degree of spinal flexion So what do we do? This

Mar 7, 2023 · 3 likes · 3,789 followers View post →
Zac Cupples
@ZCupples · X

@vanbeek__3 Would you agree that the curves changes based on the directionality that the spine has to move in various lifts? This study seems to suggest so re: back squat - https://t.co/pLjM5Z6iS9 Curve maintenance here seems undesirable Also, gait changes? Not sure I follow

Jan 29, 2023 · 1 like · 3,789 followers View post →
Redzal Abu Hanifah
@docredzal · X

The Lumbar and Sacrum Movement Pattern During the Back Squat Exercise https://t.co/SyWcBzAw5Y

Sep 4, 2022 · 29 followers View post →
Madhan Ramanathan
@sportsphysiouk · X

RT @MichaelBraccio: @GregLehman @_Tyson_Beach @bretcontreras When I was looking I could only find this for the squat which showed that as s…

Jun 9, 2021 · 1 share · 1,117 followers View post →
Michael Braccio
@MichaelBraccio · X

@GregLehman @_Tyson_Beach @bretcontreras When I was looking I could only find this for the squat which showed that as soon as the squat was loaded with a bar the spine went into flexion. Wonder if the same when taking slack out of the bar with DL https://t.co/nEfJeZsKNa

Jun 9, 2021 · 5 likes · 1 share · 697 followers View post →
Michael Braccio
@MichaelBraccio · X

New YouTube video on spinal flexion and lifting. Can it be avoided? Is it safe?

May 25, 2021 · 1 like · 697 followers View post →
Michael Braccio
@MichaelBraccio · X

Once you load the bar during a squat, the lumbar spine flexes. This study found lumbar flexion range to be 13 degrees in women and 26 in males. Not much of a difference in narrow vs wide stance either. https://t.co/nEfJeZsKNa

Apr 23, 2021 · 3 likes · 697 followers View post →
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