Reaction moment at the L5/S1 joint during simulated forward slipping with a handheld load.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of load on the net moment response at the L5/S1 joint during simulated slip events. Six young individuals were instructed to take one step with a handheld load. Sudden floor movement was randomly introduced to simulate unexpected slips. Different loads conditions (0%, 10%, 20%, 30% of body weight) were introduced at random. Three-dimensional net moments at the L5/S1 joint were computed via downward inverse dynamic model. Peak joint moment generated at 30% load level was found to be significantly higher compared to no-load condition. No peak moment differences were found among no-load, 10% or 20% load levels. Additionally, the findings from this study indicated a flexiondominant net L5/S1 joint moment pattern during motion phase associated with slip-induced falls.