Cumulative creep response of viscoelastic lumbar tissue as a function of work-rest schedule

We explore the effect of stress-recovery schedule on the cumulative creep response of lumbar tissues. Twelve participants performed a 48-minute protocol that consisted of 12 min of full trunk flexion and 36 min of upright standing. Two stress-recovery (work-rest) schedules were considered: a) three minutes of full trunk flexion followed by twelve minutes of upright standing (3:12), and b) one minute of full trunk flexion followed by four minutes of upright standing (1:4). Lumbar kinematics and EMG activity of erector spinae muscles were collected. Cumulative creep deformation was explored by considering the changes in peak lumbar flexion angles during full flexion and changes in the angles of flexion-relaxation (EMG-off) of the lumbar extensor musculature after the 48-minute protocol. The results of time-dependent lumbar flexion angle during full flexion revealed a noticeable creep response in both work-rest schedules, but the cumulative creep response was significantly greater in the 3:12 schedule (Δ3.5°) than in the 1:4 schedule (Δ1.6°). Similarly, the change in the EMG-off lumbar flexion angle in the 3:12 schedule was significantly greater than in the 1:4 schedule (Δ2.5° vs −Δ0.2°, respectively). These results indicate that the passive lumbar tissues recover their force producing capability more rapidly with shorter cycle times.