Participants took part in up to 10 sessions of Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT), during which their lifting was analysed using advanced motion sensors.
The results showed that changes in lifting patterns were often associated with improved functional ability and, to some extent, pain relief:
- 72% of the changes in lifting technique were related to changes in functional ability.
- 52% were related to reductions in pain.
- When a relationship was found,87% of the improvements were linked to faster and more flexible lifting — not to more “protective” lifting styles.
These findings support a shift away from generalized lifting recommendations toward a more individualized approach that considers each patient's specific movement patterns, fears, and functional capacity. For chiropractors, this presents an opportunity to integrate more flexible and patient-centred principles into the management of CLBP, rather than relying on uniform ergonomic advice.
Most improvements were observed as participants transitioned from classic squat lifts to more semi-squat and stoop-like lifting styles — characterized by increased upper-body movement, less knee bending, and quicker execution. These changes contrast with traditional advice to keep the back straight and lift with the legs.
According to the study, the relationship between lifting technique and pain is individual. Some participants benefited from moving away from previously learned “protective” lifting techniques, instead gaining greater functional freedom and confidence in movement. For some, improvements began during the initial measurement phase, suggesting that repeated exposure to lifting alone may have a positive effect.
The study indicates that effective management of lifting-related back pain should be based on personal goals and gradual movement change, rather than rigid rules about the “correct” way to lift.
Ivan Pui Hung Au, Nic Saraceni, Anne Smith, Peter O'Sullivan, Leo Ng, Amity Campbell. Is Lifting Technique Related to Pain and Functional Limitation? A Replicated Single- Case Design Study of Five People With Lifting- Related Chronic Low Back Pain. European Journal of Pain 2025.
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