Webinar - Assessing the Effect of a Hip Flexor Stretching Program on MSD Prevention for Performing Overhead Tasks

Overhead work, is a known risk for musculoskeletal injury and often unavoidable in many occupations such as engine mechanics, painters, drywallers, and farmers. While primarily associated with neck and shoulder pain, it has also led to an increase in the frequency of low back pain. We know that stretching can improve joint function and movement patterns resulting in stretching being incorporated into programs aimed at preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSD).

This webinar will highlight the outcome of research on the inclusion of hip flexor stretching into stretch and flex programs and the relationship to MSD prevention for overhead work. This webinar will be of interest to anyone performing overhead tasks as a significant part of their workday.

Graham Mayberry is a PhD candidate in Dr. Jack Callaghan's spine biomechanics research lab. His field of interest is the impacts of stretching and daily living on muscular properties with a particular focus on hip muscles as they relate to spine kinematics. Chronic back pain led him to pursue a PhD in an attempt to better understand the mechanisms of his own experience and further the understanding of non-specific low-back pain using traditional biomechanics tools, as well as MR imaging. One of the primary goals of this CRE-MSD funded research was to determine the effects of a hip-stretching protocol on shoulder angle during overhead work and how one link on the kinematic chain impacts another. By emphasizing the importance of hip flexor mobility, perhaps the inclusion of this type of stretching intervention will reduce the probability or magnitude of MSD injuries - not just in the spine but also in other links along the kinematic chain.

This is a free webinar, but registration is required to reserve your spot. Please complete the following registration form, and you will receive a confirmation email containing the webinar login details.

For assistance, please contact Betina Butler at bbutler@uwaterloo.ca.

Disclaimer: CRE-MSD receives funding through a grant provided by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. The views expressed are those of the presenters and do not necessarily reflect those of the Centre nor of the Province of Ontario.