Quantification of the intersegmental spine response to perturbation with and without cognitive interference

Fundamental mechanisms that dictate the risk of spine injury, such as basic movement patterns, are affected by cognitive interference. Spine intersegmental angular change was recorded following a mechanical perturbation applied at the hands, both with and without the presence of an additional cognitive load. Significantly greater spine flexion occurred in the mid-lumbar levels in the cognitive task condition compared to the control.