Variations of handheld loads increase the range of motion of the lumbar spine without compromising local dynamic stability during walking

The greater lumbar spine cyclic motion, elicited by low hand loads held directly in the hands during walking, may be beneficial to the health of the low back. No changes in lumbar LDS were found, thereby suggesting that the small, likely beneficial, increases in lumbar spine ROM are well controlled by the motor control system and do not create an increased risk of injury.