INTRODUCTION

Does performing a bicep curl while standing affect posture differently than doing the same while seated without back support? We will address this question in order to determine if one (or which) exercise might be more conducive to keep spinal alignment while weight lifting. We believe that less injuries would occur if good posture was maintained while doing the exercise. As weight lifting continues to become a more popular activity, more people are being injured as a result. In 1998, "emergency department-treated injuries had increased 35% since 1978" (Jones, et al., 2000).

The purpose of our project is to compare a bicep curl performed with dumbbells in two commonly used exercise positions, while seated or standing. We will aim to discover whether a difference in posture exists, and if so which exercise position might be advantageous in the prevention of weight lifting injuries.