Effect of “Xuling DingJin” in Tai Chi on Lumbar Spine Biomechanics during Walking

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Authors

  • Yiting Duan Dalian University of Technology, School of Sport and Health Sciences ORCID
  • Haibin Liu Dalian University of Technology, School of Sport and Health Sciences ORCID
  • Liqing Liu Dalian University of Technology, School of Sport and Health Sciences ORCID
  • Ziyang Wang Dalian University of Technology, School of Sport and Health Sciences ORCID
  • Fan Gao University of Kentucky, College of Physical Education and Health ORCID
  • Suheng Li Dalian University of Technology, School of Sport and Health Sciences ORCID
  • Yulong Yang Dalian University of Technology, School of Sport and Health Sciences ORCID
  • Shuye Yang Dalian University of Technology, School of Sport and Health Sciences ORCID
  • Shudong Yan Dalian University of Technology, School of Sport and Health Sciences ORCID

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31489/3081-0531/2025-1-2/29-35

Keywords:

Tai Chi, Walking, Lumbar, Biomechanics, Opensim, Muscle activation, Balance control, Xuling Dingjing

Abstract

Background: Low back pain is a common condition. The Tai Chi posture of “Xuling Dingjin” may help alleviate lower back pain, but its biomechanical characteristics are not yet fully understood. This study aims to explore the effects of the “Xuling Dingjin” posture on the biomechanics of the lumbar spine during walking, and verify its potential benefits for its application in injury prevention and rehabilitation.

Methods: 12 experienced Tai Chi practitioners participated in the study. The VICON motion capture system, AMTI force measurement platform, and OpenSim software were used to collect lumbar biomechanical data, including activation of the paravertebral muscles and the bending angles of the L4-L5 segment of the lumbar spine.

Results: Walking with “Xuling Dingjin” posture significantly increased the activation levels of all target muscles (P <0.05), especially the deep stabilizing muscles (multifidus and longissimus). The forward flexion angle of the L4-L5 segment in the sagittal plane decreased and the trend of asymmetric lateral flexion in the coronal plane was corrected, while there was no significant difference in the bending angle in the horizontal plane.

Conclusion: Maintaining the “Xuling Dingjin” posture during walking may enhances the dynamic stability of the spine and reduces the risk of unilateral overload.

References

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Published

23.12.2025

How to Cite

Duan, Y., Liu, H., Liu, L., Wang, Z., Gao, F., Li, S., … Yan, S. (2025). Effect of “Xuling DingJin” in Tai Chi on Lumbar Spine Biomechanics during Walking. Trends in Physical Education and Sport, 1(2 (2), 29–35. https://doi.org/10.31489/3081-0531/2025-1-2/29-35

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 2 (2) (2025)

Section

Sports medicine

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