Differences in lifting strength profiles between experienced workers and novices at various exertion heights

Chen, Yi-Lang; Lee, Yu‐Chi; Chen, Chia‐Jung

doi:10.1016/j.ergon.2010.11.006

Cited by 22 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…We selected employees with more than three years of experience in order to prevent the confounding factor of inexperience, reported by Authier et al [1] and Chen et al [3], from influencing our results.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Kinematic and electromyographic assessment of manual handling on a supermarket green- grocery shelf

Silvetti

Mari

Ranavolo

et al. 2015

WOR

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Abstract. BACKGROUND:There are few epidemiological data regarding musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in retail industry. Biomechanical risk assessment in ergonomics is commonly performed in retail sector using standardized protocols. However, such protocols have numerous limitations, such as the lack of objectivity or applicability and restrictive conditions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze one of the most commonly used shelves in vegetable and fruit departments in order to investigate the effect of different shelf levels (i.e. with variations in height and horizontal distance) and load weights on the workers' biomechanical load. METHODS: We investigated trunk, shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and ankle joint ROMs, as well as the mean and peak EMG values of the upper limb, trunk and lower limb muscles. RESULTS: We found that shelf level has a significant effect on most of the parameters examined, whereas within this limited range of 6 and 8 kg, weight does not affect the biomechanical load. We also identified the shelf levels that place the least and most strain on the musculoskeletal system. CONCLUSIONS: We therefore recommend that the height and horizontal distance be carefully considered when shelves are being designed. Kinematic and EMG approach may help to objectively assess shelf-related risks. Our findings are in agreement with RNLE LI values and therefore support RNLE.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Kinematic and electromyographic assessment of manual handling on a supermarket green- grocery shelf

Silvetti

Mari

Ranavolo

et al. 2015

WOR

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“…According to interesting studies on back load by Gagnon 19 and a recent paper published by Chen, Lee and Chen 20 , the strategy used by expert workers in performing MMH activities has safety potential. In general, they present strategies related to load maneuvers and footwork that differ from those of novice workers.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Results presented by Authier, Lortie and Gagnon 44 showed that experienced workers used a wide variety of grips and different strategies to carry out even a simple handling task. Even when static conditions were evaluated novice and experts showed different strategies to generate power 20 . Experts tend to present skillful technique than novices and these strategies positively affect body mechanics and are biomechanically more advantageous 19,20 .…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Even when static conditions were evaluated novice and experts showed different strategies to generate power 20 . Experts tend to present skillful technique than novices and these strategies positively affect body mechanics and are biomechanically more advantageous 19,20 . We hypothesized that our results are probably related to the weight and design of the box.…”

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confidence: 99%

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How do low/high height and weight variation affect upper limb movements during manual material handling of industrial boxes?

Oliveira¹,

Silva²,

Coury³

2011

Rev. bras. fisioter.

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Objectives: To evaluate the effect of surface height and load weight on upper limb movements and electromyographic (EMG) recordings during manual handling performed by both experienced and inexperienced lifter subjects. Methods: Sixteen experienced and sixteen inexperienced lifters handled a box (both 7 and 15 kg) from an intermediate height (waist level) to either a high or low surface.Electromyography and video images were recorded during the tasks. The 10 th , 50 th and 90 th percentiles were calculated for the deltoid and biceps muscles, shoulder flexion, shoulder abduction, and elbow flexion movements. Groups, right/left sides, weights and heights were compared. There were no differences between either groups or sides. Results: Weight and height variations affected EMG and posture, although weight had more impact on EMG. Shoulder abduction and flexion movements higher than 60° occurred, particularly for the higher surface. Shoulder flexion was also higher when the box was moved to the low height. This study provides new evidence as shoulder postures during boxes handling on low surfaces had not previously been evaluated. Conclusions: The high demand of upper limb in manual material handling tasks is clear, particularly for the shoulder. This knowledge can be used by physical therapists to plan better rehabilitation programs for manual material handling-related disorders, particularly focusing on return to work.Keywords: biomechanics; environment design; weight lifting; cumulative trauma disorders; physical therapy. ResumoObjetivos: Avaliar o efeito da altura de superfície e massa da carga nos movimentos e na atividade eletromiográfica (EMG) dos membros superiores durante o manuseio de carga realizado por sujeitos experientes e inexperientes. Métodos: Dezesseis sujeitos experientes e 16 inexperientes manusearam uma caixa (7 e 15 kg) de uma superfície com altura intermediária para uma superfície alta e/ou baixa. Durante as tarefas, foram registradas imagens de vídeo e EMG. Os dados foram processados para obtenção dos percentis 10, 50 e 90 referentes à EMG dos músculos deltoide e bíceps e aos movimentos de flexão e abdução do ombro e flexão do cotovelo. Foram comparados os grupos, lados (direito/esquerdo), massas e altura de manuseio. Resultados: Não foram encontradas diferenças significantes entre os grupos ou lados. As variações de massa e altura de manuseio afetaram a EMG e postura, embora a massa da caixa tenha tido mais impacto sobre a EMG. Os movimentos de abdução e flexão do ombro ocorreram acima de 60°, particularmente no manuseio para a superfície alta. A amplitude de flexão de ombro também foi alta quando a caixa foi movida para a superfície baixa. Esse resultado consiste em uma nova evidência, já que posturas do ombro durante o manuseio de carga em superfícies baixas não tinham sido investigadas. Conclusões: A alta demanda do membro superior em tarefas de manuseio de carga é clara, particularmente do ombro. Esse conhecimento pode ser usado por fisioterapeutas para um melhor planejamento da r...

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“…An interesting study conducted by Chen et al 47 measured the static lifting strength in a vertical upward lift and toward body lift at various heights for 21 experienced workers and 21 novices. They found that overall, novices lifted 4.5–7.5 kg less than the experienced worker and that their working postures were different.…”

Section: Major Findingsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The evolving role of physiotherapists in pre-employment screening for workplace injury prevention: are functional capacity evaluations the answer?

Legge

2013

Physical Therapy Reviews

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BackgroundMusculoskeletal injuries account for the largest proportion of workplace injuries. In an attempt to predict, and subsequently manage, the risk of sprains and strains in the workplace, employers are turning to pre-employment screening. Functional capacity evaluations (FCEs) are increasing in popularity as a tool for pre-employment screening despite limited published evidence for their validity in healthy working populations.ObjectivesThis narrative review will present an overview of the state of the evidence for pre-employment functional testing, propose a framework for decision-making to determine the suitability of assessment tools, and discuss the role and potential ethical challenges for physiotherapists conducting pre-employment functional testing.Major FindingsMuch of the evidence surrounding the validity of functional testing is in the context of the injured worker and prediction of return to work. In healthy populations, FCE components, such as aerobic fitness and manual handling activities, have demonstrated predictability of workplace injury in a small number of studies. This predictability improves when workers' performance is compared with the job demands. This job-specific approach is also required to meet anti-discrimination requirements. There are a number of practical limitations to functional testing, although these are not limited to the pre-employment domain. Physiotherapists need to have a clear understanding of the legal requirements and potential ethical challenges that they may face when conducting pre-employment functional assessments (PEFAs).ConclusionsFurther research is needed into the efficacy of pre-employment testing for workplace injury prevention. Physiotherapists and PEFAs are just one part of a holistic approach to workplace injury prevention.

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Differences in lifting strength profiles between experienced workers and novices at various exertion heights

Cited by 22 publications

References 24 publications

Kinematic and electromyographic assessment of manual handling on a supermarket green- grocery shelf

Kinematic and electromyographic assessment of manual handling on a supermarket green- grocery shelf

How do low/high height and weight variation affect upper limb movements during manual material handling of industrial boxes?

The evolving role of physiotherapists in pre-employment screening for workplace injury prevention: are functional capacity evaluations the answer?

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