Human Body Mechanics of Pushing and Pulling: Analyzing the Factors of Task-related Strain on the Musculoskeletal System

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to name and describe the important factors of musculoskeletal strain originating from pushing and pulling tasks such as cart handling that are commonly found in industrial contexts. A literature database search was performed using the research platform Web of Science. For a study to be included in this review differences in measured or calculated strain had to be investigated with regard to: (1) cart weight/ load; (2) handle position and design; (3) exerted forces; (4) handling task (push and pull); or (5) task experience. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria and proved to be of adequate methodological quality by the standards of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research. External load or cart weight proved to be the most influential factor of strain. The ideal handle positions ranged from hip to shoulder height and were dependent on the strain factor that was focused on as well as the handling task. Furthermore, task experience and subsequently handling technique were also key to reducing strain. Workplace settings that regularly involve pushing and pulling should be checked for potential improvements with regards to lower weight of the loaded handling device, handle design, and good practice guidelines to further reduce musculoskeletal disease prevalence.

Pulling strength, muscular fatigue, and prediction of maximum endurance time for simulated pulling tasks

“…These aids are either pushed or pulled manually. A survey [ 3 ] conducted in automotive supply sectors showed that approximately 10% of all working processes involved pushing or pulling. Forty one percent of the materials handled in one transport were between 200 kg and 1000 kg.…”

Wearable Monitoring Devices for Biomechanical Risk Assessment at Work: Current Status and Future Challenges—A Systematic Review

“…For this reason, the relationship between manual handling tasks and musculoskeletal health is considered multifactorial [ 62 ] although task features, individual biomechanical and physiological factors accompanied by altered motor control mechanisms represent the main determinants [ 63 ]. Critical working tasks are predominantly manual lifting and patient handling, pushing and pulling and repetitive activities, awkward and/or sustained postures and prolonged sitting [ 50 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 ].…”

Characteristics of Postural Muscle Activity in Response to A Motor-Motor Task in Elderly

“…Afterward, older adults could handle the upper (pushing) and significant extensive muscle activities for the lower limb (translational) perturbations. In addition, older adults did not adjust studied parameters for the different pushing weights, which was unlike the young adults [19,44]. It suggested that dealing with dual motor-motor tasking might still cost too much attention and could not allocate resources for additional postural adjustments [45].…”