Psychophysical basis for maximum pushing and pulling forces: A review and recommendations

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to perform a comprehensive review of psychophysically determined maximum acceptable pushing and pulling forces. Factors affecting pushing and pulling forces are identified and discussed. Recent studies show a significant decrease (compared to previous studies) in maximum acceptable forces for males but not for females when pushing and pulling on a treadmill. A comparison of pushing and pulling forces measured using a high inertia cart with those measured on a treadmill shows that the pushing and pulling forces using high inertia cart are higher for males but are about the same for females. It is concluded that the recommendations of Snook and Ciriello (1991) for pushing and pulling forces are still valid and provide reasonable recommendations for ergonomics practitioners. Regression equations as a function of handle height, frequency of exertion and pushing/pulling distance are provided to estimate maximum initial and sustained forces for pushing and pulling acceptable to 75% male and female workers. At present it is not clear whether pushing or pulling should be favored. Similarly, it is not clear what handle heights would be optimal for pushing and pulling. Epidemiological studies are needed to determine relationships between psychophysically determined maximum acceptable pushing and pulling forces and risk of musculoskeletal injuries, in particular to low back and shoulders.

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

“…A comprehensive review by Garg et al [16] failed to address important factors like handle orientation etc. Moreover, it did not meet the criteria of a systematic review.…”

Design of the force measuring system for the hinged door: Analysis of the required operating torque

“…Actually, pushing/pulling tasks are commonly encountered for daily living artefacts. Garg et al (2014) performed a comprehensive review of psychophysically determined maximum acceptable pushing and pulling forces. It is not clear up to now whether pushing or pulling should be favoured when comparing maximum pushing strength with maximum pulling strength, which might be due to differences in study populations used, study design including instructions to subjects or instrumentation used to measure forces, and/or differences in body postures and techniques used (Garg et al, 2014).…”

“…Garg et al (2014) performed a comprehensive review of psychophysically determined maximum acceptable pushing and pulling forces. It is not clear up to now whether pushing or pulling should be favoured when comparing maximum pushing strength with maximum pulling strength, which might be due to differences in study populations used, study design including instructions to subjects or instrumentation used to measure forces, and/or differences in body postures and techniques used (Garg et al, 2014). Moreover, it has been reported that experienced workers would exhibit distinct work methods during static pushing/pulling, and thus reduce work-related low back disorders (WRLBDs) (Lett and McGill, 2006).…”

Effects of selected wheel and caster fixture design on the push force: the case of four-wheeled industrial carts

“…Since that time, industry has responded by working to reduce the amount of manual lifting, lowering, and carrying found in workplaces, often replacing those tasks with pushing and pulling [2]. In certain industries, pushing and pulling maneuvers can account for an estimated 50% of the manual material tasks [3].…”