A DYNAMIC BIOMECHANICAL EVALUATION OF LIFTING MAXIMUM ACCEPTABLE LOADS

A biomechanical model consisting of seven rigid links joined at six articulations has been developed for this purpose. Using data from cinematographic analysis of lifting motions the model calculates: (1) body position from articulation angles, (2) angular velocities and accelerations, (3) inertial moments and forces, and (4) reactive moments and forces at each articulation, including the L//5/S//1 joint. Results indicated effects of the common task variables. Larger load and box sizes increased the rise times and peak values of both vertical ground reaction forces and predicted L//5/S//1 compressive forces. However, boxes with handles resulted in higher L//5/S//1 compressive forces than for boxes without handles. Also, in lifting the larger boxes the subjects did not sufficiently compensate with reduced box weights in order to maintain uniform L//5/S//1 compressive forces. Smoothed and rectified EMG of erector spinae muscles correlated significantly with L//5/S//1 compressive foces, while predicted and measured vertical ground reaction forces also correlated significantly, indicating the validity of the model as a tool for predicting job physical stresses.