Floor Slope Effects on Lifting Kinematics and Kinetics;Final rept

摘要

The specific aim of the first study was to determine sub-maximal lifting capacities while lifting a box from an inclined surface (facing both up and down a 10 and 20 slope and the level) to knuckle height. The task was constructed such that both the person and box were on the inclined surface. The specific aim of the second study was to examine the low-back forces when lifting from a sloped floor surface. Based on lifting capacity and low-back force estimates, the results suggest that floor slope does not affect risk for injury when lifting from the floor to knuckle height. However, when spinal curvature and lift distance (work) are factored in, there may be an increased risk for injuries in the downhill conditions. Additionally, horizontal foot distance to the box is increased in the up hill lifting conditions , possibly increasing risk for injury in a different manner relative to the downhill slope. In conclusion, care should be taken in both downhill and uphill sloped lifting conditions to minimize the potential for low-back pain and injury.