THE EFFECTS OF LOADS AND LIFTING TECHNIQUES ON MOVEMNET KINEMATICS IN MANUAL LIFTING

Abstract

In this study, subjects lifted a box from the floor manually and their movements were recorded by video camera. The recorded images were then digitized and analyzed by the motion analysis system. The independent variables consisted of five loads (0, 8, 16, 20, and 24 kg) and four lifting techniques (2 squat and 2 straddled leg lifting techniques). Their effects on trunk inclination angles and knee joint angles were studied. The profiles of the kinematics parameters showed there was a difference between the two squat lifting techniques and the two straddled leg lifting techniques. The results of this study also suggested that the safe weight for manual lifting from the floor using any one of the four techniques studied was 8 kilograms.