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Mining Publication: Lifting in Stooped and Kneeling Postures: Effects on Lifting Capacity, Metabolic Cost, and Electromyography of Eight Trunk Muscles
Keywords: Electromyography Fixed or awkward postures Kneeling Lifting or lowering Physiological work measurement 
 Stooping
Original creation date: November 1988
Authors: S Gallagher, WS Marras, TG Bobick
Peer Reviewed Journal Article - November 1988
Download PDF Document (0.48 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 10006601
Int J Ind Ergon 1988 Nov; 3(1):65-76
Twelve healthy, experienced underground coal miners performed lifting-capacity tests in stooped and kneeling postures using a modified psychophysical procedure. Subjects adjusted weight in a lifting box to the maximum they could handle without undue fatigue in an asymmetric lifting task. Lifting periods were 20 min in duration, and the frequency was 10 lifts/min. Tests were performed under a 48-in roof that restricted the subject's posture. Psychophysical, physiological, and biomechanical dependent measures included the maximum acceptable weight of lift (mawl), heart rate (hr), rate of oxygen consumption (vo2), ventilation volume rate, respiratory exchange ratio, and integrated electromyography (EMG) of eight trunk muscles. Results indicated that mawl was significantly lower when kneeling than when stooped (p<0.05). Furthermore, metabolic demands were greater in terms of hr (p<0.005) and vo2 (p<0.05) when kneeling. Left and right erectores spinae muscles exhibited increased EMG activity in the kneeling posture (p<0.001). It was concluded that psychophysical lifting capacity is decreased, while the metabolic stress and internal load on the spine are increased, in the kneeling posture. Results of this Bureau of Mines study indicate that it may be advisable to reduce the weight of materials that are handled repetitively in the kneeling posture.
Image of publication Lifting in Stooped and Kneeling Postures: Effects on Lifting Capacity, Metabolic Cost, and Electromyography of Eight Trunk MusclesPeer Reviewed Journal Article - November 1988
Download PDF Document (0.48 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 10006601
Int J Ind Ergon 1988 Nov; 3(1):65-76
See Also
Biomechanical Modeling of Asymmetric Lifting Tasks in Constrained Lifting Postures
Characteristics of Gait in Restricted Vertical Space Versus Unrestricted Walking
Effects of Lifting in Four Restricted Postures
Effects of Posture on Back Strength and Lifting Capacity
The Effects of Restricted Workspace on Lumbar Spine Loading
Electromyography of the Thigh Muscles during Lifting Tasks in Kneeling and Squatting Postures
Locomotion in Restricted space: Kinematic and Electromyographic Analysis of Stoopwalking and Crawling
Torso Flexion Loads and Fatigue Failure Mode of Human Lumbosacral Motion Segments
Trunk Extension Strength and Muscle Activity in Standing and Kneeling Postures
Working in Unusual or Restricted Postures
Page last reviewed: September 21, 2012
Page last updated: September 21, 2012
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
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