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Mining Publication: Locomotion in Restricted space: Kinematic and Electromyographic Analysis of Stoopwalking and Crawling
Keywords: Confined spaces Crawling Electromyography Kneeling Stooping
Original creation date: January 2011
Authors: S Gallagher, JP Pollard, WL Porter
Peer Reviewed Journal Article - January 2011
Download PDF Document (0.35 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20037840
Gait & Posture 2011 Jan; 33(1):71-76
Stoopwalking and crawling are compulsory gait techniques in some occupational settings, as in low-seam coal mines (where vertical space may be less than 122cm). Nine participants, six males and three females (mean=35 years+17 SD), participated in a study examining kinematic and electromyographic (EMG) responses to natural cadence stoopwalking, four-point crawling (all fours), and two-point crawling (knees only). EMG data were collected from knee extensors and flexors, and a motion analysis system was used to obtain kinematic data. The average gait velocity for stoopwalking was 1.01 (+/-0.32)m/s with an average cadence of 112.8steps/min and stride length of 1.04m. Four-point crawling velocity averaged 0.50 (+/-0.20)m/s, with average cadence of 86.3steps/min and stride length of 0.69m. Two-point crawling exhibited the slowest velocity (0.32m/s) and shortest stride length (0.40m); however, cadence was greater than four-point crawling (96.8steps/min). EMG findings included prolonged contraction of both knee extensors and flexors (compared to normative data on normal walking), increased relative activity SD of the flexors (versus extensors) in two-point crawling, and decreased thigh muscle activity in four-point crawling. Interlimb coordination in four-point crawling trials indicated trot-like, no limb pairing, and near pace-like limb contact patterns. Presence or absence of kneepads had no impact on kinematic or EMG measures (p>0.05); however, subjects complained of discomfort without kneepads (especially in two-point crawling). Results of this study have implications for work performed in underground coal mines, as well as emergency or evacuation considerations.
Image of publication Locomotion in Restricted space: Kinematic and Electromyographic Analysis of Stoopwalking and CrawlingPeer Reviewed Journal Article - January 2011
Download PDF Document (0.35 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20037840
Gait & Posture 2011 Jan; 33(1):71-76
See Also
Characteristics of Gait in Restricted Vertical Space Versus Unrestricted Walking
Effects of Lifting in Four Restricted Postures
The Effects of Restricted Workspace on Lumbar Spine Loading
Electromyography of the Thigh Muscles during Lifting Tasks in Kneeling and Squatting Postures
Lifting in Stooped and Kneeling Postures: Effects on Lifting Capacity, Metabolic Cost, and Electromyography of Eight Trunk Muscles
Motion Editing and Reuse Techniques and Their Role in Studying Events Between a Machine and its Operator
Pressure Distribution on the Anatomic Landmarks of the Knee and the Effect of Kneepads
Pressures Applied to Anatomical Landmarks of the Knee While in Kneeling Postures
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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