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Force direction and physical load in dynamic pushing and pulling.

M P de Looze1, K van Greuningen, J Rebel

  • 1Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. m.dlooze@arbeid.tno.nl

Ergonomics
|February 7, 2001
PubMed
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Understanding how force direction impacts musculoskeletal loading is crucial for safe pushing and pulling tasks. This study reveals that changes in handle height and force level alter exertion direction, affecting shoulder and low back loads.

Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Occupational Health
  • Ergonomics

Background:

  • Musculoskeletal loading during manual handling tasks like pushing and pulling is a significant concern in occupational health.
  • While force magnitude is often studied, the direction of force exertion is also a critical factor influencing biomechanical stress.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how changes in handle height and horizontal force level affect the direction of force exertion during pushing and pulling.
  • To determine the subsequent impact of these force direction changes on musculoskeletal loads in the shoulder and low back.

Main Methods:

  • Eight subjects performed pushing and pulling tasks against a stationary bar and a movable cart on a treadmill.
  • Hand forces (vertical and horizontal) were measured using a force transducer.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Net joint torques in the shoulder and lumbosacral joint were calculated using measured forces, body movements, and anthropometric data.

    • Main Results:

    • The direction of pushing force shifted from downward (45 degrees) to near horizontal as handle height and force level increased.
    • The direction of pulling force shifted from upward (14 degrees) to near horizontal under similar conditions.
    • Changes in force exertion direction were correlated with changes in shoulder and low back torques, albeit with smaller magnitudes.

    Conclusions:

    • The direction of force exertion significantly influences musculoskeletal loading during pushing and pulling tasks.
    • Accurate assessment of biomechanical loads requires considering both force magnitude and direction relative to the body.
    • These findings have implications for designing safer workstations and manual handling guidelines.