Load weight determination during dynamic working procedures using the pedar foot pressure distribution measuring...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Occupational Health
• Ergonomics

Background:

• A recognized occupational disease involves spinal damage from repetitive heavy lifting and extreme postures.
• Existing methods for assessing external stress parameters like handled load weight are limited in dynamic work environments.
• A BIA research project aims to develop a portable system for recording external stress parameters at various workplaces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify if a worker's handled load weight can be determined using a foot pressure distribution measuring system.
• To develop a portable measuring system for recording external stress parameters (body postures, handled load weights) at workplaces.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a foot pressure distribution measuring system (Pedar insoles) to record foot reaction forces.
• Synchronously measured body dynamics using angle and angular velocity sensors.
• Employed a developed biomechanical link segment model to predict foot reaction force and estimate handled load weight.

Main Results:

• Successfully determined load weight reliably in laboratory tests for various working processes (40-second duration).
• Achieved high accuracy (maximal deviation of 5%) for static force measurement when insoles were placed directly under the foot.
• Identified complications in load weight determination when insoles were placed in shoes due to additional forces from shoe leather.

Conclusions:

• Laboratory results are encouraging for future field measurements at actual workplaces.
• Ongoing work focuses on increasing total measuring time and modifying the system for portability (wireless).
• A field study is currently in preparation to validate the system in real-world occupational settings.