Truncal flexibility exercise effects on musculoskeletal capability for manual handling operations

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a truncal flexibility programme on manual material handling strength and endurance, low-back flexibility and truncal rotation. Two training groups (males and females) and one control group participated in the study. Multivariate analysis of variance and discriminant analysis suggested that it is possible to improve significantly dynamic muscular strength, low-back flexibility and truncal rotation during the course of the exercises described in this investigation. However, the effects of the programme on muscular endurance were mixed; females significantly improved and males did not. The response variables collected for the control group did not show any significant change over the study period. The implications of the results with respect to the industrial environment are discussed.