The effect of floor slope on sub-maximal lifting capacity and technique

Inclined surfaces, where both the lifter and load are on the slope, may be encountered in a jobsite situation. The purpose of this study was to determine if facing up or down a sloped surface (10 degrees and 20 degrees ) would affect maximal acceptable weights of lift (MAWL) using a 10 min psychophysical approach with symmetric freestyle technique at 4 lifts/min. Seventeen healthy men and 18 women determined floor to knuckle height MAWL while facing uphill, downhill, and on a level surface. Motion capture was also performed to examine sagittal plane joint angles and foot placement relative to a milk crate. Slope did not alter MAWL (p>0.05) with the men lifting more than the women in every condition (p<0.001) (25 kg vs. 15 kg, respectively). Foot placement relative to the box was altered by slope such that both horizontal position behind and vertical position below the box increased as slope changed from the downhill to uphill conditions (both p<0.001). Forward torso lean as well as hip, knee, and ankle (plantar) flexion generally decreased as slope changed from the downhill to uphill conditions (all p<0.001). Torso and knee motion appeared to be protected compared to the other joints, changing the least. Though trends were the same in both sexes, interactions did exist in vertical foot position and hip angle (both p0.001). In conclusion, the body is highly adaptive to floor slope, maintaining MAWL at least in the short term. However, while slight technique differences exist between men and women, care should be taken by all when facing uphill due to the tendency to stand further from the load horizontally and when facing downhill due to increased torso lean.