A muscular endurance training program for symmetrical and asymmetrical manual lifting tasks

The purpose of this study was to test whether the endurance limits of new employees engaged in symmetrical and asymmetrical manual lifting tasks can be significantly increased through a physical training program. Each subject participating in the training program performed a total of 16 sessions. A control group performed two sessions separated by a 4-week interval. The results of this study showed that endurance time increased by 248% for the symmetrical and 46% for the asymmetrical lifting tasks. Furthermore, the frequency of handling increased by 44% and 34% for these tasks, respectively. The control group showed no improvement in terms of endurance time and frequency of handling. The implementation of a physical training program as a tool to control overexertion injuries in industrial settings is outlined.