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Age-related differences do affect postural kinematics and joint kinetics during repetitive lifting
Mark G Boocock1, Grant A Mawston1, Steve Taylor1
1Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand.
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)
|January 11, 2015
Summary
Older workers manage fatigue during repetitive lifting by limiting lumbar spine motion, unlike younger workers who show increased flexion and fatigue. This suggests complex factors contribute to higher injury rates in older manual handlers.
Area of Science:
- Occupational biomechanics
- Ergonomics
- Gerontology
Background:
- Age is a significant risk factor for manual handling injuries.
- Older workers incur higher injury-related costs compared to younger counterparts.
- Repetitive lifting tasks pose risks for musculoskeletal injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related differences in the kinematics and kinetics of repetitive lifting.
- To compare the biomechanical responses to repetitive lifting between younger and older male handlers.
- To understand how age influences the effects of fatigue during manual handling tasks.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of 14 younger (mean 24.4 yr) and 14 older (mean 47.2 yr) males performing repetitive lifting (13 kg box, 10 lifts/min for 20 min).
- Measurement of postural kinematics (joint angles, angular velocities) and kinetics (joint moments) using motion analysis and ground reaction forces.
- Assessment of erector spinae muscle fatigue via electromyography (EMG).
Main Results:
- Significant differences in peak lumbosacral, trunk, hip, and knee flexion angles between age groups.
- Younger group exhibited greater increases in lumbar flexion (18%) and angular velocities, approaching maximum capacity.
- Older group demonstrated more controlled lumbar flexion (4%) and limited range of motion, potentially mitigating fatigue effects.
Conclusions:
- Older participants effectively controlled fatigue-related detrimental effects by limiting lumbar spine range of motion during repetitive lifting.
- The higher incidence of musculoskeletal injuries in older workers likely results from a complex interplay of manual handling risk factors.
- Understanding age-specific biomechanical responses is crucial for developing targeted injury prevention strategies in occupational settings.
