Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 27, 2025

Kinematic Analysis Using 3D Motion Capture of Drinking Task in People With and Without Upper-extremity Impairments
Published on: March 28, 2018
Trunk Posture during Manual Materials Handling of Beer Kegs
Colleen Brents1, Molly Hischke1, Raoul Reiser2,3
1Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
Abstract:
Craft brewing is a rapidly growing industry in the U.S. Most craft breweries are small businesses with few resources for robotic or other mechanical-assisted equipment, requiring work to be performed manually by employees. Craft brewery workers frequently handle stainless steel half-barrel kegs, which weigh between 13.5 kg (29.7 lbs.) empty and 72.8 kg (161.5 lbs.) full. Moving kegs may be associated with low back pain and even injury. In the present study, researchers performed a quantitative assessment of trunk postures using an inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based kinematic measurement system while workers lifted kegs at a craft brewery. Results of this field-based study indicated that during keg handling, craft brewery workers exhibited awkward and non-neutral trunk postures. Based on the results of the posture data, design recommendations were identified to reduce the hazardous exposure for musculoskeletal disorders among craft brewery workers.
Related Concept Videos
Machines: Problem Solving II
Normal and Tangetial Components: Problem Solving
Euler's Formula to Columns: Problem Solving
The system comprises two vertical rigid bars, AB and BC,...
Frames: Problem Solving II
Method of Sections: Problem Solving II
Deformation of a Beam under Transverse Loading
The insights from the bending moment diagram extend to...

