Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

The back compressive forces during maximal push-pull activities in the sagittal plane

S Kumar1

  • 1University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.

Journal of Human Ergology
|December 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary

Pushing activities pose a greater risk of injury than pulling, despite lower measured strength. Higher compressive loads during pushing movements increase the hazard, potentially leading to cumulative injuries.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Prognostic relevance of serum hyaluronan levels in patients with breast cancer.

International journal of cancer·1992
Same author

Acceptability trials with ready to eat foods in a rural area.

Indian pediatrics·1992
Same author

American Diabetes Association annual scientific sessions, San Antonio, 20-23 June 1992.

Diabetic medicine : a journal of the British Diabetic Association·1992
Same author

Localization of the gene for branchiootorenal syndrome to chromosome 8q.

Genomics·1992
Same author

Expression of DRG during murine embryonic development.

Biochemical and biophysical research communications·1992
Same author

DRG: a novel developmentally regulated GTP-binding protein.

Biochemical and biophysical research communications·1992

Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Occupational Health
  • Ergonomics

Background:

  • Understanding the biomechanical differences between push and pull activities is crucial for preventing workplace injuries.
  • Previous research has not fully elucidated the specific risks associated with pushing versus pulling under various conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the biomechanical forces and injury risks associated with isometric and isokinetic push and pull activities at different heights.
  • To determine whether push or pull activities present a greater hazard to the lower back.

Main Methods:

  • Ten males and ten females performed isometric and isokinetic (50 cm/s) push and pull tasks at 35, 100, and 150 cm heights.
  • Subjects were stabilized on a platform, exerting forces through a low-friction assembly connected to a strength measurement system.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Posture and strength data were synchronized using videotaping and a load cell connected to a computer.
  • Main Results:

    • Pulling activities generated higher overall strength than pushing activities (p < 0.01).
    • Isometric strength was significantly greater than isokinetic strength (p < 0.01).
    • Despite lower strength, push activities resulted in 129%–627% higher low-back compressive forces compared to pull activities.

    Conclusions:

    • Pushing activities are more hazardous than pulling activities due to significantly higher compressive loads on the lower back.
    • The increased compressive load during pushing accelerates the accumulation of stress, elevating the risk of injury.
    • Ergonomic interventions should focus on mitigating the risks associated with pushing tasks to prevent cumulative trauma disorders.