Pushing and pulling: personal mechanics influence spine loads.

Full Abstract

This study assessed several mechanical issues related to low back loading during pushing and/or pulling tasks. Nine male participants performed two-handed pushing and pulling tasks at two handle heights with three loads, using a cable pulley system. Four of these men were professional firefighters trained in performing pushing and pulling tasks while the other five were graduate students who lacked manual work experience. The more experienced firefighters produced less spinal compression and shearing forces when compared to the less experienced students under the same conditions. The firefighters were able to create less muscle activation as compared to the students, which indicated a more efficient technique. The main contributing factors to the forces produced on the low back were the quantity of the load being pushed or pulled, handle height, experience level and the technique of the participant. Thus, attempts to set load limits for pushing and pulling tasks are difficult, since technique has such a large influence on back loading. In order to create safer working environments, education on proper pushing and pulling techniques is very important--more important than the physical variables in many cases.

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Author information

Author/s: Lett, Kelly K (KK); McGill, Stuart M (SM);

Affiliation: Spine Biomechanics Laboratory, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3G1.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Ergonomics (Ergonomics), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Jul; vol 49 (issue 9) : pp 895-908

Dates: Created 2006/06/27; Completed 2006/09/12; Revised 2008/11/21;

PMID: 16801235, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Ontario
Physical Exertion
Spine - physiology
Weight-Bearing

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