Maximum holding endurance time: Effects of load and load’s center of gravity height

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Lee, Tzu-Hsien

Affiliations: Department of Management and Information Technology, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, No. 1, Nan-Tai Street, Yung-Kang 710, Tainan, Taiwan. Tel.: +886 6 253 3131 (Ext: 4126); E-mail: thlee@mail.stust.edu.tw

Abstract: BACKGROUND:Manual holding task is a potential risk to the development of musculoskeletal injuries since it is prone to induce localized muscle fatigue. Maximum holding endurance time is a significant parameter for the design of manual holding task. OBJECTIVE:This study aimed to examine the effects of load and load’s COG height on maximum holding endurance time. PARTICIPANTS:Fifteen young and healthy males were recruited as participants. METHODS:A factorial design was used to examine the effects of load and load’s COG height on maximum holding endurance time. Four levels of load (15% , 30% , 45% and 60% of the participant’s maximum holding capacity) and two levels of load’s COG height in box (0 cm and 40 cm high from the handle position) were examined. RESULTS:Maximum holding endurance time decreased with increasing load and/or increasing load’s COG height. The effect of load’s COG height on maximum holding endurance time decreased with increasing load. CONCLUSION:Load, load’s COG height, and the interaction of load and load’s COG height significantly affected maximum holding endurance time. Practitioners should realize the effects of load, load’s COG height, and the interaction of load and load’s COG height on maximum holding endurance time when setting the working conditions of holding tasks.

Keywords: Capability, musculoskeletal injury, manual materials handling

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152235

Journal: Work, vol. 53, no. 2, pp. 449-453, 2016