Affiliations: School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health,
University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Carole James, School of Health
Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308,
Australia. Tel.: +612 49215973; Fax: +612 49217053; E-mail:
Carole.James@newcastle.edu.au
Abstract: Objective: The role of biomechanics during the overhead lift has not
been widely investigated. This study aimed to evaluate any change in
biomechanics between safe minimum and safe maximum overhead lifts during the
WorkHab Functional Capacity Evaluation. Method: Thirty healthy participants (age range 18–22 years)
were videotaped completing the overhead lift. Images at the beginning (0/3),
one-third (1/3), two-thirds (2/3), and end of lift (3/3) were collected for the
minimum and safe maximum lifts Measurement of joint angles of the wrist, elbow,
shoulder and sagittal spine using Dartfish Prosuite software was completed.
Paired t-tests were used to analyse the differences in joint angles between
lifts. Results: Participants' biomechanics changed between the minimum and
maximum lifts In comparison to minimum lifts, there was increased wrist ulnar
deviation (10.50, 95% CI 4.39, 16.61, p=0.002), increased shoulder flexion
(7.26, 95% CI 0.50, 14.01, p=0.036), increased thoracic extension (−3.40,
95% CI −5.36, −1.45, p=0.001), increased lumbar extension (3.75,
95% CI 1.39, 6.12, p=0.003), and decreased elbow flexion (−11.28, 95% CI
−18.57, −4.00, p=0.004) in the maximum lifts. Conclusions: The results of this study provide insight into
biomechanical changes during the overhead lifting, and support the clinical
judgements made by the WorkHab assessor in determining safe maximal lift.
Keywords: Lifting, functional capacity evaluation, work capacity evaluation biomechanics
