Gross MT, Dailey ES, Dalton MD, Lee AK, McKiernan TL, Vernon WL, Walden AC. Relationship between lifting capacity and anthropometric measures.
J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2000;
30:237-47; discussion 258-61. [PMID:
10817411 DOI:
10.2519/jospt.2000.30.5.237]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN
Prospective analysis of relationship between lifting capacity and multiple anthropometric variables.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the relationship between lifting capacity and anthropometric variables and to model this relationship quantitatively.
BACKGROUND
Low-back injuries commonly occur in individuals who perform lifting tasks. Objective data are needed to determine preinjury lifting capacity that, in turn, might be used to guide decisions during rehabilitation of these injuries.
METHODS AND MEASURES
We recorded age and sex and measured the following variables for 35 men and 23 women between the ages of 22 and 40: height, weight, percentage of body fat, torso height, pelvic width, pelvic girth, arm length, thigh girth, and calf girth. Variables were selected for the study on the basis of theoretical modeling or previous research regarding the relationship between study variables and lifting capacity. Subjects also were tested to determine their maximum lifting capacity by using a lordotic lumbar spine lifting technique.
RESULTS
Stepwise regression analysis indicated that the combination of sex, age, thigh girth, pelvic girth, and percentage body fat was significantly related to maximum lift capacity (multiple R2 = 0.76). The mean absolute difference (+/- SD) between lifted amount predicted by the regression model and the actual amount lifted was 118.6 +/- 86 N (26 +/- 19.3 lb), which corresponded to an average absolute error of 16% (SD = 14%) of the actual weight lifted.
CONCLUSION
The results may be useful in estimating 1 aspect of preinjury lifting capacity. Similar studies are needed to model the requirements of frequency of lift, duration of lifting efforts, variety of hand-object coupling, and combined lifting and reaching.
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