The effects of rigid container height and shape on maximum acceptable weight of lift

Date

1988-12

Authors

Ostrom, Lee Thomas

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas Tech University

Abstract

Psychophysical lifting capacity studies have examined many variables affecting lifting capacity, i.e., box width in the sagittal plane, box length in the frontal plane, the use of handles on the box, and the type of container (bag or box). The effects of box height and the shape of rigid containers were not studied before now. The major objectives of this study were: 1) To compare the results of a psychophysical box lifting task with the results of a psychophysical cylinder lifting task, and 2) To determine if container height has an effect on the maximum acceptable weight of lift. The minor objectives of this study were: 1) To determine whether a ten session training program was adequate for female subjects, and 2) To determine if the results of the isoinertial incremental 6-foot lift strength test are affected by training.

Five male and five female university students participated as subjects in the study. A training program was conducted prior to the experimental portion of this study. The training program consisted of cardiovascular training, muscular endurance training, muscular strength training, and flexibility training.

There were two experiments in this study. The first experiment was a psychophysical box lifting experiment. The independent variables in this study were box height (12, 24 and 36 inches), frequency of lift (6, 9 and 12 lifts/min.), and lift range (floor to knuckle, knuckle to shoulder and floor to shoulder). The dependent variables were VO2, Borg*s rating of perceived exertion and maximum acceptable weight of lift (MAWL). The second experiment was a psychophysical cylinder lifting experiment. The independent and dependent variables were the same as for the first experiment.

Linear regression models developed to predict MAWL for boxes with heights greater than 12 inches using the MAWL for a 12-inch box were developed.

Description

Keywords

Lifting and carrying, Motor ability, Materials handling

Citation