Abstract
In ergonomics research, two-dimensional (2-D) biomechanical models are often used to study the mechanical loading of the low back in lifting movements. When lifting movements are asymmetric, errors of unknown size may be introduced in a 2-D analysis. In the current study, an estimation of these errors was made by comparing the outcome of a 2-D analysis to the results of a recently developed and validated 3-D model. Four subjects made two repetitions of five lifting movements, differing in the amount of asymmetry. The results showed a significant underestimation of the peak torque by 20, 36 and 61% when the initial position of a box was rotated 30, 60 and 90°with respect to the sagittal plane of the subject. The main cause of this underestimation was a pelvic twist, resulting in an erroneous projection of a pelvic marker on to the sagittal plane due to pelvic twist. It is suggested that from 30°box rotation a 2-D analysis may easily lead to wrong conclusions when it is used to study asymmetric lifting.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1453-1461 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Ergonomics |
Volume | 41 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1998 |