Science Group
Question:
Explain all three biomechanical models for lifting?
My question is related with ergonomics
Answers:
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eNotes Editor
Posted by giorgiana1976 on Wednesday November 11, 2009 at 10:14 AMBest answer as selected by question asker.
Biomechanical calculations were made,after serious injuries had happened during heavy loads lifting activities.
First of all, it's important the fact that a force from a lifted load is felt in the spine with a 10 times more intensity. During lifting activity, vertebrae fractures are not the specific injuries, but discs between each pairs of vertebrae damages, mainly at the discs between L4/L5 and L5/S1.
Before biomechanical calculation, some calculating hypothesis are made: it is considered an individual with an weigh of 75 Kg. Between the moment arm of erector muscle and the disc , there is a distance of 6cm. With the aid of these values there are written the equilibrium equations for:
- moment around L5/S1;
-add forces perpendicular to spine direction;
-add forces parallel with the spine direction;
Models concerning lifting techniques:
1. Lifting with straight arm, in this way, the tensions felt in the upper arm and the shoulder muscle are reduced;
2. The squat position (straight back and bent knees) should be adopted, while lifting;
3.The opposite of squat position, bent back and straight knees.

