Ergonomic Tests Amy, Jayme, Dan, Keri, Will

RMA Maximum Isoinertial Testing – Lifting, Carrying, Pushing and Pulling

Content of Evaluation 4 different lifts, a carry, a push, and a pull test - results may be compared to the Snook normative data Snook’s data was dependent on the following variables: –Box size –Lift starting and ending heights –Frequency of lifting

Content of Evaluation Weights should be increased by 5-10 lbs. increments, and in rare cases increments of 20 lbs. If a weight is too heavy, subtract 5 lbs and repeat It is important to establish a safe, reliable, and acceptable maximum weight Increments that are too small will result in frequent lifting which defeats the object of this test

Important Definitions Lifting – raising or lowering an object from one level to another Carrying – transporting an object horizontally, usually holding it in the hands, arms or on shoulders Pushing – exerting a force upon n object so that it moves Pulling – exerting a force upon an object so that an object moves towards a force

Examples from the Workplace Firefighting – carrying heavy equipment, lifting and carrying people Retail Workers – stocking shelves, receiving merchandise Industrial Workers – assembly lines Landscaping

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Instructions Client specific: –May stop the test if they are uncomfortable Tester specific: –May stop the test if he/she notices abonormal posture or movement patterns –May stop the test if they feel it has exceeded a safe limit The client will be asked to rate their pain and discomfort on a scale of 1-10 and whether or not they are comfortable continuing

Test Objective “The purpose of this evaluation is to test your client’s maximum or ‘Occasional’ lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling capacity”

Equipment for Lifting, Carrying, Pushing and Pulling Tests Lifting and Carrying: –34 cm square box with handles at 4” and 12” –Weights are secure inside of the box (lid is optional) Pushing and Pulling: –Sled

Equipment Continued The EPIC Lift Capacity evaluates the client on six integrated, progressive sub tests that measure lift capacity from floor to shoulder level on both a frequent and infrequent basis. Through the use of heart rate monitoring, high-risk work style measurement and biomechanical safety guidelines, optimum safety is assured. The EPIC Lift Capacity is the culmination of Dr. Leonard Matheson's experience in developing tests of psychophysical lift capacity that are safe, reliable and valid. This is probably the most extensively research lift in use today. $4000 Push Pull Sled=$ 712 Pile Lift Box=$ 170 DMG Mechanical Dynamometer Kit =$1325 -measure instantaneous push or pull forces generated by the test subject. An easy to use peak force switch freezes the pointer at the maximum force for simple identification.

Leg Lift (floor to knuckle) Position: Full squat, one foot 6-10’’ in front of the other Client grabs lowers handles elbows fully extended Box between legs and close to the torso Torso remains as vertical as possible Action: With arms fully extended, raise arms and shoulders first Resistance increased by 5-10 pound increments

Leg Lift (floor to knuckle) Watch for: Lumbar spine kyphosis Tight clothing Parallel feet Kyphoitic horizontal trunk Box joints Overload

Knee Lift (12’’ to knuckle) Position: Lower extremities are flexed at hips and knees to comfort with outward rotation of the hips Upper extremities are extended at elbows Grasp upper handles Torso at 45 degrees Actions: Lift with head and shoulders first until arms and hands are extended Increase in 5-10 pounds increments

Watch For Stay erected Overload Box joints

Waist to Shoulder (knuckle to shoulder) Position: Feet parallel and lower extremities straight Grasp box at knuckle level and arms fully extended Torso upright Action: Lift up shoulder level by stepping sideways and keep in front of chest Box lowered in same manner Same for resistance as previous

Watch For Over torque at wrist and fingers Box joints Shelves are secure Overload Horizontal distance between box and trunk Twisting action

Shoulder to Overhead Position: Parallel feet and legs straight Hands grasp box in pronated position at shoulder height Torso upright Action: Lifted to overhead by 8-10’’ Sidestep as lifting weight to keep weight in front Resistance increased as previous

Watch For Overload Going up on toes or leaning back too far Box joints Shelves are secure Torque at wrist Tilt of the box Tight clothing

Carrying Position: Stand with normal posture Grasp box from lower handles at knuckle position Torso remains vertical Action: Client keeps weight in front of body Carries it to required distance and back Resistance can be increases by 5-10 pound increments

Watch For Overload Excessive trunk twisting Box joints

Pushing (Sled-Dynamics) Position: Client uses normal walking movement Applies forward pressure on handle approx. 36 inches fro floor Elbows extended or slightly flexed Torso is straight but angled towards the sled Action: Pushes sled and walks a pre-determined distance Speed determined by client Resistance is increased by pound increments Measure pushing force using dynamometer

Watch For Adapted posture Length of stride

Pulling (Sled-Dynamic) Position: Uses normal walking posture Pulls from handles 36 inches from floor and pulls sled the required distance Lean backward angling torso away from sled Action: Client grasps sled handles with both hands and pulls while walking backwards Resistance as previous Measured using dynamometer

Watch For Overload: Short strides Excessive flexion at waist Sled fishtailing Jerky motion

Ergo Movie: The End