Assessment of the Hoisting Motion via Motion Analysis and Physical Perceptions

- Aiming to Reduce the Burden on the Lower Back during the Transferring Motion -

Abstract

The present study evaluated the burden on the lower back during the transferring motion that is commonly performed in nursing, and evaluated the association of this burden with the knee flexion angle. The aim of the present study was to verify the knee flexion angle at which the vertically upward force was maximized while the subject was performing the hoisting motion to move an object (simulating a patient). The mean maximal forces applied vertically upward to the object were significantly greater when the subject had knee flexion angles of 60° and 80° compared with a knee flexion angle of 40°. However, the mean maximal force applied vertically upward to the object with a knee flexion angle of 80° did not significantly differ from that with a knee flexion angle of 60°. This suggests that a flexion angle of the knee joint of 60° minimizes the burden on the lower back, assuming that the effect of the upper body is excluded.