Strength Decrease, Perceived Physical Exertion and Endurance Time for Backpacking Tasks

Kai Way Li, Jenn Chun Chu and Ching Chung Chen
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Kai Way Li: Department of Industrial Management, Chung Hua University, Hsinchu 30012, Taiwan
Jenn Chun Chu: Ph.D. Program of Technology Management, Chung Hua University, Hsin-Chu 30012, Taiwan
Ching Chung Chen: Department of Information Management, Hsing Wu University of Science & Technology, New Taipei 24452, Taiwan

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 7, 1-13

Abstract: Manual material handling (MMH) tasks create a burden for workers which could result in musculoskeletal injuries. Assessments of the decrease of muscular strength and the maximum endurance time (MET) for MMH tasks are essential in studying the ergonomic risk of MMH tasks. A backpacking experiment was conducted for measuring the MET for MMH tasks. Human participants carried a load on their back and walked on a treadmill under various load, walking speed, and ramp angle conditions until they coud no longer do so. It was found that the participants were able to walk for approximately 15 min to two hours before they needed to have a pause. Their back and leg strengths declined moderately due to performing the tasks. These tasks resulted in an increase in heart rate and elevated perceived physical exertion. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE)/heart rate ratio in our backpacking tasks was 31% higher than that in the literature, implying the calibration of the RPE may be required for such tasks. A MET model incorporating the f MVC_back , body weight, walking speed, and ramp angle was established. This model may be used to determine the work/rest allowance for backpacking tasks under conditions similar to this study.

Keywords: manual material handling; manual operation; muscular fatigue; maximum endurance time (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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