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Development of methodology in biomechanical simulation of manual lifting.

Hsiang-SH; Ayoub-MM

Int J Ind Ergon 1994 Jun; 13(4):271-288

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0169-8141(94)90085-X

00221256

The use of biomechanical simulation techniques for evaluating physical stresses involved in manual lifting was discussed. The differences between biomechanical modeling and biomechanical simulation were considered. Biomechanical modeling is regarded as a deductive method for describing body motions and utilizes techniques of kinematic and kinetic analysis to describe motions undergone by the various body segments and the forces acting on their body parts. Biomechanical simulation employs kinematic and kinetic analyses and optimization techniques to reduce the large number of possible body motion patterns to a feasible number needed to perform a task. The basic premises of biomechanical simulation were considered. Biomechanical simulation starts with making assumptions about the body motions involved in the task of interest. Human subjects are observed performing the task and their body motion patterns are recorded. A kinematic analysis of the motion patterns is performed. Kinematic and kinetic constraints were developed. An algorithm for optimizing the motions involved in the task was constructed by inputting data on the kinematic and kinetic constraints and constraints associated with the physical layout into an appropriate mathematical model describing the motion pattern data. A biomechanical simulation of a manual lifting task was illustrated by applying the approach to determining the optimal body movement pattern for manual lifting in the sagittal plane during which the time variant torques on the elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle joints were to be minimized.

Biomechanics; Physical-stress; Musculoskeletal-system; Manual-lifting; Injury-prevention; Simulation-methods; Mathematical-models; Humans; Laboratory-testing; Author Keywords: Biomechanical simulation; Optimization; Kinematics; Kinetics; Motion patterns; Angular displacement; Polynomials

Liberty Mutual Research Center, 71 Frankland Road, Hopkinton, MA

19940601

Journal Article

398227

Grant

1994

Grant-Number-R01-OH-02434

4

0169-8141

OD

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

TX; MA

Department of Industrial Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock Texas