The effects of load magnitude and lifting speed on the kinematic data of load and human posture

This study examined the effects of load magnitude and lifting speed on the kinematic data of load and human posture in a lifting task. Three load magnitudes (10, 20 and 30 kg) and three lifting speeds (fast, normal and slow) were examined in this study. This study showed that participants shortened the load acceleration period on lifting a lighter load than on lifting a heavier load. For normal and slow lifting speeds, participants moved and lifted the load closer to their body when lifting a heavy load. Participants tended to maintain their postures by using an ankle strategy when in heavier load or faster lifting conditions. The profiles of angle velocity of knee and ankle joints demonstrated the important role of the lower extremities in the acceleration of the load in the initial stage of fast lifting. In addition, participants could not easily control the momentum transmitted to the ankle joint for lifting the heavy load.