Computerized dynamic biomechanical simulation of lifting versus inverse dynamics model: effects of task variables

Date

1995-12

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas Tech University

Abstract

An examination of the kinetics and kinematics produced by the computerized dynamic biomechanical simulation model was performed to demonstrate the model's rehability in predicting stresses imposed on the body as a lifting task is performed. The peak kinetic parameters predicted by the simulation model were shown to be highly correlated, the kinematics less so, with the stresses imposed in actual lifts under different task conditions (range of lift, weight of load, size of box, and gender of lifter), thus its use can be advocated for lifting evaluations. Although highly correlated, the simulation tended to overestimate the values of the parameters. However, simple linear regression models provided in the analyses with R^2 values often m the range of 0.80 -0.95 can be used to correct for the prediction errors. The sensitivity analysis performed on inputs required to run the simulation model showed that the outputs of the model were consistent with the principles of biomechanics. The results provided in this study demonstrate that the simulation model should prove to be an effective alternative for the analysis of lifting tasks. By using the simulation model as a design tool, the tedious, time-consuming and costly data collection step required without use of a simulation tool can be eliminated and the ergonomist's time and effort spent more productively on design and evaluation.

Description

Keywords

Human mechanics, Biomechanics, Lifting and carrying

Citation