Estimation of Spinal Loading During Manual Materials Handling Using Inertial Motion Capture.

Musculoskeletal models have traditionally relied on measurements of segment kinematics and ground reaction forces and moments (GRF&Ms) from marked-based motion capture and floor-mounted force plates, which are typically limited to laboratory settings. Recent advances in inertial motion capture (IMC) as well as methods for predicting GRF&Ms have enabled the acquisition of these input data in the field. Therefore, this study evaluated the concurrent validity of a novel methodology for estimating the dynamic loading of the lumbar spine during manual materials handling based on a musculoskeletal model driven exclusively using IMC data and predicted GRF&Ms.

The effect of shoe and floor characteristics on walking kinematics.

It is common sense that walking on sand poses challenges to postural control. However, there are no studies quantifying the kinematics of sand walking compared to other types of postural perturbations such as unstable shoes. The aim of the study was to investigate differences in walking kinematics during walking on solid ground, in unstable shoes and on unstable surfaces.

Influence of anterior load carriage on lumbar muscle activation while walking in stable and unstable shoes.

Load carriage can be harmful for workers, and alternative interventions to reduce back pain while walking and carrying loads are necessary. Unstable shoes have been used to improve balance and reduce back pain, but it is unknown whether walking wearing unstable shoes while carrying loads anteriorly causes excessive trunk extensors muscle activation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different shoe types and anterior load carriage on gait kinematics and lumbar electromyographic (EMG) activity.