Elbow-Height Handle and Staggered Stance Exhibited Greatest Force in Pushing and Pulling: A Study among Malaysian Adults
https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.18.5.15
- Author:
Isa Halim
1
;
Adi Saptari
2
;
Puvanasvaran Perumal
1
;
Zulkeflee Abdullah
1
;
Nurul Wirdah Mafazi
1
;
Ahmad Faizal Salleh
3
;
Anish Ravindra Kurup
4
Author Information
1. Fakulti Kejuruteraan Pembuatan, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Hang Tuah Jaya, 76100 Durian Tunggal, Melaka, Malaysia
2. Department of Industrial Engineering, President University, Jl. Ki Hajar Dewantara, Kota Jababeka, Cikarang Baru, Bekasi 17550, Indonesia
3. Sports Engineering Research Centre (SERC), Centre of Excellent, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Perlis, Malaysia
4. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carmel College of Engineering and Technology,Punnapra, Alappuzha, Kerala-688004, India
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Ergonomics, Manual materials handling, Push and pull strength, Two-handed push and pull, Symmetrical pushing and pulling
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2022;18(No.5):104-113
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Pushing and pulling activities are common in daily life and industrial workplaces. These activities are
potentially contributing to muscle fatigue in the back and shoulder if not managed ergonomically. Therefore, this
study aimed to quantify the maximum strength of Malaysian adults in horizontal symmetrical two-handed pushing
and pulling with different handle heights and stances. Methods: Forty-seven participants of 24 males and 23 females
were recruited in pushing and pulling experiments. The participants were assistant engineers and postgraduate students of a technical university. The dependent variable was the magnitude of push/ pull force. The independent variables consisted of action, handle height and stances. The experimental design was set for 2 actions, 3 handle heights
and 2 stances, yielding 12 variables combinations. Results: Key findings of this study revealed that combination of
pull action, handle height at elbow level and staggered stance exhibited greatest force. On the contrary, combination
of push action, handle height at knuckle level and parallel stance resulted in lowest force. In pushing test, both male
and female participants obtained greatest force of 233.3 N and 121.7 N, respectively, when the handle height was
at elbow level and staggered stance. Similarly, in pulling test, males and females obtained highest force of 242.9 N
and 152.4 N, respectively. Conclusion: This study concluded that handle height at elbow level and staggered stance
exhibited greatest force in pushing and pulling activities. This study provides information to individuals who involved
in pushing and pulling tasks with least force exertion to minimize muscle fatigue in the back and shoulder. Future
studies should consider the following recommendations: 1) Participants of study should involve manufacturing industry workers. 2) To study the effect of pushing and pulling tasks on muscle activity.
- Full text:11.2022my1334.pdf
