Foot placement strategy in pushing and pulling.

BACKGROUND

Pushing and pulling tasks are very common in daily and industrial workplaces. They are one major source of musculoskeletal complaints.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the foot placement strategy while pushing and pulling.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirteen young males and ten young females were recruited as participants.

METHODS

A two (pushing and pulling) by four (48 cm, 84 cm, 120 cm, and 156 cm) factorial design was used.

RESULTS

Exertion direction and exertion height significantly affected foot placement strategy. Pushing task needed more anteroposterior space than pulling task. The percentages of female/male for trailing foot position ranged from 77% to 90% (pushing) and from 80% to 93% (pulling) across the exertion heights.

CONCLUSION

Practitioners should provide an anteroposterior space approximately to 70% body stature for workers to exert their maximum pulling and pushing strengths.