The Stoop-Squat-Index: a simple but powerful measure for quantifying whole-body lifting behavior

Abstract

Background Most of the studies evaluating lifting behavior only focus on very localized parameters such as lumbar spine flexion, while evaluations of whole-body strategies are largely lacking. To enable relatively simple evaluations of whole-body strategies, this study aimed at developing a novel index for quantifying the stoop-squat behavior, and to establish normative values of the index for healthy pain-free adults. Methods A novel index, the Stoop-Squat-Index, was developed, which describes the proportion between trunk forward lean and lower extremity joint flexion, with possible values ranging from 0 (full squat lifting) to 100 (full stoop lifting). To enable the interpretation of the index in a real-life setting, normative values for lifting a moderately-weighted object (15-kg-box) with a full squat and a full stoop technique were established using motion capture data from 30 healthy pain-free individuals that underwent motion analysis of squat and stoop lifting in the context of a previously conducted study. Results The results showed mean index values of lower than 30 and higher than 90 for the most relevant phases of the squat and stoop movements, respectively, with mean index values differing significantly from each other for the full duration of the lifting phases. Conclusions The main advantages of the index are that it is simple to calculate and can not only be derived from motion capture data but also from conventional video recordings, which enables large-scale in-field measurements with relatively low expenditure. When used in combination with lumbar spine flexion measurements, the index can contribute important information, which is necessary for comprehensively evaluating whole-body lifting strategies and to shed more light on the debate over the connection between lifting posture and back complaints.

Workload analysis using energy expenditure and the work posture evaluation approach with brief method at PT XYZ

“…NIOSH recommends a simple method to measure the possibility of excessive muscle loading based on job characteristics, the Recommended Weight Limit (RWL) [17]. Which is the recommended weight lifting limit value that can be lifted by humans without assistive devices without causing interference to the human musculoskeletal system even though the work is being carried out.…”

Spielt es eine Rolle, ob das ISG als Schmerzquelle diagnostiziert wird?

“…Another expectation of patients is self-care. Lifting recom mendations are a controversial topic [48][49][50]. A common public perception is to "keep the back straight" when bending or lifting.…”