Morphology-Related Isometric Trunk Strength of South African Manual Workers: Implications for Prevention of Occupational Low-Back Stress.

This study represents a first step in reporting the trunk strength of Xhosa workers in South Africa, in absolute and size-relative terms. Thirty-five male manual workers were tested isometrically while making maximal extension and flexion efforts at 0°, 23°, 46°, 69°, and 92° of stoop. The results show nonlinearity of the extensor-to-flexor (E/F) ratio of the trunk musculature. The E/F ratio increases in deep stoop because of a drop in flexor torques. The data suggest that predictions of flexor from extensor torques or vice versa can confidently be made so long as testing is done away from the fully flexed position. Significant differences between morphologically gracile and robust workers in this sample are discussed. The study has implications for occupational rehabilitation and for prophylaxis, for whereas muscular strength alone may not protect the spine from occupational injury, muscular weakness certainly predisposes it. PMID: 28075267 [PubMed - in process]
Source: International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics - Category: Occupational Health Tags: Int J Occup Saf Ergon Source Type: research