Functional assessment for prediction of lifting capacity.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the ability to predict maximal functional lifting capacity from peak isometric lumbar extension torque and submaximal lifting mechanics.


METHODS
Peak isometric lumbar extension torques were measured on 26 healthy men and women, ages 18 to 39 years. In addition, their lifting mechanics were evaluated while they lifted a submaximal load. Each subject's maximal lifting capacity (kg) then was predicted from the peak torque and submaximal kinetic analysis using a linear regression model.


RESULTS
Mean values for the predicted and actual maximum weight the subjects lifted were not significantly different (50.3 +/- 15.6 kg and 48.5 +/- 17.0 kg, respectively, P > or = 0.05). The correlation between predicted and criterion values was high (r = 0.96), and the total error of the prediction was 5.1 kg, which represented 10.5% of the actual maximum value.


CONCLUSIONS
This multi-faceted functional assessment model involving biomechanical analysis of a submaximal lift and maximal isometric lumbar extension strength accurately predicted a subject's maximum functional lifting capacity.
Wheeler
D L
DL
Departments of Orthopaedics, University of Florida, Gainesville.
Graves
J E
JE
Miller
G J
GJ
O'Connor
P
P
MacMillan
M
M
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D017770:Lifting; D016014:Linear Models; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation