Physiological effects of back belt wearing during asymmetric lifting.
This study investigated the effect of wearing a back belt on subjects' heart rate, oxygen consumption, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and respiratory frequency during asymmetric repetitive lifting. Thirty subjects with materials-handling experience utilized three different belts (ten subjects per belt). Subjects completed six 30-min lifting sessions--three while wearing a belt and three without. Data analyses were conducted on the second, third, and fourth lifting periods. A 9.4 kg box, without handles, was lifted 3 times/min, starting at 10 cm above the floor, ending at 79 cm, with a 60 degree twist to the right. Data analysis indicates that belt-wearing did not have a significant effect on the overall mean values for heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and respiratory frequency. Belt-wearing had a significant effect on the overall mean oxygen consumption of the subjects.
Bobick
T G
TG
Division of Safety Research, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA. txb4@cdc.gov
Belard
J L
JL
Hsiao
H
H
Wassell
J T
JT
D000328:Adult; D019567:Back Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001794:Blood Pressure; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D017770:Lifting / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D011482:Protective Devices; D012119:Respiration