title: Effects of simulated occupational task parameters on balance.
abstract: The effects of single-handed load holding, length of the base of support, and standing surface condition (narrow and wide construction beams) on balance were investigated in twenty-three healthy men between the ages of 18 and 55 years old. Balance during quiet standing was evaluated from postural sway measurements derived from center of pressure (COP) displacement. These measurements included the range or maximal displacement of the COP in the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions, the elliptical area, and mean sway velocity. Holding a load in the hand did not significantly affect postural sway measures (p > 0.05), although the effect of surface condition was significant on all COP measures (p < 0.001). Lengthening the base of support did not affect the ranges or elliptical area, but increased the mean velocity of sway (p = 0.001). Changes in the dimensional characteristics of the surface condition and length of base of support affected postural sway, possibly by requiring adjustments to balance and motor control strategies. Further research is required to determine if these changes are detrimental to maintaining balance and increase the risk of falls for workers in similar environments.
authors.affiliation: Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, 71 Frankland Road, Hopkinton, MA 01748, USA. angela.didomenico@libertymutual.com
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: DiDomenico
authors.forename: Krystyna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gielo-Perczak
authors.forename: Raymond W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: McGorry
authors.forename: Chien-Chi
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Chang
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005160:Facility Design and Construction; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D014481:United States; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult