title: Kinematic and electromyographic assessment of manual handling on a supermarket green- grocery shelf.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There are few epidemiological data regarding musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in retail industry. Biomechanical risk assessment in ergonomics is commonly performed in retail sector using standardized protocols. However, such protocols have numerous limitations, such as the lack of objectivity or applicability and restrictive conditions.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to analyze one of the most commonly used shelves in vegetable and fruit departments in order to investigate the effect of different shelf levels (i.e. with variations in height and horizontal distance) and load weights on the workers' biomechanical load.
  
  
  METHODS
  We investigated trunk, shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and ankle joint ROMs, as well as the mean and peak EMG values of the upper limb, trunk and lower limb muscles.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found that shelf level has a significant effect on most of the parameters examined, whereas within this limited range of 6 and 8 kg, weight does not affect the biomechanical load. We also identified the shelf levels that place the least and most strain on the musculoskeletal system.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We therefore recommend that the height and horizontal distance be carefully considered when shelves are being designed. Kinematic and EMG approach may help to objectively assess shelf-related risks. Our findings are in agreement with RNLE LI values and therefore support RNLE.
authors: INAIL - Department of Occupational Medicine, Rome, Italy.
authors: Alessio
authors: A
authors: Silvetti
authors: Fondazione Don Gnocchi, Milan, Italy.
authors: Silvia
authors: S
authors: Mari
authors: INAIL - Department of Occupational Medicine, Rome, Italy.
authors: Alberto
authors: A
authors: Ranavolo
authors: INAIL - Department of Occupational Medicine, Rome, Italy.
authors: Federico
authors: F
authors: Forzano
authors: INAIL - Department of Occupational Medicine, Rome, Italy.
authors: Sergio
authors: S
authors: Iavicoli
authors: Department of Neuroscience, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
authors: Carmela
authors: C
authors: Conte
authors: INAIL - Department of Occupational Medicine, Rome, Italy.
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Draicchio
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003132:Commerce / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004576:Electromyography; D005511:Food Handling / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000502:physiology*; D017770:Lifting; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D060726:Torso / Q000502:physiology; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000502:physiology
keywords: NIOSH protocol; Retail sector; ergonomics; movement analysis; shelf levels