title: Comparison of static lifting capacity between experienced and novice Taiwanese female workers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Previous studies have analyzed the lifting capacity of either experienced workers or novices, but a systematic comparison of the lifting capacity of experienced female workers and novices has not been conducted.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study was conducted to identify differences in lifting strengths and postures between experienced and novice Taiwanese female workers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-three experienced female workers and 23 novices volunteered for this study. Their static lifting strengths (n = 46) and lifting postures (n = 22) were analyzed using statistical analysis software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Experienced workers' vertical lifting strengths were approximately 5-7  kg lower than those of novices at lower heights (≤50  cm). However, at heights equal to or higher than 90  cm, the experienced workers generated approximately 2-3  kg higher toward-body lifting strengths than did novices. The experienced workers' strengths at all 15 lifting heights were relatively unchanged, compared with changes in the novices' strengths. Experienced workers tended to adopt a consistently deep squat at lower heights and a more flexed arm posture at higher heights.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Through daily work experience, experienced workers may have subconsciously learned to shift their postures to avoid overexertion. These techniques for safe lifting should be taught to new Taiwanese female workers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Yi-Lang
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Department of Industrial Design, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Wen-Ko
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: Chiou
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D005511:Food Handling; D006801:Humans; D017770:Lifting; D053580:Muscle Strength; D016272:Occupational Health; D011187:Posture; D013624:Taiwan; D014495:Universities; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Lifting strengths; exertion directions; exertion heights; lifting postures