title: Psychophysical basis for maximum pushing and pulling forces: A review and recommendations.
abstract: The objective of this paper was to perform a comprehensive review of psychophysically determined maximum acceptable pushing and pulling forces. Factors affecting pushing and pulling forces are identified and discussed. Recent studies show a significant decrease (compared to previous studies) in maximum acceptable forces for males but not for females when pushing and pulling on a treadmill. A comparison of pushing and pulling forces measured using a high inertia cart with those measured on a treadmill shows that the pushing and pulling forces using high inertia cart are higher for males but are about the same for females. It is concluded that the recommendations of Snook and Ciriello (1991) for pushing and pulling forces are still valid and provide reasonable recommendations for ergonomics practitioners. Regression equations as a function of handle height, frequency of exertion and pushing/pulling distance are provided to estimate maximum initial and sustained forces for pushing and pulling acceptable to 75% male and female workers. At present it is not clear whether pushing or pulling should be favored. Similarly, it is not clear what handle heights would be optimal for pushing and pulling. Epidemiological studies are needed to determine relationships between psychophysically determined maximum acceptable pushing and pulling forces and risk of musculoskeletal injuries, in particular to low back and shoulders.
authors.affiliation: Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering, Center for Ergonomics, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, P.O. Box 784, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA.
authors.forename: Arun
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Garg
authors.affiliation: National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Waters
authors.affiliation: Occupational Science and Technology, Center for Ergonomics, University Of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
authors.forename: Jay
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kapellusch
authors.affiliation: Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Systems, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA.
authors.forename: Waldemar
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Karwowski
keywords: Ergonomic recommendations; Factors affecting pushing and pulling forces; Maximum acceptable pushing and pulling forces (MAFs); Regression equations to estimate MAFs