Kotowski Susan E, Davis Kermit G, Waters Thomas R
Department of Environmental Health, Low Back Biomechanics and Workplace Stress Laboratory, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0056, USA.
J Agromedicine. 2009;14(1):44-57. doi: 10.1080/10599240802612653.
Previous research has provided evidence that farm youth performing farm chores may be at risk of developing a low back musculoskeletal injury. In order to reduce these risks, effective interventions for reducing the stressors that cause the injuries are needed. The objective of the current study was to investigate alternative wheelbarrow styles as an intervention for youth working to transfer material on the farm with respect to trunk motion and perceived exertion. A lumbar motion monitor was used to capture three-dimensional trunk kinematics while several wheelbarrow tasks (e.g., pushing, pushing over bump, and dumping) were performed by youth. Ratings of perceived exertion and comfort of use were also assessed. Results indicated a reduction in the sagittal trunk flexion and velocity was achieved by adding a push bar to the handles, in combination with three-wheels, or utilizing adjustable handles. However, these alterations had little impact in the predicted low back disorder risk levels. Additionally, the youths' perceptions of risk and exertion levels were greater for these alternative wheelbarrows than for the regular wheelbarrow. Therefore, the mismatch between perception and kinematic response will probably affect usage of the alternative wheelbarrows. While the results indicate that alternative wheelbarrow designs can reduce the awkward postures and motions during wheelbarrow tasks, further research into the effectiveness of these interventions, including spine loading and long long-term use, is necessary.
先前的研究已提供证据表明，从事农场杂务的农村青少年可能有患下背部肌肉骨骼损伤的风险。为了降低这些风险，需要采取有效的干预措施来减少导致损伤的压力源。本研究的目的是调查替代型手推车样式作为一种干预措施，对于在农场搬运物料的青少年在躯干运动和感知用力方面的影响。在青少年执行多项手推车任务（例如，推、推过颠簸路面和倾倒）时，使用腰椎运动监测仪来获取三维躯干运动学数据。还评估了感知用力程度和使用舒适度评分。结果表明，通过在手柄上添加推杆、结合三轮设计或使用可调节手柄，可减少矢状面躯干屈曲和速度。然而，这些改变对预测的下背部疾病风险水平影响不大。此外，与普通手推车相比，青少年对这些替代型手推车的风险和用力程度感知更高。因此，感知与运动反应之间的不匹配可能会影响替代型手推车的使用。虽然结果表明替代型手推车设计可以减少手推车任务期间的笨拙姿势和动作，但有必要进一步研究这些干预措施的有效性，包括脊柱负荷和长期使用情况。
