The effects of protective footwear on spine control and lifting mechanics. (April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mavor, Matthew P.; Graham, Ryan B.
• Is Part Of: Applied ergonomics. Volume 76(2019)
• Page Start: 122
• Page End: 129
• Publication Date: 2019-04
• Subjects: Kinematics -- Footwear -- Local dynamic stability; Human engineering -- Periodicals; 620.82
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2018.12.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-6870

Abstract

Abstract: Manual materials handling is often performed in hazardous environments where protective footwear must be worn; however, workers can wear different types of footwear depending on the hazards present. Therefore, the goal of this study was to investigate how three-dimensional lifting mechanics and trunk local dynamic stability are affected by different types of protective footwear (i.e. steel-toed shoes (unlaced boot), steel-toed boots (work boot), and steel-toed boots with a metatarsal guard (MET)). Twelve males and twelve females performed a repetitive lifting task at 10% of their maximum lifting effort, under three randomized footwear conditions. Footwear type influenced ankle range of motion (ROM). The work boot condition reduced ankle sagittal ROM ( p = 0.007) and the MET condition reduced ankle ROM in the sagittal ( p = 0.004), frontal ( p = 0.001) and transverse ( p = 0.003) planes. Despite these differences at the ankle, no other changes in participant lifting mechanics were observed. Highlights: Work boots with and without a metatarsal guard reduced ankle range of motion. The reduced ankle range of motion did not alter lifting mechanics or trunk control. Males and females adapted their lifting mechanics similarly when footwear changed.