Assessment of Human Physical Strength – Biomechanics of Force and Torque Exertion

Abstract

Knowledge of human capability to exert strength from the body (usually using hands or feet) to an external object (such as a control, or while lifting a load) is of great interest to the human factors engineer. Definition and measurement of human strength has been of considerable interest in various disciplines, such as physiology, psychology, biomechanics, sports physiology, physical education, and of course in human factors and ergonomics. With such a diversity of disciplines and interests, it is not surprising to find the concept, the problem, the techniques of solving it, and the results to be diverse, in fact partly incompatible. This undesirable condition needs to be resolved. For this, several eminent researchers, studying different aspects of the “strength” problem, are presenting their thoughts, experiences, and solutions. We do not dare to hope that this symposium will in fact solve the problem, define what human strength is, how it can be measured, and how the data may be applied. Still, we expect this to be a first and deciding step in bringing together the various fields interested in human strength.