Effects of Different Surfaces on Biomechanical Loading of the Upper Extremities While Handling Wheelbarrows

Abstract

This study examines the effects of ground surfaces, gross weight loaded, and wheelbarrows on muscular activities, hand force, and subject-perceived exertions while pushing a construction trolley in a straight line on a horizontal surface. Twelve subjects pushed the trolleys on three different surfaces: asphalt pavement, paving gravel, and grass. Gross weight when loaded was 45, 75, and 105 kg, and two construction trolleys (a one-wheeled barrow and two-wheeled barrow) were used in this experiment. Experimental results show that gross weight loaded significantly affected muscular activities, hand force, and subject-perceived exertion while pushing construction trolleys. Additionally, different ground surfaces and wheelbarrow type also affected the muscular activities of the dominant hand; grass generated the highest muscle load and asphalt pavement generated the smallest muscle load. Muscular activity increased significantly in dominant hand with the one-wheeled barrow when compared with the two-wheeled barrow, suggesting that, in terms of muscle loads, the two-wheeled barrow is better than the one-wheeled barrow.