Shoulder joint load and muscular activity during lifting

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate load on shoulder joint and muscles in healthy adults during four different ways of lifting a moderate burden (12.8 kg) from floor to table level. The methods used were surface electrode EMG with linear envelope, and calculation of loading moments of force using a static biomechanical model. The shoulder load at the beginning of the lift was lowest for the straight knee lift. The peak load occurred in the late phase of all lifts. On completion of the lift, load and activation were considerably lower when the subject was allowed to step forward before putting the box down. The most activated shoulder muscles were the anterior and lateral parts of the deltoid, and the serratus anterior. Around 80% of the shoulder load moment was caused by the weight of the burden. Some 75% of maximum shoulder strength was required for lifting the burden.