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In May 2005 I initiated a discussion on the Ergoweb list server
concerning whether training in lifting techniques be made more
effective. On 23 Oct 2005 Mike Papakyriakou of York University asked
whether it is really helpful to "look forward" when you lift to help
keep the spine "neutral"; is that a meaningful or useful concept?
He referred to some lifting instructions he had seen (such as those
issued by the U.S. Army Center For Health Promotion And Preventive
Medicine) that advised you to "look forward" when you lift whereas
others advised you to tuck your chin in. Nobody replied (or at least not
publicly).
I seem to remember that Sedgewick and Gormley (1998) used to say
something similar but that was probably due to the fact that it helped
weightlifters to do well (i.e. probably it was to stop their chins from
hitting the bar). However, I do not recollect the details.
So the question remains; when lifting a low-lying load is it better to
look forward or tuck your chin in? Or doesn't it really matter?
Regards,
David McFarlane
Ergonomist, WorkCover Authority
New South Wales, Australia
Reference
A. Sedgwick and J. Gormley, (1998), "Training for lifting; an unresolved
ergonomic issue?", Appl Ergon. 29, (5): 395-8.
Disclaimer
Any recommendation concerning the use or representation of a particular
brand of product in this document or any mention of them whatsoever
(whether this appears in the text, illustrations, photographs or in any
other form) is not to be taken to imply that WorkCover NSW approves or
endorses the product or the brand.
************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************
This message, including any attached files, is intended solely for the addressee named and may contain confidential
information. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete it and notify the sender. Any views expressed in this
message are those of the individual sender and are not necessarily the views of WorkCover NSW.
************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************
concerning whether training in lifting techniques be made more
effective. On 23 Oct 2005 Mike Papakyriakou of York University asked
whether it is really helpful to "look forward" when you lift to help
keep the spine "neutral"; is that a meaningful or useful concept?
He referred to some lifting instructions he had seen (such as those
issued by the U.S. Army Center For Health Promotion And Preventive
Medicine) that advised you to "look forward" when you lift whereas
others advised you to tuck your chin in. Nobody replied (or at least not
publicly).
I seem to remember that Sedgewick and Gormley (1998) used to say
something similar but that was probably due to the fact that it helped
weightlifters to do well (i.e. probably it was to stop their chins from
hitting the bar). However, I do not recollect the details.
So the question remains; when lifting a low-lying load is it better to
look forward or tuck your chin in? Or doesn't it really matter?
Regards,
David McFarlane
Ergonomist, WorkCover Authority
New South Wales, Australia
Reference
A. Sedgwick and J. Gormley, (1998), "Training for lifting; an unresolved
ergonomic issue?", Appl Ergon. 29, (5): 395-8.
Disclaimer
Any recommendation concerning the use or representation of a particular
brand of product in this document or any mention of them whatsoever
(whether this appears in the text, illustrations, photographs or in any
other form) is not to be taken to imply that WorkCover NSW approves or
endorses the product or the brand.
************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************
This message, including any attached files, is intended solely for the addressee named and may contain confidential
information. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete it and notify the sender. Any views expressed in this
message are those of the individual sender and are not necessarily the views of WorkCover NSW.
************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************