TitleMuscular activity of lower limb muscles associated with working on inclined surfaces.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsLu, M-L, Kincl, L, Lowe, B, Succop, P, Bhattacharya, A
JournalErgonomics
Volume58
Issue2
Pagination278-90
Date Published02/2015
ISSN1366-5847
KeywordsAdult, Construction Industry, Cues, Electromyography, Humans, Lower Extremity, Male, Middle Aged, Muscle Fatigue, Muscle, Skeletal, Postural Balance, Quadriceps Muscle, Task Performance and Analysis, Visual Perception, Work, Workplace
Abstract

This study investigated the effects of visual cues, muscular fatigue, task performance and experience of working on inclined surfaces on activity of postural muscles in the lower limbs associated with maintaining balance on three inclined surfaces - 0°, 14° and 26°. Normalised electromyographic (NEMG) data were collected in 44 professional roofers bilaterally from the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialii anterior and gastrocnemii medial muscle groups. The 50th and 95th percentile NEMG amplitudes were used as EMG variables. Results showed that inclination angle and task performance caused a significant increase in the NEMG amplitudes of all postural muscles. Visual cues were significantly associated with a decrease in the 95th percentile EMG amplitude for the right gastrocnemius medial and tibialis anterior. Fatigue was related to a significant decrease in the NEMG amplitude for the rectus femoris. Experience of working on inclined surfaces did not have a significant effect on the NEMG amplitude.
DOI10.1080/00140139.2014.968634
Alternate JournalErgonomics
PubMed ID25331562
PubMed Central IDPMC4557765
Grant ListCC999999 / / Intramural CDC HHS / United States
R01 OH003400 / OH / NIOSH CDC HHS / United States
R01 OH03400 / OH / NIOSH CDC HHS / United States