Prediction model of one-handed pull strength in the sagittal plane

Abstract

Understanding individuals’ capability of one-handed pull strength is crucial in manual handling task design as one-handed pulling is frequently conducted in daily life. The present study was designed to develop prediction models of one-handed pull strength from anthropometrics and body-joint angles. One hundred Chinese adults were recruited and instructed to provide their maximum one-handed pull strength in the sagittal plane. Sagittal-plane photographs were taken for measuring three joint angles (i.e., trunk angle, knee angle, and ankle angle). T-tests, ANOVAs, and stepwise multiple regression analysis were conducted for data analysis. Five prediction models were developed with the adjusted R2 values ranging from 0.621 to 0.818 (all ps < 0.001). Significant predictors were reported and discussed. The findings contribute to physical ergonomics and human factors by providing prediction models for reference values of one-handed pull strength of a population, further facilitating safety designs of tasks involved one-handed pulling (144 words).