RANKING OF STATIC NONNEUTRAL POSTURES AROUND THE JOINTS OF THE UPPER EXTREMITY AND THE SPINE

Constrained body postures are usually cited as the major cause of musc uloskeletal static loading. Thus, the main goal of the present study w as to develop a ranking system for the stressfulness of the non-neutra l static postures around the wrist, elbow, shoulder, neck and lower ba ck. This was based on the ratings of perceived discomfort. Sixteen men participated in the study. The results indicated that static postural stresses yielded varying effects on the discomforting rating levels. On the basis of these preliminary findings, a ranking system was devel oped for the stressfulness of non-neutral postures around the joints o f the upper extremity and the spine.