PUSHING AND PULLING IN RELATION TO MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS - A REVIEW OF RISK-FACTORS

The objective was to review the literature on risk factors for musculo skeletal disorders related td pushing and pulling. The risk factors ha ve been described and evaluated from four perspectives: epidemiology, psychophysics, physiology, and biomechanics. Epidemiological studies h ave shown, based on cross-sectional data, that pushing and pulling is associated with low back pain. Evidence with respect to complaints of other parts of the musculoskeletal system is lacking. Risk factors hav e been found to influence the maximum (acceptable) push or pull forces as well as the physiological and mechanical strain on the human body. The risk factors have been divided into: (a) work situation, such as distance, frequency, handle height, and cart weight, (b) actual workin g method and posture/movement/exerted forces, such as foot distance an d velocity, and (c) worker's characteristics, such as body weight. Lon gitudinal epidemiological studies are needed to relate pushing and pul ling to musculoskeletal disorders.