Generating Optimal Motion Patterns for Para-Sagittal Lifting Tasks

Abstract

When performing biomechanical analysis of lifting tasks, the information of body segmental coordination is crucial. To collect a set of joint angle displacement data, a laboratory experiment is usually necessary with the use of expensive and complex motion tracking systems and carefully calibrated workstation mockups. In most working environments, it may be difficult and unrealistic to duplicate the lab capacity to capture these kinematic data. Computer simulation methods, on the other hand, may provide a different solution in performing such analyses. Over the years, several biomechanical simulation methods for 2-D lifting tasks have been developed using optimization techniques. These studies have some advantages and disadvantages depending on methodologies they used. In this study, we propose a new methodology in predicting optimum motion patterns during lifting tasks. The advantages of using this method are also discussed.