One-Handed Pull Strength Capacity for the Male Population

Abstract

Bilateral manual materials handling tasks, such as lifting, pushing, and pulling, have been well studied in their physiological, biomechanical, psychophysical, and epidemiological aspects. Although this form of exertion is common in many industries and tasks, the basic capacity of one-handed pulling tasks is not well known. A strength test protocol was administered to collect isometric one-handed pulling strength at four handle heights and three pulling directions. Twenty-six male participants in five age groups showed that pulling from the side of the body resulted in the greatest strength. As the handle height increased from 61 cm above the floor to above the shoulder, the pulling strength decreased. This dataset lends occupational safety and ergonomics professionals the knowledge of the strength capacity of a population similar to our study sample.