Recent developments in the field of physical load measurements

Abstract

As a consequence of the large changes of industry work during the last decades, the measurement techniques used for load assessment have undergone a corresponding development to, if possible, reveal hazardous load situations associated with modern production technology. This development has implied methods focusing localized loads on muscles, tendons and joints. Posture is one externally observable load factor of great importance. Load distribution within the body can be assessed by computerized biomechanical models. Another important approach is the registration of the electromyographic (EMG) activity. The latter technique provides information on time patterns of loads which lately have gained increasing attention.