Pushing and pulling tasks are very common in daily and industrial workplaces. They are one major source of musculoskeletal complaints.
OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to examine the foot placement strategy while pushing and pulling.
PARTICIPANTS:
Thirteen young males and ten young females were recruited as participants.
METHODS:
A two (pushing and pulling) by four (48 cm, 84 cm, 120 cm, and 156 cm) factorial design was used.
RESULTS:
Exertion direction and exertion height significantly affected foot placement strategy. Pushing task needed more anteroposterior space than pulling task. The percentages of female/male for trailing foot position ranged from 77% to 90% (pushing) and from 80% to 93% (pulling) across the exertion heights.
CONCLUSION:
Practitioners should provide an anteroposterior space approximately to 70% body stature for workers to exert their maximum pulling and pushing strengths.
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