NIOSH Mining Laboratory

A subject performs a psychophysical test of strength in the Physical Strength Laboratory

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Tests of physical strength are an important assessment tool for ergonomists studying the effort required of workers performing manual materials handling tasks. In some cases, the task demands may approach or even exceed the strength that an individual is voluntarily willing to exert in a test of strength. In such cases, the likelihood of injury is significantly greater than when the task demands lie well within an individual's strength capacity. Because the relationship between strength capabilities, job demands and musculoskeletal injury has been established, tests of muscular strength may be of benefit in redesigning jobs so they are within the capability limits of mine workers. The lab has machines to test a wide range of static strengths (measured with a joint set at a specific angle) and dynamic strength (measured throughout the range of motion of a joint). Specific equipment located in this laboratory includes: BIODEX System, AMTI OR6-5 Force Plate, Lumbar Motion Monitor II, Chatillon CSD 300 Series Digital Dynamometer, Chatillon DFA-R-ND Digital Force Gauge (50 and 500 lb attachments), Static Lift Platform, Polar HR Monitor S810i, The Human Solution ErgoKit, and GPM Anthropometric Calipers.

Site:  Pittsburgh Research Laboratory