Interactive Biomechanics of a Lift and Push Simulator

Biomechanics of a Lift and Push Simulator

Developed By : Ir. MD Nursyazwi

Instructions

This simulator models the combined biomechanics of a lift and push motion. It calculates the force exerted on the lower back during each phase of the action. You can configure the object's mass, the lifting angle, and the obstacle's height to see how these factors affect back stress. The simulation will provide a detailed analysis and a graphical representation of the forces involved. Please use this tool for educational purposes to understand the principles of ergonomics and injury prevention.

Simulation Parameters

Object Mass kg

Body Mass kg

Lifting Angle degrees

Obstacle Height cm

Number of People 1 2 3 4

Simulation and Stress Visualization

Click and drag the mouse on the canvas to rotate the model. The color of the back will change from green (low stress) to red (high stress) based on the calculated force.

Simulation Results

Lifting Phase

Force on Back:

Safety Level:

Pushing Phase

Force on Back:

Safety Level:

Total Stress

Total Force on Back:

Overall Safety:

Back Force Comparison

This bar chart compares the force exerted on the lower back during the lifting and pushing phases. A lower bar indicates a safer, more ergonomic action.

Comparative Analysis

The comparative analysis will appear here after the simulation.

Exploring Parameter Impact

This section will provide a detailed breakdown of how different parameters affect the simulation results. It will be updated after each simulation.

Theoretical Framework

The lift and push technique is a complex action that combines two different biomechanical principles. It is often performed when moving a heavy object that cannot be carried. The action can be broken down into two distinct phases: the lifting phase, where the object is raised from the ground, and the pushing phase, where the object is moved horizontally.

During the lifting phase, the body acts as a lever system. The force on the back is primarily a compressive force caused by the torque of the object's weight and the weight of the upper body. This phase is best performed with a straight back and bent knees to minimize the lever arm and thus the torque on the lower spine. A bent-back lift significantly increases this torque and the risk of injury.

During the pushing phase, the primary force is horizontal, exerted to overcome static friction between the object and the ground. This introduces a new set of forces on the spine, including shear force, which can be highly damaging. The height of the obstacle or surface being pushed against is critical, as it changes the angle of force application and can lead to muscle strain and disc injury.

The total force on the back is a combination of the compressive and shear forces from both phases. The total stress is often greater than in a simple lift or a simple push, making it a high-risk ergonomic action if not performed correctly.

Disclaimer and References

This simulator is for educational purposes and provides a simplified model based on Newtonian mechanics. It does not account for complex biomechanical factors, individual physical conditions, or real-world variations. For detailed information on ergonomics and lifting safety, please consult scientific literature and medical resources.

For further reading and reference, consider these resources: Fundamentals of Biomechanics | Forensic Biomechanics (Developments in Forensic Science) | Forensic Biomechanics and Human Injury: Criminal and Civil Applications - An Engineering Approach | Forensic Biomechanics | Accidental Injury: Biomechanics and Prevention

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