Abstract
This study was conducted on 442 (403 male, 39 female) experienced manual material handlers from various companies that possess a high amount of manual material handlers in order to determine their physical condition. Although all 442 volunteers participated in this study, sample sizes did vary among measurements. In addition to taking their working anthropometric measurements, they were measured in the following categories: oxygen consumption, dynamic strength, push-ups, sit-ups, flexibility, and grip strength. These tests provided job-specific information as well as subsidiary factors associated with manual material handlers including strength, endurance, flexibility, and conditioning. The results from these tests were evaluated with descriptive statistics and compared to a national general population and where possible, an industrial population. The results indicated a very strong population of manual material handlers in terms of dynamic and static strength, but found that their aerobic capacity, abdominal strength, and flexibility were below average. These problem factors may contribute to injury and illness within the workplace. Some interventions that might be needed to improve these areas include: specific abdominal training, aerobic conditioning, regular stretching, and additional injury/illness education.
Wingate, Kyle Alan (1997). Physical capabilities of experienced manual material handlers. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -1997 -THESIS -W3474.