A comparison of dynamic- and static-strength models for prediction of lifting capacity

Abstract
An experiment was designed and conducted for the development, testing and comparison of models for prediction of weight lifting capacity of individuals incorporating static and dynamic strengths. The dependent variable was the maximum acceptable amount of lift and the independent variables were static strengths, and dynamic strengths of the individual in a simulated lifting position and task variables—height and frequency of lift. Data from nine male subjects were used for analysis. It was concluded that both the dynamic and static models developed in this study can predict the maximum acceptable amount of lift with a reasonable degree of accuracy. However, a comparison of the models revealed that the use of the dynamic model with one operator variable resulted in less absolute error between the actual and predicted load than the static model. This study, which is based on data from a limited number of subjects, indicates that the dynamic approach may be superior to the static approach.