A computerized biomechanical model-development of and use in studying gross body actions

Gross body actions involved in heavy industry, e.g. lifting and carrying materials, are often the cause of injury to the musculoskeletal system. A computer model is developed which treats the human body as a series of seven links from which reactive forces and torques are computed at each articulation during various simulated materials handling tasks. In addition, an analysis of shearing and compressing forces at the lower lumbar spine is included. The assumptions of the present model are presented, along with a discussion of future models.