Ergonomic Assessment of Key Biomechanical Factors in Patient Lifting: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

This study includes an ergonomic evaluation of patient lifting motion performed by healthcare specialists. This analysis focuses on the neck, shoulder, and elbow, as these are statistically significant areas with insufficient research data. Data collection was conducted using the Movella Xsens system as a standard 17 IMU (inertia measurement unit) marker set. A total of 44 test subjects participated, resulting in 396 measurements. A mathematical model was presented, including the main expressions and a three-dimensional moment arm of the shoulder calculation determining both the moment and accumulated moment. The patient load profile was measured in the experiment and parametrically integrated into the mathematical model. Ergonomic limits were calculated and presented, showing that during the lifting motion, the neck exceeds its ergonomic limit by 66%, the shoulders by 49%, and the elbow by 76%. The accumulated moment can vary by up to 23% depending on different evaluated techniques or data cross-sections. The model was verified by comparing it with data from other experiments, and recommendations were presented based on the findings, along with suggestions for future research development in the area.