Maximum symmetric and asymmetric isoinertial lifting capabilities from floor to knuckle height.

Ten young male participants were recruited to test their maximum symmetric and asymmetric isoinertial lifting capabilities from floor to the knuckle height in different container dimensions varied in both width and length. The results showed that the order from the highest to lowest lifting capability for the lifting modes was symmetric lifting, asymmetric lifting with leg rotation and asymmetric lifting with trunk rotation, and for the container dimensions was 50 x 35 x 15 cm, 70 x 35 x 15 cm and 50 x 50 x 15 cm. Participants' lifting capabilities differed significantly (p<0.05) among lifting modes and container dimensions. This study recommends that asymmetric lifting with leg rotation should be encouraged as compared with asymmetric lifting with trunk rotation when performing heavy asymmetric lifting tasks.