Pages 341-352 Lifting characteristics of functionally limited elders

Abstract—Background. The purpose of this study was to investigate the lifting characteristics of elders with functional limitations using burden lifting smoothness, trunk angular momentum, and back and hip torque, and to correlate these characteristics with strength and functional measures. Methods. Thirty elders (65-89 years old) consented to bio-mechanical analysis of lifting, gait, and chair rise, and to maxi-mum isometric strength testing of the hip and knee extensors and shoulder flexors. Jerk, the rate of change of acceleration, is a mea-sure of smoothness of motion. We calculated peak vertical jerk of the box at the beginning part of the lift. Momentum is the product of mass and velocity. HAT (head, arms, trunk) angular momen-tum was calculated during chair rise. Results. Hip extensor strength correlated positively with box jerk, as did box jerk and peak trunk angular momentum This material is based on work supported by the National Institutes o