Endurance Lift Testing:
Reasons
for performing test:
- Determine endurance of the individual in performance of manual handling during an eight
(8) hour day.
- Predict endurance of the individual in the performance of specific manual materials
handling tasks during a portion of the workday.
- Compare actual endurance capabilities using submaximal loads to actual safe maximum
lift.
The testing is carried out without rest breaks to simulate work environment and to
ensure endurance factors are taken into consideration.
This evaluation can also be used at any work height:
Bench height - observing the techniques of lifting at low levels including
observation of lumbosacral stability and lower extremity strength, balance, and endurance.
Shoulder height - observing the recruitment of upper extremity muscle for the
ability to control the lift from waist to shoulder level. Ability to stabilize the
lumbosacral spine without allowing hyperextension to occur is also observed.
Overhead height - observing control and upper extremity strength above the line of
vision. Total body control of balance and rotational factors to maintain safety while
lifting is closely monitored.
Procedure:
- Set boxes or shelving at optimum work related height for the task in question
- Start with weight in box or crate chosen by client.
- Take a Baseline Heart Rate
- Demonstrate the type of lift to be performed both visually and verbally (See safe manual
handling). Instruct client to work at comfortable pace – "don’t rush."
- Prepare to start stopwatch. Start stopwatch and client together.
- Have the client perform continuous repetitions of the safe lift until he/she can
no longer safely continue performing the task.
- Between each lift, have the client decrease their grip on the box to avoid muscle
fatigue of the hands but do not interrupt the cadence of the lift.
- If the client refuses to continue - the reason is then recorded.
- The evaluator ceases the test due to inherent dangers developing during the test. (i.e.,
unsafe lifting, heart rate or blood pressure exceeds predetermined limits for the
individuals safety, or excess compensatory lifting techniques are observed).
- Count the number of repetitions performed
- Take heart rate and record all data on forms provided.
Hint:
You can use close to 50% of the safe maximal lift to commence the lifting procedure.
This will avoid the client having to
perform
excess repetitions during this test.
Use
of equipment during testing:
A variety of equipment can be used including adjustable shelving, benches, stepped
bench, or boxes created of different sizes and shapes to be combined to produce varying
heights and lift surfaces.
Note: Plastic crates should not be used for weights over 10 kgs. Boxes or wire
crates should be sturdy, well sanded, covered or uncovered. Handles should be comfortable
to grasp. Weights should not move around in box or crate.
You do not need weights less than .5 kg. Increments of weight should be
approximately 1kg (2 lbs), 2.5kg (5 lbs),(2kg if available), 5kgs (11
lbs). Total weight should be around 80 kgs to 100kg (176 lbs to 220 lbs)
depending on increments used.
Expected results or normally view patterns:
- Most clients will choose an achievable weight - 50% of S.M.L. is recommended.
Most clients think 30-35 repetitions is a lot to perform.
The client may start out performing the lifts quickly and then break into a steady
pattern.
The client should not exceed 25-30 respirations per minute.
Heart rate should reach 60% of predicted maximum heart rate after initial 2-3 minutes of
the task.
Hint:
- A weight of 50% SML is desirable since a very light weight chosen by the patient will
mean a higher number of repetitions to perform. This may result in early client
termination due to boredom.
- Count the number of repetitions completed! If you fail to perform this part of the
evaluation, you have wasted your time.
- Make sure to monitor heart rates during the evaluation in relation to pain reports and
exertion levels to assist in terminating the repetitions if required for safety reasons.
Self-termination is usual and favored but it is still your prerogative as the clinician to
terminate for safety reasons.
- If the client is unable to speak to you while he/she is performing task then he/she is
likely to be above recommended respiration rate and predicted heart rate standards.
- Monitor the client to prevent the use of Valsalva Maneuver during lifting.
Contraindications:
Excessive hypertension
Heart rate above 85% of predicted maximum if no other coronary risk factors are present.
Aggravation of nerve root or radicular symptoms.
Equipment required:
- Boxes
- Shelving
- Weights
- Heart Rate Monitor
- Stopwatch
Typical substitution
patterns:
Due to excessive substitution patterns noted by experience, these will be discussed and
role played as part of the workshops
