Saskia Baltrusch

70 Chapter 3 Appendix 2 TASK 1: Lower lifting Equipment: - The box (width: 39.5 cm; length: 29 cm; height: 11,5 cm; - grip thickness: 2,5 cm; inter-grip distance: 52 cm) - Weights (5, 10, 15, 18, 21 and 23 kg loads are lifted) Outcome measures: - Maximal load lifted (kg) - Perceived task difficulty (VAS scale) - Discomfort (VAS scale) Protocol: The starting position is in upright stance. The subject lifts the box, holds it (~1s) and puts it down with his/her chosen technique. Each load is lifted once. The load increases in the following order: 5kg, 10kg, 15kg, 18kg, 21kg and 23kg. Increasing the weight depends on coordination and participant’s perception Instruction to subject: Lift the box from the floor, hold it for about a second in the upper position, and put it down. You can choose your own technique. After each lift I will ask you whether I can increase the weight.