Physiological and perceptual responses in male Chinese workers performing combined manual materials handling tasks

摘要: A study on combined manual materials handling (MMH) tasks, under two different frequencies and four lifting lowering height combinations, was conducted in Beijing, China. Eight male construction workers performed a box task repetitively for an hour either at once or twice per minute. On each day, the consisted of: of ceramic tile weighting 23 kg from specified height, carrying it 8.5 m, to then walking m back. The specific heights included: floor onto (F–F); knuckle (F–K); (K–F); (K–K). Oxygen uptake, heart rate, ratings perceived exertion (RPE) whole body were measured during task. Additionally, actual energy expenditure calculated oxygen uptake measured, whereas predicted estimated using valid regression equations available literature. Statistical analysis demonstrated that both frequency influence RPE (p < 0.05). minute higher than F–F F–K conditions K–K condition. difference between expenditures not statistically significant. This implies predictive used this are acceptable estimating physiological cost Chinese performing similar MMH tasks as study. Relevance industry: Combined very common sites. investigated subjective responses tasks. model literature also examined determine whether could be describe these workers.