Effects of different inclination angles on biomechanical loading of the shoulder and hand while pushing construction carts

This study examines the effects of inclination angle, cart load, and cart type on muscular activities while pushing a construction cart. Twelve subjects pushed the cart on three different inclination angles: 0, 5, and 10 degrees. Cart loads were 30, 60, and 90 kg, and two types of construction cart (one-wheeled cart and two-wheeled) were used in experiments. Surface EMG (sEMG) system was used to measure muscle activity during the trials. Experimental results show that cart loads and inclination angles significantly affected muscular activities while pushing construction carts. Additionally, 90 kg card load and 10 degrees inclined surface also generated the highest muscle load comparing to the other situations.