Impact of ceiling restriction and lifting barriers on selected physiological and perceptual responses

Objective: To compare physiological and perceptual responses while lifting with different combinations of ceiling restriction and horizontal reach. Methods: Four lifting conditions with different combinations of ceiling height ('normal' (N) or reduced (R) to 1460 mm) and reach demands (400 mm (N) and 800 mm (F)) were tested. Participants: Thirty two physically active male participants were recruited. Results: Heart rate and oxygen uptake were significantly lower in the URN condition compared to all other conditions. The RF condition was significantly more taxing than all the other conditions. EE was significantly lower between the URN condition and the RN and URF conditions. Central RPE was significantly higher in the RF condition compared to the URN condition. Local RPE was significantly lower comparing the URN and RF conditions. The effect of reach was perceived to have a significant effect on both cardiovascular and musculoskeletal demands whereas ceiling height only had a significant effect on musculoskeletal demands. The greatest discomfort was experienced in the lower back with the most intense discomfort occurring in the RN condition. Conclusions: The RF condition placed the most strain on the participants and the URN, the least strain. The other two conditions were comparable and placed moderate strain on the participants.