Postural balance and adaptations in transitioning sloped surfaces

Choi, S D (2008) Postural balance and adaptations in transitioning sloped surfaces. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 4(3), pp. 189-199. ISSN 1557-8771

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of sloped surfaces (18, 26, 34) on postural balance and adaptation period. Twelve male participants performed a simulated roof-shingling operation involving real roof work duration and a dynamic posture task. The findings indicate that individuals experienced a greater postural instability at on earlier phase in the task when on the steeper surface. Additionally, this study highlights that a significant decrement in postural control on flat surfaces existed after working on inclined (pitched) surfaces. More emphasis should be given to the individuals in this postural adaptation period, with additional monitoring and cautionary measures. After performing a roofing task on a pitched roof, workers should be afforded ample time to recover before moving into heavy manual materials handling. The findings of the study could be used to improve safe work practices, as well as to mitigate the potential risk for falls during construction work.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: balance adaptation; falls; postural stability; roofing; sloped surface
Index terms: stability, pitched roof, roofing, adaptation, falls, safe work practice, roof, duration, construction work, monitoring
Subjects: project controls, health risk and incident analysis, design practice, control systems, structural engineering, architectural elements, health safety and environment, operations management, user focus
Topics: Project Management, Engineering Principles, Health and Safety, Design Practice, Site Management, Time Control
Descriptive scope: 2 PC

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here