An Investigation of Variable Segmental Inertial Parameters in Manual Load Lifting: A Genetic Algorithm-Based Inverse Dynamics Approach

This study investigates the common assumption that segmental inertial parameters remain constant during manual lifting using a model-based experimental approach. The primary objective was to evaluate the variability in these parameters and the subsequent effects on biomechanical calculations. The research was conducted with 20 participants (10 females and 10 males) who performed lifting tasks in the two-dimensional sagittal plane under three distinct load conditions: 2.5 kg, 5.0 kg, and 7.5 kg. Angular variations of the hand, arm, and leg joints were recorded using video-based image processing techniques. These kinematic data, integrated with anthropometric measurements, were incorporated into Newton–Euler-based equations of motion to determine joint reaction forces and net joint moments. During the initial forward dynamics stage, the solvability of the problem was tested using constant mass ratios from the established literature. In the following inverse dynamics stage, genetic algorithms were utilized to overcome solution diversity and identify the variable inertial parameters responsible for the observed motion. The results indicate that changes in segment moments of inertia reached 18–37%, leading to variations of 0–19% in net joint moments. These findings highlight the critical necessity of incorporating dynamic inertial parameters into accurate biomechanical moment calculations for manual materials handling.