Occupational Biomechanics in Practice: Quantifying Musculoskeletal Load with EMG, IMU/Motion Tracking, and Ergonomic Interventions Across Work and Equipment Designs

Abstract

Occupational biomechanics plays a crucial role in understanding and mitigating musculoskeletal disorders in work environments by quantifying physical load using surface electromyography (EMG), inertial measurement units (IMU), and motion tracking technologies. This review synthesizes current research on biomechanical loading during manual material handling, emphasizing lumbar spinal load assessment and muscle fatigue quantification through EMG. It evaluates the capabilities and limitations of IMU and optical systems for joint kinematics and moment estimation, highlighting the applicability of portable, markerless technologies in field ergonomics. The review also addresses the influence of human variability, including demographic and expertise factors, on posture and ergonomic risk. Equipment biomechanics, such as helmet, footwear, and tool design, are examined for their impact on muscle demand and injury risk. Additionally, workstation configurations and user interfaces, including emerging AR/VR systems, are analyzed for their biomechanical implications. Finally, the review discusses interventions like exoskeletons, VR-based training, and AI-driven ergonomic optimization frameworks that show promise in reducing musculoskeletal load. Identified research gaps and technological advancements set directions for future developments in occupational biomechanics to enhance worker safety and performance.