A group of my students investigates the effects of mobility habits on developing joint and muscle stress and tries to bring awareness to proper daily routines for mobility. A sample of 10 college individuals was filmed while picking up a pen from the ground. The Autodesk Inventor was later used to simulate body stress on each individual at the final position when reaching the pen. Results showed that, generally, people practice one of the following three positions: 1) lean forward with one leg, 2) bend forward, or 3) squat. Simulated results showed that individuals have high stress on the joints in the first two positions. However, individuals who squat to reach an object, have high stress on thigh muscles. As the stress on the muscle could result in muscle growth, the squat-like position is recommended. However, as we go down the most in this position, it requires more energy to return to a standing position. Therefore, we are hesitant to go to squat-like position.
Here is a video presentation about effects of mobility on muscle stress.
Team submitted a paper to the LAND Conference 2017 in Muskegon Michigan, and was awarded as the winner of Scholar Competition. Please read the paper below.