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. 2019 Feb:75:134-142.
doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2018.09.013. Epub 2018 Oct 4.

Lower extremity kinematics of cross-slope roof walking

Scott P Breloff  1 , Chip Wade  2 , Dwight E Waddell  3
Affiliations

Lower extremity kinematics of cross-slope roof walking

Scott P Breloff et al. Appl Ergon. 2019 Feb.

Abstract

Working conditions of residential roofers expose them to a unique sloped environment. The purpose of this study is to determine in what way traversing across a sloped/roof surface alters lower extremity kinematics of the upslope and downslope legs compared to level walking. College aged males negotiated across a pitched (26 degrees) roof segment during which lower extremity three-dimensional kinematics were calculated. One foot was higher on the slope and one was lower for the duration of cross slope walking. Overall, cross-slope walking on a 26 degree roof significantly altered 77% of the measured lower extremity variables compared to level self-selected pace walking. The data suggest that roof pitch incite significant differences in crossslope walking of the kinematics in the lower extremity between the upslope and down slope limbs when compared to level surface walking. These alterations could temporarily alter proprioception which may in turn lead to increased falls and musculoskeletal injury, though further study is needed.

Keywords: Cross-Slope; Kinematics; Lower Extremity; Roof.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
A) Frontal view of subject on roof segment. B) Sagittal view of 15.24cm/ 30.48 cm pitch roof segment.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Lower extremity kinematic comparing level walking with slope walking. Grey line and band represent mean ± 1 standard deviation of level walking. Black line and band represent mean ± 1 standard deviation of cross slope walking.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.
Peak sagittal kinematic angles equating level and sloped walking. Error bar represent ± 1 standard deviation and * signifies a significant change in kinematics between conditions at p ≤ 0.05.
Fig. 4.
Fig. 4.
Peak frontal kinematic angles equating level and sloped walking. Error bar represent ± 1 standard deviation and * signifies a significant change in kinematics between conditions at p ≤ 0.05.
Fig. 5.
Fig. 5.
Peak transverse kinematic angles equating level and sloped walking. Error bar represent ± 1 standard deviation and * signifies a significant change in kinematics between conditions at p ≤ 0.05.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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