Assessment of the deployment of a hammer device in mine rescue training from a biomechanical point of view relative to strain on the lumbar vertebral column

Status:

completed 08/1997

Aims:

Regular mine rescue training includes 3x60 blows with the hammer device ("paving breaker"), i.e. pulling a load downwards from above head height and pressing this to the floor. A large number of mine rescue personnel expressed discomfort in the area of the lumbar vertebral column after carrying out these exercises. Goal: biomechanical assessment of the strain on the lumbar vertebral column as a result of performing exercises with the hammer device.

Activities/Methods:

Evaluation of video recordings of two experimentees together with simultaneously measured and recorded dynamic forces; determining spinal strain with the "Dortmunder System" taking into account the weight of the breathing apparatus carried on the back during the exercises.

Results:

The exercise with the hammer device is regarded as a limit exercise and under no circumstances as harmless, i.e. as possibly injury-inducing. This applies in particular for older people. Recommendation that the exercise with the hammer device be abandoned.

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