Occupational postural activity and lower extremity discomfort: A review

This review paper provides an appraisal of literature regarding discomfort of the lower extremities of workers in occupational environments. The primary extrinsic occupationally-related causes of job discomfort reviewed in this study are based on individual joint position, whole or partial body posture, and occupational activity. Based on the reviewed literature, postural activity guidelines are proposed summarizing thresholds at which lower extremity discomfort has been reported. Industry relevance: A set of occupational postural activity guidelines is proposed allowing ergonomic and safety practitioners a clearer picture of their individual industry's work environment's association with lower extremity worker discomfort. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.