Optimal Human Posture-Analysis of a Waitperson Holding a Tray

Abstract

This paper explores optimal human posture for burden bearing. The optimization is based upon a uniform muscle stress criterion. This criterion, when used with the governing mechanical equations, removes a redundancy thus enabling a solution of the equations. The paper then presents an application with a waitperson holding a tray. The results are seen to be consistent with observed practices. Implications for dynamic analysis and for optimal performance are discussed.