Muscle Activation Patterns in Stooping Posture on Sloped Roofing Surfaces

10 pages•Published: July 23, 2025

Sabrin Raj Gautam, Sujan Acharya, Rujan Kayastha, Tarek Mahmud and Krishna Kisi

Abstract

Roofing tasks frequently involve sustained awkward postures, such as stooping, which significantly elevate the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study aimed to quantitatively assess muscle activation while stooping on a 30-degree sloped surface, a common posture in roofing activities. Seven healthy male participants were recruited, and muscle activity was monitored using surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors placed on twelve muscle groups, including the Biceps Femoris, Rectus Abdominis, and Rectus Femoris. The muscle activation data were normalized using maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) values, and the muscles were ranked based on their cumulative activation levels during the task. The analysis revealed that the Right and Left Biceps Femoris exhibited the highest levels of activation, significantly surpassing other examined muscle groups. These findings indicate a considerable demand on the Biceps Femoris during stooping, which could predispose workers to muscle fatigue and increase the risk of WMSDs. The results underscore the necessity of targeted ergonomic interventions, such as muscle-specific training programs and supportive devices, to alleviate strain and prevent long-term musculoskeletal injuries. Future research should investigate diverse postures, incorporate larger sample sizes, and include experienced roofing workers to enhance the applicability of the findings.

Keyphrases: muscle activation, musculoskeletal disorders, roofing, stooping, surface electromyography

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference, vol 6, pages 816-825.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/pbZK
	https://doi.org/10.29007/4whq

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2025:Muscle_Activation_Patterns_Stooping,
  author    = {Sabrin Raj Gautam and Sujan Acharya and Rujan Kayastha and Tarek Mahmud and Krishna Kisi},
  title     = {Muscle Activation Patterns in Stooping Posture on Sloped Roofing Surfaces},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {6},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/pbZK},
  doi       = {10.29007/4whq},
  pages     = {816-825},
  year      = {2025}}

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