Pushing and pulling forces exerted by children

Abstract

A review of the literature revealed that data on the actual forces that children can exert on products is practically non-existent. For a number of situations, the loads resulting from actions by adults are known. The ratio between body weight and load may be used for estimating the forces that can be exerted by children. The object of the present study was two-fold

to verify the approach of estimating forces by using the body mass of children;

to fill in some of the blanks where no data is available, even for adults

Four different types of peak forces that children can exert on products were selected for the purpose of this study

standing: a push against a horizontal bar

standing: a tug at the bar

sitting: a push with the hands against the bar when sitting with the back against a support

sitting: a push with the feet against the bar when sitting with the back against a support

A total of 203 children participated, ranging from 4 to 12 years of age The methods and equipment used to measure forces are described in the paper. Forces measured and force ratios calculated for different age groups are presented. Some conclusions are:

children can exert higher forces than anticipated, especially when pushing with the feet;

boys are a bit stronger than girls, especially in the higher age groups;

the correlation between weight and forces was high enough in all cases to use body weight as a force indicator;

the ratio between force and body weight is lower in lower age groups.

Key words:

• forces
• children
• loads

Notes

Correspondence to: Ir.P.E. de Winter TNO Building & Construction Research P.O. Box 49 2600 AA Delft The Netherlands Tel.+ 31-15-842334