Abstract
This article evaluates the correlation between injury occurrence, step test estimated maximal aerobic capacity (V˙O2max), and body composition in a high-frequency manual materials handling task. The study used 212 highly trained male manual material handlers working for a major materials handling company. Three locations across the United States (western, midwestern, and southeastern) were chosen based on similarity of size and function. An estimated maximal aerobic capacity was obtained for each participant using a submaximal bench step protocol. Also, a percentage body fat estimation was randomly obtained for approximately 25% of the participants. The correlation between injury occurrences, absolute V˙O2max, relative V˙O2max, and percentage body fat were analyzed. Also, the relationship between both V˙O2max estimations and percentage body fat was analyzed. Finally, the correlation between location, V˙O2max, and percentage body fat was studied. Results indicated no significant difference between absolute V˙O2max, injury, or percentage body fat. Relative V˙O2max suggested a significant relationship with injury occurrences and body composition. Body composition also indicated a significant correlation with injury occurrences. Finally, location played a significant factor in injury occurrence, step test estimated V˙O2max, and estimated body composition. This investigation demonstrates significant evidence of the predictability of employee injury occurrence and the fitness estimation methods used. In a high-frequency manual materials handling task, high occurrences of injury were significantly correlated with low estimated relative maximal aerobic capacity and high estimated percentage body fat.