Keeping objects close to the body while carrying reduces stress on which area?

Keeping objects close to the body while carrying reduces stress on which area?

• A. Shoulders
• B. Knees
• C. Feet
• D. Back

Answer: (D)

Keeping objects close to the body reduces the lever arm around the spine, lowering the torque the back muscles and spine must counter when lifting or carrying. With the load near your center of gravity, the spine stays more upright and the weight is shared more by the legs, which are better suited to bear it. This minimizes bending and strain on the lower back, reducing injury risk. If you carry things away from you, the distance increases, increasing torque on the back and stressing the back muscles and discs. So, keeping the load close mainly reduces stress on the back.

Keeping objects close to the body reduces the lever arm around the spine, lowering the torque the back muscles and spine must counter when lifting or carrying. With the load near your center of gravity, the spine stays more upright and the weight is shared more by the legs, which are better suited to bear it. This minimizes bending and strain on the lower back, reducing injury risk. If you carry things away from you, the distance increases, increasing torque on the back and stressing the back muscles and discs. So, keeping the load close mainly reduces stress on the back.