@article{ref1,
title="Evaluation of a "walk-through" ladder top design during ladder-roof transitioning tasks",
journal="Applied ergonomics",
year="2017",
author="Simeonov, P. and Hsiao, H. and Powers, J. and Ammons, D. and Kau, T. and Cantis, D. and Zwiener, J. and Weaver, D.",
volume="59",
number="",
pages="460-469",
abstract="This study evaluated the effect of an extension ladder &quot;walk-through&quot; top design on kinetic and kinematic behaviors and the outward destabilizing forces induced on the ladder during transitioning at elevation. Thirty-two male participants performed stepping tasks between a ladder top and a roof at simulated elevation in a surround-screen virtual-reality system. The experimental conditions included a &quot;walk-through&quot; and a standard ladder top section supported on flat and sloped roof surfaces. Three force platforms were placed under the ladder section and in the roof to measure propulsion forces during transitions. A motion measurement system was used to record trunk kinematics. The frictional demand at the virtual ladder base was also calculated. The results indicate that under optimal ladder setup (angle 75.5 °), the frictional demand at the ladder base remains relatively small for all experimental conditions. Also, the &quot;walk through&quot; ladder top eased the ladder-to-roof transitions but not the roof-to-ladder transitions.<br><br>Published by Elsevier Ltd.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0003-6870",
doi="10.1016/j.apergo.2016.10.008",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2016.10.008"
}