The effect of kneepads on balance while kneeling or squatting

In all industries, maintaining balance is essential to ensure that workers can safely perform their job duties. In low-seam underground coal mines, workers perform their duties while kneeling, squatting, and crawling with kneepads. In this study, researchers examined the effects of kneeling and squatting on balance measures under the right knee (for kneeling) and right foot (for squatting) with and without kneepads. Results showed that kneepads did not significantly affect balance. Posture had a significant effect on balance measures, with squatting postures showing reduced balance compared to the kneeling postures. For the kneeling postures, ground force measurements were also correlated to balance measures. Posterior tibial forces were shown to have the greatest correlation to mediolateral and anteroposterior average velocities. Force and balance measures highlight a compromise between loading and balance, where improved balance is achieved with increased knee loading.