Method and apparatus for evaluating physical ability

• US 5,403,190 A
• Filed: 05/14/1993
• Issued: 04/04/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 10/30/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lafayette Instrument Co., Inc.
• Original Assignee: Lafayette Instrument Co., Inc.
• Inventors: Wickstrom, Richard J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mancene, Gene
• Assistant Examiner(s): Smith, Jeffrey A.
• Application Number:
  US08/061,850
• Time in Patent Office: 690 Days
• Field of Search: 434/258, 434/259, 434/260, 434/247, 434/219, 482/8.9, 482/93, 73/379, 128/25 R, 128/26
• US Class Current: 434/260
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/16 Devices for psychotechnics using teaching or educational appliances G09B1/00 - G09B7/00; Testing reaction times ; Devices for evaluating the psychological state
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/00 Teaching not covered by other main groups of this subclass teaching or practice apparatus for gun-aiming or gun-laying F41G3/26

Abstract

A method and apparatus is disclosed for the testing and evaluating of a person'"'"'s dexterity, range of motion, and dynamic lifting ability. The dexterity testing includes methods which can evaluate the wrist and hand range of motion by requiring the person to move his wrist through the normal range of motions, including flexion, extension, pronation, and supination. The person undergoes the same test and evaluation at each of three working heights: (1) elbow height, (2) overhead height, and (3) knee height, providing a functional assessment of dexterity and range of motion of the person'"'"'s entire musculoskeletal system. The lifting ability testing includes both an upper body lifting evaluation (to shoulder height) and a lower body lifting evaluation (to carry height). Each of the two evaluations is tested independently.

Claims

1. A method for testing and evaluating the lifting ability of a human test subject using a physical abilities tester and an industrial tote pan, comprising the steps of:

(a) lifting said industrial tote pan, said industrial tote pan containing a known amount of weight, from floor level to carrying height;

(b) lifting said industrial tote pan which contains a known amount of weight from carrying height to shoulder height and placing the industrial tote pan onto a shelf at shoulder height; and

(c) adding weight in known increments to said industrial tote pan and repeating the steps of lifting from floor level to carrying height and lifting from carrying height to shoulder height, until the test subject'"'"'s upper body lifting ability and lower body lifting ability are determined.

2. A method for testing and evaluating the lifting ability of a human test subject as recited in claim 1, wherein the determination of the test subject'"'"'s upper body lifting ability and lower body lifting ability includes the following steps:

(a) adding weight in known increments to said industrial tote pan and repeating the steps of lifting from floor level to carrying height and lifting from carrying height to shoulder height, until the human test subject is unable to lift the industrial tote pan smoothly and without overstraining from carrying height to shoulder height, thereby determining the human test subject'"'"'s upper body lifting ability; and

(b) adding weight in known increments to said industrial tote pan and repeating the steps of lifting from floor level to carrying height until the human test subject is unable to lift the industrial tote pan smoothly and without overstraining from floor level to carrying height, thereby determining the human test subject'"'"'s lower body lifting ability.

3. A method for testing and evaluating the lifting ability of a human test subject as recited in claim 1, wherein the determination of the test subject'"'"'s upper body lifting ability and lower body lifting ability includes the following steps:

(a) adding weight in known increments to said industrial tote pan and repeating the steps of lifting from floor level to carrying height and lifting from carrying height to shoulder height, until the human test subject is unable to lift the industrial tote pan smoothly and without overstraining from floor level to carrying height, thereby determining the human test subject'"'"'s lower body lifting ability; and

(b) adding weight in known increments to said industrial tote pan and repeating the steps of lifting from carrying height to shoulder height until the human test subject is unable to lift the industrial tote pan smoothly and without overstraining from carrying height to shoulder height, thereby determining the human test subject'"'"'s upper body lifting ability.

4. A method for testing and evaluating the lifting ability of a human test subject as recited in claim 1, wherein the determination of the test subject'"'"'s upper body lifting ability and lower body lifting ability includes the following steps:

(a) adding weight in known increments to said industrial tote pan and repeating the steps of lifting from floor level to carrying height and lifting from carrying height to shoulder height, until the human test subject is unable to repeatedly lift the industrial tote pan at a fixed weight smoothly and without overstraining from carrying height to shoulder height, thereby determining the human test subject'"'"'s frequent upper body lifting ability; and

(b) adding weight in known increments to said industrial tote pan and repeating the steps of lifting from floor level to carrying height until the human test subject cannot repeatedly at a fixed weight comfortably perform the lifting from floor level to carrying height, thereby determining the human test subject'"'"'s frequent lower body lifting ability.

5. A method for testing and evaluating the lifting ability of a human test subject as recited in claim 1, wherein the determination of the test subject'"'"'s upper body lifting ability and lower body lifting ability includes the following steps:

(a) adding weight in known increments to said industrial tote pan and repeating the steps of lifting from floor level to carrying height and lifting from carrying height to shoulder height, until the human test subject is unable to repeatedly lift the industrial tote pan at a fixed weight smoothly and without overstraining from floor level to carrying height, thereby determining the human test subject'"'"'s frequent lower body lifting ability; and

(b) adding weight in known increments to said industrial tote pan and repeating the steps of lifting from carrying height to shoulder height until the human test subject is unable to repeatedly lift the industrial tote pan at a fixed weight smoothly and without overstraining from carrying height to shoulder height, thereby determining the human test subject'"'"'s frequent upper body lifting ability.

6. A method for testing and evaluating the lifting ability of a human test subject who is experiencing back pain, using a physical abilities tester and an industrial tote pan, comprising the steps of:

(a) lifting said industrial tote pan, said industrial tote pan containing a known amount of weight, from a height above floor level at which the human test subject can comfortably bend, then to carrying height;

(b) lifting said industrial tote pan which contains a known amount of weight from carrying height to shoulder height and placing the industrial tote pan onto a shelf at shoulder height; and

(c) adding weight in known increments to said industrial tote pan and repeating the steps of lifting from bending height to carrying height and lifting from carrying height to shoulder height, until the test subject'"'"'s upper body lifting ability and lower body lifting ability are determined.

7. A method for testing and evaluating the lifting ability of a human test subject as recited in claim 6, wherein the determination of the test subject'"'"'s upper body lifting ability and lower body lifting ability includes the following steps:

(a) adding weight in known increments to said industrial tote pan and repeating the steps of lifting from bending height to carrying height and lifting from carrying height to shoulder height, until the human test subject is unable to lift the industrial tote pan smoothly and without overstraining from carrying height to shoulder height, thereby determining the human test subject'"'"'s upper body lifting ability; and

(b) adding weight in known increments to said industrial tote pan and repeating the steps of lifting from bending height to carrying height until the human test subject is unable to lift the industrial tote pan smoothly and without overstraining from bending height to carrying height, thereby determining the human test subject'"'"'s lower body lifting ability.

8. A method for testing and evaluating the lifting ability of a human test subject as recited in claim 6, wherein the determination of the test subject'"'"'s upper body lifting ability and lower body lifting ability includes the following steps:

(a) adding weight in known increments to said industrial tote pan and repeating the steps of lifting from bending height to carrying height and lifting from carrying height to shoulder height, until the human test subject is unable to lift the industrial tote pan smoothly and without overstraining from bending height to carrying height, thereby determining the human test subject'"'"'s lower body lifting ability; and

(b) adding weight in known increments to said industrial tote pan and repeating the steps of lifting from carrying height to shoulder height until the human test subject is unable to lift the industrial tote pan smoothly and without overstraining from carrying height to shoulder height, thereby determining the human test subject'"'"'s upper body lifting ability.

9. A method for testing and evaluating the lifting ability of a human test subject as recited in claim 6, wherein the determination of the test subject'"'"'s upper body lifting ability and lower body lifting ability includes the following steps:

(a) adding weight in known increments to said industrial tote pan and repeating the steps of lifting from bending height to carrying height and lifting from carrying height to shoulder height, until the human test subject is unable to repeatedly lift the industrial tote pan at a fixed weight smoothly and without overstraining from carrying height to shoulder height, thereby determining the human test subject'"'"'s frequent upper body lifting ability; and

(b) adding weight in known increments to said industrial tote pan and repeating the steps of lifting from bending height to carrying height until the human test subject is unable to repeatedly lift the industrial tote pan at a fixed weight smoothly and without overstraining from bending height to carrying height, thereby determining the human test subject'"'"'s frequent lower body lifting ability.

10. A method for testing and evaluating the lifting ability of a human test subject as recited in claim 6, wherein the determination of the test subject'"'"'s upper body lifting ability and lower body lifting ability includes the following steps:

(a) adding weight in known increments to said industrial tote pan and repeating the steps of lifting from bending height to carrying height and lifting from carrying height to shoulder height, until the human test subject is unable to repeatedly lift the industrial tote pan at a fixed weight smoothly and without overstraining from bending height to carrying height, thereby determining the human test subject'"'"'s frequent lower body lifting ability; and

(b) adding weight in known increments to said industrial tote pan and repeating the steps of lifting from carrying height to shoulder height until the human test subject is unable to repeatedly lift the industrial tote pan at a fixed weight smoothly and without overstraining from carrying height to shoulder height, thereby determining the human test subject'"'"'s frequent upper body lifting ability.

11. An apparatus for testing and evaluating the dexterity of a human test subject, comprising:

(a) a removable center hub, said center hub including;

(i) an internal cylindrical surface extending between first and second oppositely disposed open ends and defining a cavity therebetween, the first and second open ends each having an inner diameter large enough to accept a human hand and wrist placed through both first and second open ends;

(ii) an external cylindrical surface;

(b) a spacer having a hollow center portion and a circular outer edge, said hollow center portion operatively connected to the external cylindrical surface of said center hub;

(c) a outer ring, said outer ring including;

(i) an internal cylindrical surface that is operatively connected to the circular outer edge of said spacer, said spacer dividing the internal cylindrical surface into first and second portions;

(ii) an external cylindrical surface;

(iii) a first plurality of radial clearance holes through said first portion of the internal cylindrical surface of said outer ring and through the external cylindrical surface of said outer ring;

(iv) a second plurality of radial clearance holes through said second portion of the internal cylindrical surface of said outer ring and through the external cylindrical surface of said outer ring; and

(d) means for mounting said apparatus.

12. An apparatus for testing and evaluating the dexterity of a human test subject as recited in claim 11, wherein a portion of said apparatus is constructed of transparent material.

13. An apparatus for testing and evaluating the dexterity of a human test subject as recited in claim 11, wherein the first plurality and second plurality of radial clearance holes of said circular outer ring are threaded along said radial clearance holes'"'"' inner diameter, for use with externally-threaded screws or bolts.

14. An apparatus for testing and evaluating the dexterity of a human test subject as recited in claim 11, further comprising:

(a) a support frame structure, comprising;

(i) a first vertical support having a first end and a second end, said first vertical support having horizontal through-holes in its sides at regular intervals;

(ii) a second vertical support having a first end and a second end, said second vertical support being bent, at its first end, toward the first end of said first vertical support;

(iii) a first coupling having a first opening and a second opening, said first coupling being operatively connected at its first opening with the first end of said first vertical support and being operatively connected at its second opening with the first end of said second vertical support;

(iv) a floor support having a first leg and a second leg, said floor support additionally being juxtapositioned and operatively connected to at least one roller;

(v) a second coupling having a first opening and a second opening, said second coupling being operatively connected at its first opening with the second end of said first vertical support and being operatively connected at its second opening with said floor support;

(vi) a third coupling having a first opening and a second opening, said third coupling being operatively connected at its first opening with the second end of said second vertical support and being operatively connected at its second opening with said floor support;

(b) a lower shelf, comprising;

(i) a planar portion having top and bottom surfaces which are each substantially horizontal and perpendicular to said first vertical support, and said planar portion having a rear portion which is proximal to said first vertical support;

(ii) means for attaching the means for mounting said apparatus to said lower shelf;

(iii) means for adjustably attaching said lower shelf to the first vertical support by use of the horizontal through-holes in its sides at regular intervals, said means for adjustably attaching said lower shelf operatively connected to the rear portion of said planar portion;

(c) an upper shelf, comprising;

(i) a planar portion having top and bottom surfaces which are each substantially horizontal and perpendicular to said first vertical support, and said planar portion having a rear portion which is proximal to said first vertical support;

(ii) means for attaching the means for mounting said apparatus to said upper shelf;

(iii) means for adjustably attaching said upper shelf to the first vertical support by use of the horizontal through-holes in its sides at regular intervals, said means for adjustably attaching said lower shelf operatively connected to the rear portion of said planar portion;

(d) an overhead mounting assembly, comprising;

(i) a substantially horizontal bracket, said horizontal bracket having a rear portion which is proximal to said first vertical support, and said bracket having a front portion which is distal from said first vertical support;

(ii) a substantially vertical planar overhead mounting plate, said planar overhead mounting plate having a distal surface from said first vertical support, said planar overhead mounting plate operably connected to the front portion of said horizontal bracket;

(iii) means for attaching the means for mounting said apparatus to said overhead mounting assembly; and

(iv) means for adjustably attaching said overhead mounting assembly to the first vertical support by use of the horizontal through-holes in its sides at regular intervals, said means for adjustably attaching said overhead mounting assembly operatively connected to the rear portion of said horizontal bracket.

15. An apparatus for testing and evaluating the dexterity of a human test subject as recited in claim 11, further comprising:

(a) a support frame structure, comprising;

(i) a vertical support having a first end and a second end, said first vertical support having horizontal through-holes in its sides at regular intervals;

(ii) means for mounting said vertical support to a substantially vertical wall;

(b) a lower shelf, comprising;

(i) a planar portion having top and bottom surfaces which are each substantially horizontal and perpendicular to said first vertical support, and said planar portion having a rear portion which is proximal to said first vertical support;

(ii) means for attaching the means for mounting said apparatus to said lower shelf;

(iii) means for adjustably attaching said lower shelf to the first vertical support by use of the horizontal through-holes in its sides at regular intervals, said means for adjustably attaching said lower shelf operatively connected to the rear portion of said planar portion;

(c) an upper shelf, comprising;

(i) a planar portion having top and bottom surfaces which are each substantially horizontal and perpendicular to said first vertical support, and said planar portion having a rear portion which is proximal to said first vertical support;

(ii) means for attaching the means for mounting said apparatus to said upper shelf;

(iii) means for adjustably attaching said upper shelf to the first vertical support by use of the horizontal through-holes in its sides at regular intervals, said means for adjustably attaching said lower shelf operatively connected to the rear portion of said planar portion;

(d) an overhead mounting assembly, comprising;

(i) a substantially horizontal bracket, said horizontal bracket having a rear portion which is proximal to said first vertical support, and said bracket having a front portion which is distal from said first vertical support;

(ii) a substantially vertical planar overhead mounting plate, said planar overhead mounting plate having a distal surface from said first vertical support, said planar overhead mounting plate operably connected to the front portion of said horizontal bracket;

(iii) means for attaching the means for mounting said apparatus to said overhead mounting assembly; and

(iv) means for adjustably attaching said overhead mounting assembly to the first vertical support by use of the horizontal through-holes in its sides at regular intervals, said means for adjustably attaching said overhead mounting assembly operatively connected to the rear portion of said horizontal bracket.

16. An apparatus for testing and evaluating the lifting ability of a human test subject, comprising:

(a) a support frame structure, comprising;

(i) a first vertical support having a first end and a second end, said first vertical support having horizontal through-holes in its sides at regular intervals;

(ii) a second vertical support having a first end and a second end, said second vertical support being bent, at its first end, toward the first end of said first vertical support;

(iii) a first coupling having a first opening and a second opening, said first coupling being operatively connected at its first opening with the first end of said first vertical support and being operatively connected at its second opening with the first end of said second vertical support;

(iv) a floor support having a first leg and a second leg, said floor support additionally being juxtapositioned and operatively connected to at least one roller;

(v) a second coupling having a first opening and a second opening, said second coupling being operatively connected at its first opening with the second end of said first vertical support and being operatively connected at its second opening with said floor support;

(vi) a third coupling having a first opening and a second opening, said third coupling being operatively connected at its first opening with the second end of said second vertical support and being operatively connected at its second opening with said floor support;

(b) a lower shelf, comprising;

(i) a planar portion having top and bottom surfaces which are each substantially horizontal and perpendicular to said first vertical support, and said planar portion having a rear portion which is proximal to said first vertical support;

(ii) a fastener for adjustably attaching said lower shelf to the first vertical support by use of the horizontal through-holes in its sides at regular intervals, said fastener operatively connected to the rear portion of said planar portion;

(c) an upper shelf, comprising;

(i) a planar portion having top and bottom surfaces which are each substantially horizontal and perpendicular to said first vertical support, and said planar portion having a rear portion which is proximal to said first vertical support;

(ii) a fastener for adjustably attaching said upper shelf to the first vertical support by use of the horizontal through-holes in its sides at regular intervals, said fastener operatively connected to the rear portion of said planar portion.

17. An apparatus for testing and evaluating the lifting ability of a human test subject, comprising:

(a) a support frame structure, comprising;

(i) a vertical support having a first end and a second end, said first vertical support having horizontal through-holes in its sides at regular intervals;

(ii) means for mounting said vertical support to a substantially vertical wall;

(b) a lower shelf, comprising;

(i) a planar portion having top and bottom surfaces which are each substantially horizontal and perpendicular to said first vertical support, and said planar portion having a rear portion which is proximal to said first vertical support;

(ii) a fastener for adjustably attaching said lower shelf to the first vertical support by use of the horizontal through-holes in its sides at regular intervals, said fastener operatively connected to the rear portion of said planar portion;

(c) an upper shelf, comprising;

(i) a planar portion having top and bottom surfaces which are each substantially horizontal and perpendicular to said first vertical support, and said planar portion having a rear portion which is proximal to said first vertical support;

(ii) a fastener for adjustably attaching said upper shelf to the first vertical support by use of the horizontal through-holes in its sides at regular intervals, said fastener operatively connected to the rear portion of said planar portion.

18. A method for testing and evaluating the dexterity and range of motion of substantially the entire musculoskeletal system of a human test subject, wherein the testing is conducted with a physical abilities tester that includes first and second shelves and a mounting bracket which are adjustable in height, said first and second shelves and mounting bracket being capable of supporting said dexterity tester, said first and second shelves additionally being capable of supporting an industrial tote pan, comprising the steps of:

(a) directing the subject'"'"'s hand and wrist into a dexterity tester positioned at a first predetermined height and placing the subject into a first posture;

(b) requiring the subject while in the first posture to manipulate a plurality of mechanical pans in the dexterity tester in a predetermined manner that requires the subject'"'"'s hand and wrist to undergo a complete range of motion;

(c) measuring the time required for the subject while in the first posture to so manipulate the parts at the first predetermined height;

(d) thereafter directing the subject'"'"'s hand and wrist into a dexterity tester positioned at a second predetermined height which is different from said first predetermined height and placing the subject into a second posture which is different from said first posture;

(e) requiring the subject while in the second posture to manipulate a plurality of mechanical parts in the dexterity tester in a predetermined manner that requires the subject'"'"'s hand and wrist to undergo a complete range of motion;

(f) measuring the time required for the subject while in the second posture to so manipulate the parts at the second predetermined height independently of the time required for manipulation at the first height;

(g) thereafter directing the subject'"'"'s hand and wrist into a dexterity tester positioned at a third predetermined height which is different from both said first and second predetermined heights and placing the subject into a third posture which is different from both said first and second postures;

(h) requiring the subject while in the third posture to manipulate a plurality of mechanical parts in the dexterity tester in a predetermined manner that requires the subject'"'"'s hand and wrist to undergo a complete range of motion;

(i) measuring the time required for the subject while in the third posture to so manipulate the parts at the third predetermined height independently of the time required for manipulations at the first and second heights;

(j) adjusting, before the test begins, the height of said first shelf of said physical abilities tester to a height which is at or just below the bottom surface of said industrial tote pan while said industrial tote pan is being held by the human test subject whose hands are positioned at shoulder height;

(k) adjusting, before the test begins, the height of said second shelf of said physical abilities tester to a height which is at or just below the bottom surface of said industrial tote pan while said industrial tote pan is being held by the human test subject whose arms are extended downward;

(l) adjusting, before the test begins, the height of said horizontal mounting bracket of said physical abilities tester to a height which is above the top-most portion of the human test subject'"'"'s head while the human test subject is standing erect;

(m) lifting said industrial tote pan, said industrial tote pan containing a known amount of weight, from floor level to carrying height;

(n) lifting said industrial tote pan which contains a known amount of weight from carrying height to shoulder height and placing the industrial tote pan onto a shelf at shoulder height;

(o) adding weight in known increments to said industrial tote pan and repeating the steps of lifting from floor level to carrying height and lifting from carrying height to shoulder height, until the human test subject is unable to lift the industrial tote pan smoothly and without overstraining from carrying height to shoulder height, thereby determining the human test subject'"'"'s upper body lifting ability; and

(p) adding weight in known increments to said industrial tote pan and repeating the steps of lifting from floor level to carrying height until the human test subject is unable to lift the industrial tote pan smoothly and without overstraining from floor level to carrying height, thereby determining the human test subject'"'"'s lower body lifting ability.

19. A method for testing and evaluating the dexterity and range of motion of substantially the entire musculoskeletal system of a human test subject, wherein the testing is conducted with a physical abilities tester that includes first and second shelves and a mounting bracket which are adjustable in height, said first and second shelves and mounting bracket being capable of supporting said dexterity tester, said first and second shelves additionally being capable of supporting an industrial tote pan, comprising the steps of:

(a) directing the subject'"'"'s hand and wrist into a dexterity tester positioned at a first predetermined height and placing the subject into a first posture;

(b) requiring the subject while in the first posture to manipulate a plurality of mechanical parts in the dexterity tester in a predetermined manner that requires the subject'"'"'s hand and wrist to undergo a complete range of motion;

(c) measuring the time required for the subject while in the first posture to so manipulate the parts at the first predetermined height;

(d) thereafter directing the subject'"'"'s hand and wrist into a dexterity tester positioned at a second predetermined height which is different from said first predetermined height and placing the subject into a second posture which is different from said first posture;

(e) requiring the subject while in the second posture to manipulate a plurality of mechanical parts in the dexterity tester in a predetermined manner that requires the subject'"'"'s hand and wrist to undergo a complete range of motion;

(f) measuring the time required for the subject while in the second posture to so manipulate the parts at the second predetermined height independently of the time required for manipulation at the first height;

(g) thereafter directing the subject'"'"'s hand and wrist into a dexterity tester positioned at a third predetermined height which is different from both said first and second predetermined heights and placing the subject into a third posture which is different from both said first and second postures;

(h) requiring the subject while in the third posture to manipulate a plurality of mechanical parts in the dexterity tester in a predetermined manner that requires the subject'"'"'s hand and wrist to undergo a complete range of motion;

(i) measuring the time required for the subject while in the third posture to so manipulate the parts at the third predetermined height independently of the time required for manipulations at the first and second heights;

(j) adjusting, before the test begins, the height of said first shelf of said physical abilities tester to a height which is at or just below the bottom surface of said industrial tote pan while said industrial tote pan is being held by the human test subject whose hands are positioned at shoulder height;

(k) adjusting, before the test begins, the height of said second shelf of said physical abilities tester to a height which is at or just below the bottom surface of said industrial tote pan while said industrial tote pan is being held by the human test subject whose arms are extended downward;

(l) adjusting, before the test begins, the height of said horizontal mounting bracket of said physical abilities tester to a height which is above the top-most portion of the human test subject'"'"'s head while the human test subject is standing erect;

(m) lifting said industrial tote pan, said industrial tote pan containing a known amount of weight, from floor level to carrying height;

(n) lifting said industrial tote pan which contains a known amount of weight from carrying height to shoulder height and placing the industrial tote pan onto a shelf at shoulder height;

(o) adding weight in known increments to said industrial tote pan and repeating the steps of lifting from floor level to carrying height and lifting from carrying height to shoulder height, until the human test subject is unable to lift the industrial tote pan smoothly and without overstraining from floor level to carrying height, thereby determining the human test subject'"'"'s lower body lifting ability; and

(p) adding weight in known increments to said industrial tote pan and repeating the steps of lifting from carrying height to shoulder height until the human test subject is unable to lift the industrial tote pan smoothly and without overstraining from carrying height to shoulder height, thereby determining the human test subject'"'"'s upper body lifting ability.

20. A method for testing and evaluating the dexterity and range of motion of substantially the entire musculoskeletal system of a human test subject, wherein the testing is conducted with a physical abilities tester that includes first and second shelves and a mounting bracket which are adjustable in height, said first and second shelves and mounting bracket being capable of supporting said dexterity tester, said first and second shelves additionally being capable of supporting an industrial tote pan, comprising the steps of:

(a) directing the subject'"'"'s hand and wrist into a dexterity tester positioned at a first predetermined height and placing the subject into a first posture;

(b) requiring the subject while in the first posture to manipulate a plurality of mechanical parts in the dexterity tester in a predetermined manner that requires the subject'"'"'s hand and wrist to undergo a complete range of motion;

(c) measuring the time required for the subject while in the first posture to so manipulate the parts at the first predetermined height;

(d) thereafter directing the subject'"'"'s hand and wrist into a dexterity tester positioned at a second predetermined height which is different from said first predetermined height and placing the subject into a second posture which is different from said first posture;

(e) requiring the subject while in the second posture to manipulate a plurality of mechanical pans in the dexterity tester in a predetermined manner that requires the subject'"'"'s hand and wrist to undergo a complete range of motion;

(f) measuring the time required for the subject while in the second posture to so manipulate the parts at the second predetermined height independently of the time required for manipulation at the first height;

(g) thereafter directing the subject'"'"'s hand and wrist into a dexterity tester positioned at a third predetermined height which is different from both said first and second predetermined heights and placing the subject into a third posture which is different from both said first and second postures;

(h) requiring the subject while in the third posture to manipulate a plurality of mechanical parts in the dexterity tester in a predetermined manner that requires the subject'"'"'s hand and wrist to undergo a complete range of motion;

(i) measuring the time required for the subject while in the third posture to so manipulate the parts at the third predetermined height independently of the time required for manipulations at the first and second heights;

(j) adjusting, before the test begins, the height of said first shelf of said physical abilities tester to a height which is at or just below the bottom surface of said industrial tote pan while said industrial tote pan is being held by the human test subject whose hands are positioned at shoulder height;

(k) adjusting, before the test begins, the height of said second shelf of said physical abilities tester to a height which is at or just below the bottom surface of said industrial tote pan while said industrial tote pan is being held by the human test subject whose arms are extended downward;

(l) adjusting, before the test begins, the height of said horizontal mounting bracket of said physical abilities tester to a height which is above the top-most portion of the human test subject'"'"'s head while the human test subject is standing erect;

(m) lifting said industrial tote pan, said industrial tote pan containing a known amount of weight, from a height above floor level at which the human test subject can comfortably bend, then to carrying height;

(n) lifting said industrial tote pan which contains a known amount of weight from carrying height to shoulder height and placing the industrial tote pan onto a shelf at shoulder height;

(o) adding weight in known increments to said industrial tote pan and repeating the steps of lifting from bending height to carrying height and lifting from carrying height to shoulder height, until the human test subject is unable to lift the industrial tote pan smoothly and without overstraining from carrying height to shoulder height, thereby determining the human test subject'"'"'s upper body lifting ability; and

(p) adding weight in known increments to said industrial tote pan and repeating the steps of lifting from bending height to carrying height until the human test subject is unable to lift the industrial tote pan smoothly and without overstraining from bending height to carrying height, thereby determining the human test subject'"'"'s lower body lifting ability.

21. A method for testing and evaluating the dexterity and range of motion of substantially the entire musculoskeletal system of a human test subject, wherein the testing is conducted with a physical abilities tester that includes first and second shelves and a mounting bracket which are adjustable in height, said first and second shelves and mounting bracket being capable of supporting said dexterity tester, said first and second shelves additionally being capable of supporting an industrial tote pan, comprising the steps of:

(a) directing the subject'"'"'s hand and wrist into a dexterity tester positioned at a first predetermined height and placing the subject into a first posture;

(b) requiring the subject while in the first posture to manipulate a plurality of mechanical parts in the dexterity tester in a predetermined manner that requires the subject'"'"'s hand and wrist to undergo a complete range of motion;

(c) measuring the time required for the subject while in the first posture to so manipulate the parts at the first predetermined height;

(d) thereafter directing the subject'"'"'s hand and wrist into a dexterity tester positioned at a second predetermined height which is different from said first predetermined height and placing the subject into a second posture which is different from said first posture;

(e) requiring the subject while in the second posture to manipulate a plurality of mechanical parts in the dexterity tester in a predetermined manner that requires the subject'"'"'s hand and wrist to undergo a complete range of motion;

(f) measuring the time required for the subject while in the second posture to so manipulate the parts at the second predetermined height independently of the time required for manipulation at the first height;

(g) thereafter directing the subject'"'"'s hand and wrist into a dexterity tester positioned at a third predetermined height which is different from both said first and second predetermined heights and placing the subject into a third posture which is different from both said first and second postures;

(h) requiring the subject while in the third posture to manipulate a plurality of mechanical parts in the dexterity tester in a predetermined manner that requires the subject'"'"'s hand and wrist to undergo a complete range of motion;

(i) measuring the time required for the subject while in the third posture to so manipulate the parts at the third predetermined height independently of the time required for manipulations at the first and second heights;

(j) adjusting, before the test begins, the height of said first shelf of said physical abilities tester to a height which is at or just below the bottom surface of said industrial tote pan while said industrial tote pan is being held by the human test subject whose hands are positioned at shoulder height;

(k) adjusting, before the test begins, the height of said second shelf of said physical abilities tester to a height which is at or just below the bottom surface of said industrial tote pan while said industrial tote pan is being held by the human test subject whose arms are extended downward;

(l) adjusting, before the test begins, the height of said horizontal mounting bracket of said physical abilities tester to a height which is above the top-most portion of the human test subject'"'"'s head while the human test subject is standing erect;

(m) lifting said industrial tote pan, said industrial tote pan containing a known amount of weight, from a height above floor level at which the human test subject can comfortably bend, then to carrying height;

(n) lifting said industrial tote pan which contains a known amount of weight from carrying height to shoulder height and placing the industrial tote pan onto a shelf at shoulder height;

(o) adding weight in known increments to said industrial tote pan and repeating the steps of lifting from bending height to carrying height and lifting from carrying height to shoulder height, until the human test subject is unable to lift the industrial tote pan smoothly and without overstraining from bending height to carrying height, thereby determining the human test subject'"'"'s lower body lifting ability; and

(p) adding weight in known increments to said industrial tote pan and repeating the steps of lifting from carrying height to shoulder height until the human test subject is unable to lift the industrial tote pan smoothly and without overstraining from carrying height to shoulder height, thereby determining the human test subject'"'"'s upper body lifting ability.