When carrying a large object, the muscle force requirements of the trunk extensors are minimized if the object is held closer to the body.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is true because holding the object closer to the body reduces the lever arm between the weight of the object and the trunk extensors, which in turn reduces the torque (force required) needed to lift and carry the object. This is known as the principle of mechanical advantage.

When Carrying a Large Object, the Muscle Force Requirements of the Trunk