Biomechanical Advantages

There are three main actions that take place when working with long-handled industrial, landscape, garden and maintenance tools: Lifting, Pushing & Pulling, and Twisting.

Lifting: is involved in the use of shovels, industrial scoops, snow shovels, garden spades,

pitch forks, etc.

• Adding Stout’s BackSaver Grip® mid-way down the tool handle improves posture by allowing the user to stand taller with less back bend. The bending distance of the repeated up and down body movement that occurs while digging or lifting is minimized.
• By standing straighter, use of an individual’s legs is maximized, taking a significant burden off the back. Use of the legs versus use of the back acheives a significant ergonomic improvement.
• Biomechanically, lifting involves the body as a third class lever. Adding the BackSaver Grip mid-way down the shovel handle moves the fulcrum to the lower hand, transferring the effort to the long end of the shovel, making it a first class lever.
• With increased leverage, the user may now lift a heavier load with greater ease.

Pushing & Pulling: involved in the use of snow pushers, push brooms, rakes, vacuum

cleaner wands, mops, etc.

• Adding the BackSaver Grip mid-way down the tool handle improves posture by allowing the user to stand taller with less back bend.
• Limb alignment and hand position with the BackSaver Grip are more neutral, reducing the risk of repetitive stress injury and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
• Neutral limb alignment and hand position also reduce fatigue and blisters.

Twisting: involved in the use of sweep brooms, garden leaf rakes, mops, scythes, etc.

• Adding Stout’s BackSaver Grip® mid-way down the tool handle allows a greater range of motion.
• A straight line of force from the shoulder to the grip opens the space between the shoulders for good posture and reduced risk of back and muscle strain.
• Neutral limb alignment and hand position help reduce arthritis and back pain.