MMH: A multimodal dataset of whole-body kinematics, bilateral ground reaction forces, and lower-limb surface electromyography signals during load lifting and lowering

This study presents the MMH dataset, a laboratory-collected in vivo dataset comprising whole-body kinematics, three-dimensional ground reaction forces and two-dimensional centres of pressure under both feet, as well as surface electromyography (sEMG) signals of twelve lower-limb muscles (six muscles per leg) during load lifting and lowering tasks. Ten healthy, normal-weight, young male adults each performed 72 trials combining one- and two-handed load (2 kg) lifting and lowering. These trials include multiple initial and final load locations while using three different lifting techniques (stoop, semi-squat, and full-squat). The kinematic and force-plate measurements provide rich input for ergonomic risk assessment tools and optimisation-based musculoskeletal models aimed at quantifying and managing musculoskeletal risk of injury. Also, the sEMG recordings enable the development of EMG-assisted musculoskeletal models and support validation of predictions from optimisation-based models. These makes the multimodal MMH dataset a valuable resource for biomechanics, ergonomics, and human movement research.