This study examined two issues. The first of these concerned the scientific principles underlying conventional two-handed lifting training, considering whether or not they still remained valid; whether they required modifying in any way in the light of current scientific knowledge; and whether any additional principles could be identified. The second considered other forms of lifting (e.g. one-handed lifting) examining the relevance of these same principles and determining scientifically-based priorities where aspects of the lifting task meant that not all principles could be adhered to.