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Russell MS, Vasilounis SS, Lefebvre E, Drake JDM, Chopp-Hurley JN. Variability in musculoskeletal fatigue responses associated with repeated exposure to an occupational overhead drilling task completed on successive days. Hum Mov Sci 2024; 97:103276. [PMID: 39213917 DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2024.103276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Emerging research suggests that muscular and kinematic responses to overhead work display a high degree of variability in fatigue-related muscular and kinematics changes, both between and within individuals when evaluated across separate days. This study examined whether electromyographic (EMG), kinematic, and kinetic responses to an overhead drilling task performed until volitional fatigue were comparable to those of a repeated identical exposure of the task completed 1 week later. Surface EMG and intramuscular EMG, sampled from 7 shoulder muscles, and right upper limb kinematics and kinetics were analyzed from 15 male and 14 female participants. No significant day-to-day changes in EMG mean power frequency (MPF) were observed, though serratus anterior displayed significantly less fatigue-related increase in EMG root-mean-squared (RMS) signal amplitude on day 2. Unfatigued upper kinematics on day 2 featured an increase in thoracohumeral elevation, elbow flexion, and decrease in wrist ulnar deviation compared to unfatigued state on day 1. Fatigue-related changes in shoulder joint flexion moment that were present on day 1 were reduced on day 2, suggesting that a more efficient overhead work strategy was learned and preserved across successive days. Day-to-day changes in upper limb joint angle variability, quantified by median absolute deviation (MdAD), were joint dependent. Despite yielding a variable fatigue-related kinetic strategy on both days, kinematic and kinetic fatigue-related changes on a second day of completing an overhead drilling task suggested a potential kinematic learning effect.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sam S Vasilounis
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Canada
| | - Emily Lefebvre
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Canada
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Gao PF, Zhi JY, Hu JD, Wang J, Xu YS, Zou R, Ding TC, Yang L. The factors affecting the performance of the tunnel wall drilling task and their priority. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9564. [PMID: 38671037 PMCID: PMC11053030 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60381-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Clarifying the relationship between the man-machine environment and its impact on the tunnel wall drilling task performance (TWDTP) is crucial for enhancing the task performance. Based on a questionnaire survey, indicators of the man-machine environment that affect the TWDTP were proposed in this study, and exploratory factor analysis and a structural equation model were employed to examine the potential factors influencing the task performance and their degrees of influence. By comparing the discrepancy between the perceived performance and importance, the satisfaction of potential factors was evaluated, and the priority order for optimizing these factors was determined by considering the degree of influence and dissatisfaction. The results of survey data analysis based on actual tunnel drilling operation scenarios indicated that tools had the greatest impact on the TWDTP, followed by the quality of the physical environment, while human factors had the least influence on the task performance. Convenient functional maintenance is the key to improving the TWDTP, along with enhancing the quality of the working environment. Once these main aspects are optimized, it is important to consider additional factors such as availability of spare tools, efficient personnel organization, man-tool matching, and safety and health assurance. This research approach provides significant guidance in understanding the relationships between the man-machine environmental factors affecting the performance of complex engineering tasks and identifying key influencing factors, thus providing essential insights for optimizing the TWDTP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Fei Gao
- Department of Industrial Design, School of Design, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China.
- School of Design, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610500, China.
| | - Jin-Yi Zhi
- Department of Industrial Design, School of Design, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China.
- School of Design, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610500, China.
| | - Ji-Dong Hu
- China Railway Eight Bureau Group Electrical Engineering Co., LTD, Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Industrial Design, School of Mechatronic Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Yong-Sheng Xu
- Department of Industrial Design, School of Design, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Rui Zou
- Department of Industrial Design, School of Design, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Tie-Cheng Ding
- Department of Industrial Design, School of Design, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Industrial Design, School of Design, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
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Brandt M, Bláfoss R, Jakobsen MD, Samani A, Ajslev JZN, Madeleine P, Andersen LL. Influence of brick laying height on biomechanical load in masons: Cross-sectional field study with technical measurements. Work 2024; 79:459-470. [PMID: 38517831 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) located in the low back and neck/shoulder regions are major concerns for both workers, workplaces, and society. Masons are prone to WMSD, because their work is characterized by repetitive work and high physical workload. However, the knowledge on the physical workload during bricklaying is primarily based on subjective measurements. OBJECTIVE This cross-sectional field study with technical measurements aimed to quantify physical workload in terms of muscular activity and degree of forward bending during bricklaying at different working heights among masons, i.e., knee, hip, shoulder, and above shoulder height. METHODS Twelve male (36.1±16.1 years) experienced masons participated in a cross-sectional field study with technical measurements. Surface electromyography from erector spinae longissimus and upper trapezius muscles and an inertial measurement unit-sensor placed on the upper back were used to assess the physical workload (level of muscle activation and degree of forward bending) different bricklaying heights. Manual video analysis was used to determine duration of work tasks, frequency, type, and working height. The working heights were categorized as 'knee', 'hip', 'shoulder', and 'above shoulder'. The 95 percentiles of the normalized Root Mean Square (RMSn) values were extracted assess from erector spinae and trapezius recordings to assess strenuous level muscle of muscle activation. RESULTS The RMSn of dominant erector spinae muscle increased from hip- to shoulder height (from 26.6 to 29.6, P < 0.0001), but not from hip to above shoulder height and decreased from hip to knee height (from 26.6 to 18.9, P < 0.0001). For the dominant trapezius muscle, the RMSn increased from hip- to shoulder- and above shoulder height (from 13.9 to 19.7 and 24.0, respectively, P < 0.0001) but decreased from hip- to knee height (from 13.9 to 11.5, P < 0.0001). Compared to hip height (27.9°), an increased forward bending was detected during bricklaying at knee height (34.5°, P < 0.0001) and a decreased degree of forward bending at shoulder- and above shoulder height (17.6° and 12.5°, P < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION Based on technical measurements, bricklaying at hip height showed the best compromise between muscular load and degree of forward bending. This study contributes to the development of the work environment for masons and can help guide preventive initiatives to reduce physical workload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikkel Brandt
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rúni Bláfoss
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Research Unit for Muscle Physiology and Biomechanics, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Afshin Samani
- ExerciseTech, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Denmark
| | - Jeppe Z N Ajslev
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pascal Madeleine
- ExerciseTech, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Denmark
| | - Lars L Andersen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
- ExerciseTech, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Denmark
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Ojelade A, Morris W, Kim S, Kelson D, Srinivasan D, Smets M, Nussbaum MA. Three passive arm-support exoskeletons have inconsistent effects on muscle activity, posture, and perceived exertion during diverse simulated pseudo-static overhead nutrunning tasks. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2023; 110:104015. [PMID: 36933418 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Arm-support exoskeletons (ASEs) are an emerging technology with the potential to reduce physical demands during diverse tasks, especially overhead work. However, limited information is available about the effects of different ASE designs during overhead work with diverse task demands. Eighteen participants (gender-balanced) performed lab-based simulations of a pseudo-static overhead task. This task was performed in six different conditions (3 work heights × 2 hand force directions), with each of three ASEs and in a control condition (i.e., no ASE). Using ASEs generally reduced the median activity of several shoulder muscles (by ∼12-60%), changed working postures, and decreased perceived exertion in several body regions. Such effects, though, were often task-dependent and differed between the ASEs. Our results support earlier evidence of the beneficial effects of ASEs for overhead work but emphasize that: 1) these effects depend on the task demands and ASE design and 2) none of the ASE designs tested was clearly superior across the tasks simulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aanuoluwapo Ojelade
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Wallace Morris
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Sunwook Kim
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | | | - Divya Srinivasan
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Marty Smets
- Manufacturing Technology Development, Ford Motor Company, Glendale, MI, USA
| | - Maury A Nussbaum
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
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Brambilla C, Lavit Nicora M, Storm F, Reni G, Malosio M, Scano A. Biomechanical Assessments of the Upper Limb for Determining Fatigue, Strain and Effort from the Laboratory to the Industrial Working Place: A Systematic Review. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:445. [PMID: 37106632 PMCID: PMC10135542 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10040445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent human-centered developments in the industrial field (Industry 5.0) lead companies and stakeholders to ensure the wellbeing of their workers with assessments of upper limb performance in the workplace, with the aim of reducing work-related diseases and improving awareness of the physical status of workers, by assessing motor performance, fatigue, strain and effort. Such approaches are usually developed in laboratories and only at times they are translated to on-field applications; few studies summarized common practices for the assessments. Therefore, our aim is to review the current state-of-the-art approaches used for the assessment of fatigue, strain and effort in working scenarios and to analyze in detail the differences between studies that take place in the laboratory and in the workplace, in order to give insights on future trends and directions. A systematic review of the studies aimed at evaluating the motor performance, fatigue, strain and effort of the upper limb targeting working scenarios is presented. A total of 1375 articles were found in scientific databases and 288 were analyzed. About half of the scientific articles are focused on laboratory pilot studies investigating effort and fatigue in laboratories, while the other half are set in working places. Our results showed that assessing upper limb biomechanics is quite common in the field, but it is mostly performed with instrumental assessments in laboratory studies, while questionnaires and scales are preferred in working places. Future directions may be oriented towards multi-domain approaches able to exploit the potential of combined analyses, exploitation of instrumental approaches in workplace, targeting a wider range of people and implementing more structured trials to translate pilot studies to real practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Brambilla
- Istituto di Sistemi e Tecnologie Industriali Intelligenti per il Manifatturiero Avanzato (STIIMA), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Previati 1/E, 23900 Lecco, Italy
| | - Matteo Lavit Nicora
- Istituto di Sistemi e Tecnologie Industriali Intelligenti per il Manifatturiero Avanzato (STIIMA), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Previati 1/E, 23900 Lecco, Italy
- Industrial Engineering Department, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Storm
- Bioengineering Laboratory, Scientific Institute, IRCCS “Eugenio Medea”, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Reni
- Informatics Department, Autonomous Province of Bolzano, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Matteo Malosio
- Istituto di Sistemi e Tecnologie Industriali Intelligenti per il Manifatturiero Avanzato (STIIMA), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Previati 1/E, 23900 Lecco, Italy
| | - Alessandro Scano
- Istituto di Sistemi e Tecnologie Industriali Intelligenti per il Manifatturiero Avanzato (STIIMA), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Previati 1/E, 23900 Lecco, Italy
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Liu YP, Chen HC, Hong WH, Weng WC. Effects of different tools and working height on physical workload in vertical cleaning tasks applying ambient control techniques. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2022; 104:103818. [PMID: 35738213 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of different tools and working heights on physical workloads in vertical cleaning tasks. Thirty healthy adults were recruited to use a rag and a long-handle tool (LHT) to simulate cleaning operations on the Wii Fit board surfaces of 3 different heights, respectively. Participants used a lower 50th percentile force but were required to spend a longer time to finish the task while using an LHT than using a rag. The tool preferences were the main factors considered for efficiency and personal subjective workload and physiological load. 76.6% of the participants preferred to use the LHT instead of the rag at a high task height, but 70% preferred to use the rag when working at a medium task height. For low workload cleaning tasks on vertical surfaces, employers should provide cleaners with different handle lengths tools to choose from to reduce the cleaner's workload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Ping Liu
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taichung, 413310, Taiwan
| | - Hsieh-Ching Chen
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, 106344, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hsien Hong
- Department of Sports Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 406040, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Chun Weng
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, 106344, Taiwan
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7
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Do Musculoskeletal Disorders Affect Work Tasks in Farmers. J Occup Environ Med 2022; 64:e591-e596. [DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Harith HH, Mohd MF, Nai Sowat S. A preliminary investigation on upper limb exoskeleton assistance for simulated agricultural tasks. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2021; 95:103455. [PMID: 33991852 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Manual harvesting is still prevalent in the agricultural industry. Accordingly, it is one of the largest contributors toward work-related musculoskeletal disorder. The cutting task in oil palm harvesting uses a long pole and involves repetitive and forceful motion of the upper limbs. Exoskeleton technology is increasingly explored to assist manual tasks performance in manufacturing and heavy industries, mainly for reducing discomfort and injuries, and improving productivity. This paper reports an initial investigation on the feasibility of using an upper limb exoskeleton to assist oil palm harvesting tasks. Previous studies highlighted that exoskeletons for agricultural activities should be adaptable to changing field tasks, tools and equipment. The immediate difference in the activity of three muscles were analyzed for a range of harvesting-simulated tasks. Lower activities were observed for tasks involving overhead work when using the prototype. Nevertheless, users' feedback highlighted that its design should be optimized for better acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazreen H Harith
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Muhammad Fuad Mohd
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sharence Nai Sowat
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
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Jacquier-Bret J, Gorce P, Lestage T, Merbah J. Identification of generic drilling task phases and height effect: Coupling of kinematic and kinetic data. Gait Posture 2021; 86:51-57. [PMID: 33677179 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is an important issue for the health of operators, especially when the workload is heavy, such as in drilling activities. RESEARCH QUESTION This study aimed to propose an objective identification and description of the different phases that comprise a drilling task as well as a biomechanical and ergonomic evaluation of the subjects' overall posture during its effective part. METHODS Fourteen healthy subjects performed three successive drillings at two different heights, 130 (H130) and 170 cm (H170) from the ground, of a 3 mm thick steel plate. Kinematic and kinetic data were simultaneously acquired using a Qualisys motion capture system and a force platform. The speed profiles of each body segments and the evolution of the force exerted were analysed to identify the different phases. Then, the average joint angles of the whole body were calculated during the drilling phase for the two heights considered and compared. Finally, the measured postures were qualified through the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) score in order to assess the risk of developing MSDs for each condition. RESULTS The drilling task could be divided into five phases whatever the condition: transport, aiming, repositioning, drilling, and return. The increase in height has doubled the duration of the drilling phase while reducing the force exerted by about 30 %. Similarly, height variation significantly influenced the subjects' posture, mainly in the head, trunk and upper limbs, and the RULA scores obtained for conditions H130 and H170 were 6 and 7 respectively. SIGNIFICANCE The results indicate, on the one hand, the relevance of coupling kinematic and kinetic data in order to analyse the drilling task and, on the other hand, that operators are exposed to considerable risk of developing MSDs, even at intermediate heights, which increase as the height increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Jacquier-Bret
- Laboratoire HandiBio - EA 4322, University of Toulon, France; AUCTUS, INRIA, University of Bordeaux Sud-Ouest, France.
| | - Philippe Gorce
- Laboratoire HandiBio - EA 4322, University of Toulon, France; AUCTUS, INRIA, University of Bordeaux Sud-Ouest, France
| | - Thomas Lestage
- Laboratoire HandiBio - EA 4322, University of Toulon, France
| | - Johan Merbah
- Laboratoire HandiBio - EA 4322, University of Toulon, France
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10
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EMG Characterization and Processing in Production Engineering. MATERIALS 2020; 13:ma13245815. [PMID: 33419283 PMCID: PMC7766856 DOI: 10.3390/ma13245815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Electromyography (EMG) signals are biomedical signals that measure electrical currents generated during muscle contraction. These signals are strongly influenced by physiological and anatomical characteristics of the muscles and represent the neuromuscular activities of the human body. The evolution of EMG analysis and acquisition techniques makes this technology more reliable for production engineering applications, overcoming some of its inherent issues. Taking as an example, the fatigue monitoring of workers as well as enriched human–machine interaction (HMI) systems used in collaborative tasks are now possible with this technology. The main objective of this research is to evaluate the current implementation of EMG technology within production engineering, its weaknesses, opportunities, and synergies with other technologies, with the aim of developing more natural and efficient HMI systems that could improve the safety and productivity within production environments.
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11
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Cudlip AC, Kim SY, Dickerson CR. The ability of surface electromyography to represent supraspinatus anterior and posterior partition activity depends on elevation angle, hand load and plane of elevation. J Biomech 2020; 99:109526. [PMID: 31780125 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2019.109526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This study examined relationships between electromyography recorded from indwelling electrodes of the anterior and posterior supraspinatus and a surface supraspinatus electrode. Twenty male and twenty female participants completed full range humeral elevations in three planes of elevation (0/40/90°) and three hand loads (unloaded/20%/40% of maximal elevation strength). EMG activation was combined with motion capture to determine activation at instantaneous activation angles, and linear regressions of anterior and posterior indwelling electrodes relative to the surface electrode determined relationships between these signals. Regressions between surface and indwelling signals were affected by plane of elevation, elevation angle, load intensity and participant sex, but no interactions existed. Surface signals underestimated activation at low elevation angles for both regions, and up to 45% in the anterior supraspinatus (p < 0.01), then overestimated activation at higher elevation angles. Surface EMG underestimated indwelling signals by up to 15% in unloaded conditions, while overestimating the posterior region by up to 17% in the 40% load condition (p < 0.01). Sex effects showed increased overestimation by surface signals in the posterior region in males by 21% (p < 0.01). Better agreement existed for the anterior region than the posterior region across postures, but postural relationships should be considered when choosing electrodes for this muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan C Cudlip
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Soo Y Kim
- School of Rehabilitation Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
| | - Clark R Dickerson
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada.
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12
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Yi C, Li KW, Tang F, Zuo H, Ma L, Hu H. Pulling strength, muscular fatigue, and prediction of maximum endurance time for simulated pulling tasks. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207283. [PMID: 30444895 PMCID: PMC6239301 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Truck pulling is one of the common manual materials handling tasks which contribute to musculoskeletal disorders. The maximum endurance time (MET) for two-handed truck pulling tasks has been rarely discussed in the literature. The objectives of this study were to explore the development of muscular fatigue when performing two-handed pulling task and to establish models to predict the MET. A simulated pallet truck pulling experiment was conducted. Sixteen healthy adults including eight females and eight males participated. The participants pulled a handle simulating that of a pallet truck using two hands until they could not pull any longer under two postures. The forces applied for females and males were 139.65 N and 170.03 N, respectively. The maximum voluntary contractions (MVC) of the pulling strength both before and after the simulated pull were measured. After each trial, both the MET and subjective ratings of muscular fatigue on body segments were recorded. The results showed that posture significantly affected MVC of pull both before and after the trial. It was found that foot/shank of the front leg had higher subjective ratings of muscular fatigue than the other body segments. The MET equations employing both power and logarithmic functions were developed to predict the MET of the two-handed pulling tasks. Predictive models established in this study may be used to assess the MET for two-handed pulling tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cannan Yi
- School of Safety & Environmental Engineering, Hunan Institute of Technology, Hengyang City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Kai Way Li
- School of Safety & Environmental Engineering, Hunan Institute of Technology, Hengyang City, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Industrial Management, Chung Hua University, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
| | - Fan Tang
- School of Safety & Environmental Engineering, Hunan Institute of Technology, Hengyang City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Huali Zuo
- School of Safety & Environmental Engineering, Hunan Institute of Technology, Hengyang City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Liang Ma
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Hu
- School of Safety & Environmental Engineering, Hunan Institute of Technology, Hengyang City, Hunan Province, China
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Sood D, Nussbaum MA, Hager K, Nogueira HC. Predicted endurance times during overhead work: influences of duty cycle and tool mass estimated using perceived discomfort. ERGONOMICS 2017; 60:1405-1414. [PMID: 28277169 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2017.1293850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A need for overhead work remains in several industries and such work is an important risk factor for shoulder musculoskeletal problems. In this study, we evaluated the effects of duty cycle and tool mass on endurance times during overhead work. A psychophysical approach was used, via a new methodology that was implemented to more efficiently estimate endurance times (rather than through direct measurements). Participants performed a simulated overhead task in specified combinations of tool mass and duty cycle. Both duty cycle and tool mass have substantial effects on the development of fatigue and estimated endurance times, though the former was more substantial and an interactive effect was evident. Gender differences were not substantial, except when using the largest tool mass. We recommend that, for two-hour periods of overhead work, tool masses greater than 1.25 kg should be avoided, as should duty cycles greater than 50%. Practitioner Summary: The current results may facilitate enhanced design and evaluation of overhead work tasks. In addition, the new estimation approach that was employed may enhance the efficiency of future studies using a psychophysical approach (ie using extrapolation of patterns of reported discomfort to predict longer term outcomes).
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Sood
- a Industrial and Systems Engineering , Virginia Tech , Blacksburg , VA , USA
| | - Maury A Nussbaum
- a Industrial and Systems Engineering , Virginia Tech , Blacksburg , VA , USA
| | - Kris Hager
- a Industrial and Systems Engineering , Virginia Tech , Blacksburg , VA , USA
| | - Helen C Nogueira
- b Department of Physical Therapy , Federal University of São Carlos , São Carlos , Brazil
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