Measurement of forces applied to handgrips and pedals for a sample population of Mexican males.
Equipment design requirements for newly industrializing nations often differ from those of highly industrialized nations. In order to develop a 'culturally relevant' technology in Mexico, this paper reports the results of a study, conducted in Guanajuato state, designed to measure the maximum static forces exerted on pulling handgrips and pedals by seated male subjects. The project included the design and construction of an adjustable measuring apparatus. Handgrip measurements were taken with left and right arms at five different elbow angles; pedal measurements with left and right legs at three different knee angles. The arm data indicate that the relationship between appendage angle and force is similar for these data and those previously reported for a US sample, although there are some significant differences in magnitude. Implications of these results for machinery design are discussed.
Lara-Lopez
A
A
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Guanajuato, Mexico.
Aguilera-Cortes
L A
LA
Barbosa-Castillo
F
F
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004867:Equipment Design; D006804:Ergonomics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D011187:Posture