Biomechanical stresses in computer-aided design and in data entry.
A study of the risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the upper limbs was carried out on 2 populations, 1 performing a computer-aided design (CAD) task and the other performing a data entry task. A questionnaire on MSD complaints and working life was completed by a sample of each population. Biomechanical measurements of the forces, the angles, and the repetitiveness of movements of the upper limbs were carried out on some operators in each sample. It emerged that complaints of the upper limbs seem to be linked to the use of input devices. The grip forces exerted when using the keyboard and mouse were higher in CAD than in data entry.
Biomechanics and Ergonomics Laboratory, Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité, Vandoeuvre, France. cail@inrs.fr
François
F
Cail
Michel
M
Aptel
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001132:Arm / Q000502:physiology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004576:Electromyography; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011187:Posture; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D015443:Word Processing