title: Evaluation of hook handles in a pulling task.
abstract: To evaluate the effect of handle design characteristics on subjective ratings and pulling forces, meat-hook handles with various handle shapes, sizes, and hook positions were tested in a pulling task. Finger and phalange force data measured by force sensitive resistors and subjective ratings of discomfort were also evaluated. Generally subjects preferred 37-mm double frustum, 30-mm oval handles followed by 30-mm double frustum handles, 37-mm oval, and 45-mm double frustum handles. In the analyses of total pulling force, 37- and 45-mm double frustum handles showed less required pulling force than the others. The averages of finger force contributions to the total pulling force were 27.2, 28.1, 23.9, and 20.8% in order from index to little fingers. The average of phalange force contributions were 28.8, 33.6, and 37.6% for the distal, middle, and proximal phalanges, respectively. The findings illustrate that the pulling finger forces and subjective discomfort ratings were related to the handle shape as well as handle size.
authors.affiliation: The Harold and Inge Marcus Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA. ykong@cdc.gov
authors.forename: Yong-Ku
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Kong
authors.forename: Andris
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Freivalds
authors.forename: Sung Kun
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm / Q000502:physiology; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D010414:Pennsylvania; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis