Torque levels, subjective discomfort, and muscle activity associated with four commercially available screwdrivers under static and dynamic work conditions.
This study evaluated screwdrivers with different handle designs and blade lengths. 10 men and 10 women voluntarily participated. A repeated-measures experiment design was employed. The three independent factors were sex of user, handle (four types), and blade length (130, 170, and 210 mm). The dependent measures were the maximum supination torque under a static task and the %MVC of EMG responses in biceps brachii and flexor digitorum, and a discomfort rating for the upper extremity under the dynamic task. Analysis showed that the in-line screwdriver with the combined characteristics of large handle diameter (3.8-4.1 cm), smooth rubber covering handle surface, triangular (or circular) shape, and adequate handle length (11 cm) had the greatest supination torque and a smaller discomfort rating than the screwdriver with the pistol-grip handle. Blade length was not significantly related to any dependent measure.
Wang
Mao-Jiun J
MJ
Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan, ROC. mjwang@ie.nthu.edu.tw
Lin
Chih-Long
CL
Shih
Yuh-Chuan
YC
Chung
Hsiu-Chen
HC
Strasser
Helmut
H
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004576:Electromyography; D004867:Equipment Design; D006804:Ergonomics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007699:Kinesthesis / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D019415:Torque