title: 30° inclination in handles of plastic boxes can reduce postural and muscular workload during handling.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The handling of materials, which occurs in the industrial sector, is associated with lesions on the lumbar spine and in the upper limbs. Inserting handles in industrial boxes is a way to reduce work-related risks. Although the position and angle of the handles are significant factors in comfort and safety during handling, these factors have rarely been studied objectively.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare the handling of a commercial box and prototypes with handles and to evaluate the effects on upper limb posture, muscle electrical activity, and perceived acceptability using different grips while handling materials from different heights.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-seven healthy volunteers evaluated the handles of prototypes that allowed for changes in position (top and bottom) and angle (0°, 15°, and 30°). Wrist, elbow, and shoulder movements were evaluated using electrogoniometry and inclinometry. The muscle electrical activity in the wrist extensors, biceps brachii, and the upper portion of the trapezius was measured using a portable electromyographer. The recorded data on muscle movements and electrical activity were synchronized. Subjective evaluations of acceptability were evaluated using a visual analog scale.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prototypes with handles at a 30° angle produced the highest acceptability ratings, more neutral wrist positions, lower levels of electromyographic activity for the upper trapezius, and lower elevation angles for the arms. The different measurement methods were complementary in evaluating the upper limbs during handling.
authors: Luciana C C B
authors: LC
authors: Silva
authors: Ana B
authors: AB
authors: Oliveira
authors: Danilo C
authors: DC
authors: Silva
authors: Luis C
authors: LC
authors: Paschoarelli
authors: Helenice J C G
authors: HJ
authors: Coury
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006804:Ergonomics; D006801:Humans; D017770:Lifting / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D010969:Plastics; D011187:Posture; D034941:Upper Extremity; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D010969:Plastics