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An Objective and Child-friendly Assessment of Arm Function by Using a 3-D Sensor
Published on: February 12, 2018
Assessment of workload and arm position during different work sequences: a study with portable devices on
H Sporrong1, L Sandsjö, R Kadefors
1Department of Orthopaedics, University of Göteborg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Ostra, Sweden.
Applied Ergonomics
|February 29, 2000
Summary
Construction workers fitting ceilings experience high shoulder loads, with prolonged arm elevation and trapezius muscle strain. This work posture significantly increases their risk of developing chronic shoulder pain and rotator cuff tendinitis.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Ergonomics
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Work-related shoulder pain is prevalent in construction, particularly when working with hands above shoulder level.
- Previous research on shoulder load has primarily been conducted in laboratory settings.
- Understanding real-world work postures and muscle activity is crucial for assessing occupational risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify muscular engagement and body postures of construction workers during ceiling fitting tasks.
- To compare field-based measurements with existing laboratory-derived risk criteria for shoulder load.
- To identify specific work-related factors contributing to shoulder pain in this occupational group.
Main Methods:
- Utilized ambulatory electromyography (EMG) to record trapezius muscle activity bilaterally.
- Employed motion sensors to capture arm and back positions by measuring joint angles.
- Conducted recordings during 1.5-2 hour work sequences in a real construction environment.
Main Results:
- Workers maintained an upright posture for most of the task duration.
- Both arms were utilized with similar frequency and duration.
- Upper arm positions frequently exceeded harmful levels for shoulder load.
- Nearly 50% of work involved trapezius muscle activity above 15% of maximal voluntary contraction.
- Muscular relaxation periods accounted for only 10% of the work time.
Conclusions:
- Ceiling fitting tasks expose construction workers to biomechanical loads consistent with high risk for chronic shoulder pain.
- The findings support laboratory-based criteria for predicting shoulder injury risk in occupational settings.
- Rotator cuff tendinitis is a likely outcome due to the identified exposure levels and postures.
