[Study of muscular work capacity in operators using manual mechanical instruments]

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Ergonomics
• Physiology

Background:

• Manual mechanical devices expose workers to vibration.
• Assessing the impact of vibration on workers' physical capacity is crucial for occupational health.
• Understanding neuro-muscular responses to vibration aids in developing safety protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To hygienically assess the influence of vibration on muscular and working capacity.
• To evaluate the neuro-muscular state of workers exposed to manual mechanical devices.
• To identify professional groups most affected by vibration and physical overload.

Main Methods:

• Hygienic assessment of vibration exposure.
• Neuro-muscular state evaluation using a manual dynamograph.
• Examination of 161 workers across different professional groups and a sample group of 26.

Main Results:

• Maximum muscular force and resistance to fatiguability were the most informative indices.
• Significant neuro-muscular changes were observed.
• Moulders and mould-cutters exhibited the most apparent changes.

Conclusions:

• Vibration exposure from manual mechanical devices negatively affects muscular and working capacity.
• High vibration dosages and intensive physical overload are linked to pronounced neuro-muscular changes.
• Occupational health strategies should address vibration reduction and manage physical demands for at-risk professions.