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Full-shift and task-specific upper extremity muscle activity among US large-herd dairy parlour workers
David I Douphrate1, Nathan B Fethke2, Matthew W Nonnenmann2
1a School of Public Health in San Antonio , University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston , San Antonio , TX , USA.
Ergonomics
|November 18, 2016
Summary
Rotary milking parlours may reduce upper extremity muscle strain for dairy workers compared to herringbone or parallel designs. This ergonomic insight can inform better workplace designs to improve worker health and performance.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Ergonomics
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Dairy parlour workers frequently report upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms.
- Understanding biomechanical demands is crucial for mitigating these issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and compare upper extremity muscle activity during full shifts and specific tasks.
- To assess the impact of different milking parlour designs on muscle exertion.
Main Methods:
- Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to record muscle activity continuously for 60 workers over a full shift.
- Muscular effort was analyzed for specific milking tasks in a subset of 33 participants.
Main Results:
- Rotary parlour workers exhibited lower muscle activity and higher rest percentages in the anterior deltoid, forearm flexor, and extensor muscles.
- Significant differences in muscle load were observed between rotary, herringbone, and parallel parlour configurations.
Conclusions:
- Rotary milking parlours may provide superior workstation designs or work organization, potentially benefiting worker health and performance.
- Findings support informed decisions on engineering and administrative controls for large-herd milking parlours to reduce biomechanical risks.
