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Influence of Work Pace on Upper Extremity Kinematics and Muscle Activity in a Short-Cycle Repetitive Pick-and-Place
Tessy Luger1,2,3,4, Svend Erik Mathiassen1, Divya Srinivasan1,5
1Department of Occupational and Public Health Sciences, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Gävle, Kungsbäcksvägen 47, 801 76 Gävle, Sweden.
Annals of Work Exposures and Health
|March 30, 2017
Summary
This study found that increasing work pace in a pick-and-place task did not consistently affect upper extremity kinematics or muscle activity. Further research is needed to confirm if work pace is a significant factor in occupational health.
Area of Science:
- Ergonomics and Human Factors
- Occupational Biomechanics
- Workplace Physiology
Background:
- Understanding the impact of work pace on physical strain is crucial for preventing musculoskeletal disorders.
- Previous research has yielded mixed results regarding the effects of work pace on upper extremity biomechanics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how controlled variations in work pace influence upper extremity kinematics and muscle activity.
- To determine if working height modifies the relationship between work pace and biomechanical responses.
Main Methods:
- Thirteen participants performed a pick-and-place task at varying paces (8-12 cycles/min) and working heights (30° and 50° arm elevation).
- Key variables measured included upper arm angle, trapezius and deltoid muscle activity, and angular peak velocity.
- Data were analyzed for average values and cycle-to-cycle variability.
Main Results:
- Angular peak velocity increased monotonically with work pace, but other kinematic variations and muscle activity did not show consistent trends.
- Average trapezius and deltoid muscle activity increased with pace, but this was not consistently observed across all measures.
- The effects of work pace on measured variables were not significantly altered by working height.
Conclusions:
- The study did not find consistent evidence that work pace significantly impacts upper extremity kinematics and muscle activity.
- Current findings suggest work pace may not be a primary concern for occupational health in this task.
- Further research is recommended to validate these findings and their implications for workplace safety.