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Updated: Nov 24, 2025
A Standardized Method for Measurement of Elbow Kinesthesia
Published on: October 10, 2020
Assessment of work-related hand and elbow workloads using measurement-based TLV for HAL
David H Seidel1, Kai Heinrich2, Ingo Hermanns-Truxius2
1Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA), Alte Heerstrasse 111, Sankt Augustin, 53757, DE, Germany; University Hospital Tuebingen, Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research (IASV), Wilhelmstrasse 27, Tuebingen, 72074, DE, Germany.
Abstract:
Direct-measurement-based methods for assessing workloads of the hand or elbow in the field are rare. Aim of the study was to develop such a method based on the Threshold Limit Value for Hand Activity Level (TLV for HAL). Hence, HAL was quantified using kinematic data (mean power frequencies, angular velocities and micro-pauses) and combined with electromyographic data (root-mean-square values) in order to generate a measurement-based TLV for HAL (mTLV for HAL). The multi-sensor system CUELA including inertial sensors, potentiometers and a 4-channel surface electromyography module was used. For wrist and elbow regions, associations between mTLV for HAL and disorders/complaints (quantified by odds ratios (OR [95%-confidence interval])) were tested exploratively within a cross-sectional field study with 500 participants. Higher workloads were frequently significantly associated with arthrosis of distal joints (9.23 [3.29-25.87]), wrist complaints (2.89 [1.63-5.11]) or elbow complaints (1.99 [1.08-3.67]). The new method could extend previous application possibilities.
