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Comparing upper arm and trunk kinematics between manufacturing workers performing predominantly cyclic and non-cyclic
Mark C Schall1, Xuanxuan Zhang2, Howard Chen3
1Auburn University, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, 3323F Shelby Center for Engineering Technology, Auburn, AL, 36849-5346, USA.
Applied Ergonomics
|January 17, 2021
Summary
Manufacturing workers doing cyclic tasks face higher movement speeds, increasing musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk. Non-cyclic work shows greater exposure variability, impacting worker safety and health.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Ergonomics
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are prevalent in manufacturing.
- Work task variability (cyclic vs. non-cyclic) may influence exposure to risk factors for MSDs.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare full-shift exposure metrics (posture, movement speed) between cyclic and non-cyclic manufacturing tasks.
- Analyze exposure variance (between- and within-worker) and levels within each task type.
Main Methods:
- Utilized inertial sensors to collect exposure data over multiple full shifts per participant.
- Compared mean exposure levels and variance patterns between two groups of manufacturing workers.
Main Results:
- Workers in predominantly cyclic tasks exhibited significantly higher upper arm and trunk movement speeds than those in non-cyclic tasks.
- Non-cyclic work demonstrated greater exposure variability, both between and within individual workers.
Conclusions:
- Cyclic manufacturing tasks are associated with higher movement speeds, a potential MSD risk factor.
- Non-cyclic tasks present greater exposure variability, requiring tailored ergonomic interventions for MSD prevention.
