Biomechanical evaluation of nursing cart handles using electromyography

Area of Science:

• Ergonomics
• Biomechanics
• Healthcare Design

Background:

• Musculoskeletal strain is a significant concern for nurses during clinical tasks.
• The ergonomic design of emergency nursing carts plays a vital role in mitigating this strain.
• Optimizing handle design is key to enhancing comfort and reducing injury risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate how different nursing cart handle designs impact muscle activity and wrist joint angles.
• To identify an optimal handle design that minimizes musculoskeletal strain and enhances user comfort.
• To provide evidence for improved ergonomic interventions in healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

• Ten female participants performed pushing and turning tasks with five distinct nursing cart handle designs.
• Wrist joint angles were measured using a motion tracking system.
• Muscle activity in key arm muscles was recorded using electromyography (EMG).

Main Results:

• Significant variations in wrist joint angles were observed across different handle designs.
• One handle design (Type C) effectively minimized extreme wrist positions, reducing flexion and radial deviation.
• Certain handle designs led to significantly lower muscle activity and were rated as more comfortable by participants.

Conclusions:

• Nursing cart handle design influences wrist joint angles, muscle activity, and perceived comfort.
• A specific handle design shows potential for reducing musculoskeletal strain in emergency nursing carts.
• Improved ergonomic designs can enhance healthcare efficiency and patient care by reducing nurse fatigue.