Comparison of the sensitivity of three psychophysical techniques to three manual materials handling task variables

The primary objective of the study was to determine the absolute and relative sensitivity of three psychophysical techniques of physical stress determination (Borg's Scale, the Visual Analogue Scale, and the Body Part Discomfort Rating) in varied manual materials handling tasks. Ten young male and ten young female university students lifted a 22 kg box onto a shelf 132 cm high. The industrial-size box (40 x 20 x 20 cm) had two cut-out handles on the top middle of the two side panels. The shelf had restricted access allowing 5 and 10 mm clearance for access. The palletizing was performed in sagittal and 45 degrees asymmetrical postures under unlimited, 90% and 80% of stature headroom. The subjects lifted the box six times per minute for 5 min. After every lift the load was automatically delivered to the starting position. The 12 experimental conditions were randomized. Following each 5-min palletizing task the subjects were required to assess the immediately foregoing task on Borg's scale, the Visual Analogue scale, and a Body Part Discomfort Rating scale. All data were subjected to statistical analysis including multivariate analysis of variance and Scheffé post-hoc multiple range test. Borg's scale was able to discriminate between two clearances, two symmetries and the three headrooms (p < 0.001). The Visual Analogue scale was able to differentiate between two symmetries and three headrooms (p < 0.01), but the Body Part Discomfort Rating could not differentiate between any task conditions. Based on the study it is suggested that an appropriate match between the task demands and the basis of a psychophysical tool is essential for valid and reliable information.