Muscle responses to simulated torque reactions of hand-held power tools

The aim of this work was to investigate physiological responses to torque reaction forces produced by hand-held power tools used to tighten threaded fasteners. Such tools are used repetitively by workers in many industries and are often associated with upper limb musculoskeletal complaints. The tools considered for stimulation in this study had straight handles and required from 100 to 400 ms to tighten fasteners to a peak torque of 1.0 to 2.5 Nm and from 50 to 150 ms for the torque to decay to zero. A tool stimulator was constructed to apply a programmed torque profile to a handle similar to that of a straight in-line power screwdriver. Wrist flexor and extensor surface EMGs and handle position were recorded as subjects held handles subjected to controlled torque loads that tended to flex the wrist. It was found that: (1) very high EMG values occurred even though torques were of short duration (50 to 600 ms) and the peak torques were low (7-28% of maximum strength); (2) high EMGs in anticipation of torque are directly related to torque build-up rate and peak torque; (3) high peak flexor and extensor EMGs during and following torque onset are related to torque build-up rate and peak torque; (4) minimum time of peak EMGs of 72-87 ms following the onset of torques with 50 ms build-up suggests the contribution of an extensor muscle stretch reflex component; delayed peak for longer build-ups suggests a central control of muscle force in response to torque; (5) angular excursions of handles increase with decreasing torque build-up time and increasing torque magnitude causes increasing eccentric work; (6) the results show that the slow torque build-up times (450 ms) correspond to minimum peak EMGs; and (7) accumulated EMGs increase with increasing torque and torque build-up times. Further studies are needed to evaluate fatigue and musculoskeletal injuries associated with prolonged periods of tool use.