Abstract
A laboratory experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of body posture and of different types of common non-powered hand tools on maximum volitional torque exertion capabilities of Korean, Fifteen males and 15 females were participated in the experiment. Each subject exerted maximum volitional torque in 15 different body postures while using five different common non-powered hand tools. Results of the data analysis showed that, for both males and females, the magnitude of torque exertion is significantly affected by the type of tool and posture. Also the result indicated that females exerted only about 51.5% of torque when compared to that of males. This result is different with the general findings in the field of ergonomics that the muscular strength of female is usually 65% to 75% of male. It suggests that application of same profile of muscular strength of female should be carefully considered in oriental countries since females in this region may possess less physical capability compare to that of western females in terms of percentage muscular strength of males. Profiles of maximum torque capabilities of Koreans are provided.
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