Do Finger Amputations Reduce Performance when Reaching and Operating Control Devices?: An Experimental Investigation

Abstract

This paper reports results of a study to determine if finger amputations (most pervasive upper extremity injury in the U.S.) result in significant work performance deterioration. An experiment was designed with and without simulated finger amputations (as the two conditions). Experimental variables included 5 types of control devices, vertical height of control location, angle of control location in the vertical plane, and subjects' torso being restrained or unrestrained. Different anthropometric measurements were recorded with and without the simulated disability. If a subject was able to reach the control, the time taken to activate the control was recorded. An ANOVA indicated that subjects took significantly longer (p > 0.001), as much as 14 % longer, to activate controls in the presence of the simulated disability. The restraint did not significantly alter performance provided the subject was able to reach the control. The type of control and the height of the location of the control significantly affected work performance.

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References

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), (1995). BLS news: Workplace injuries and illnesses in 1995: U.S. Department of Labor. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), (1978). Anthropometric Source book, vol. 1: Anthropometry for designers; vol. 2: A handbook of anthropometric data; vol. 3: Annotated bibliography (NASA Ref. Pub. 1024). Houston, TX: NASA.

Pennathur

Mital

(1999). A comparison of functional capabilities of individuals with and without simulated finger disabilities: An exploratory study. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 9, 227–245.