Assessing Palmar and Pinch Forces in a Manufacturing Plant Using a Dynamic Pressure System

Abstract

For work tasks requiring hand force and repetitive motions, risk increases directly proportional to an increase in force and repetition. Data on hand force exertion is generally collected by estimation of these forces by using subjective measurements, EMG recordings, or strain gauges. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of a pressure pad system to quantify the ergonomic risk of a repetitive forceful manufacturing task. Effects of palmar and pinch forces and pressures associated with the current and proposed new work tasks were investigated by using a Novel Pliance dynamic pressure analysis system. Use of this system allowed the researchers to validate the reduction in forces associated with the tasks. This methodology has profound implications in that no compromise between internal and external validity is necessary, and allows quantification of ergonomic issues around forces, including tasks which requiring repetition and force exertions.