Investigating the Effect of Task Parameters on Force Exertion Rating of One-Handed Pulling Tasks

Abstract

Ergonomic and capability assessments are typically performed using guidelines derived using biomechanical, physiological and psychophysical approaches. In practice, these approaches yield different and often conflicting assessments. As part of an effort to reconcile these methods, a laboratory study was conducted to investigate the effects of varying force and task location requirements on the perception of force exertion. Sixteen women and men with widely varying body size provided a numerical rating of effort for one-hand pulling tasks in a range of handle locations. Vertical task handle location and force magnitude requirement were related to subjective rating of the force exertion. As a demonstration of the methodology, statistical models were developed from the data to predict the effect of changes in task parameters on the percentage of participants rating the exertion at a specified level.