Effect of an ergonomic intervention on muscle fatigue and respiratory stress of goldsmiths during blowing pipe activity in India

Abstract

Objective: One of the main activities of the goldsmiths is Blowing Pipe. The blowpipe is to expand and shape the gold beads by means of positive pressure produced by careful, controlled oral expiration. Objective of this study was to assess the effect of ergonomic intervention on facial muscle fatigue and respiratory stress of goldsmiths to continue their work.

Participants: For this current study 100 male goldsmiths were selected from the Davangere District of Karnataka.

Methods: This study used the questionnaire, Examination of Pulmonary Function, Measurement of peak expiratory flow rate and electromyography of three major facial muscles. Three primary types of ergonomic interventions were provided to the goldsmiths. Subjects were interviewed at the end of each week to ascertain intervention acceptance. From the analysis of subject's preference, the hand air pipe was selected by.

Results: A large number of goldsmiths complained of respiratory symptoms in this industry. Reduced lung volumes and peak expiratory flow rates of goldsmiths was found, presumably from heavy pressure generated by using blow pipe. This work habit also increases the fatigue of facial muscles, at the end of the day.

Conclusion: It was found that, by implementing the ergonomic intervention can reduce facial muscle fatigue and respiratory stress of goldsmiths.