Characteristics of forearm-hand exposure in relation to symptoms among automobile assembly line workers.

The aims of this paper are to present a new computerized observation method, HandPEO (portable ergonomic observation), which quantifies duration, frequency, and holding time of work operations and hand grips, and to measure the physical exposure of the forearm-hand among automobile assembly line workers by using HandPEO registrations of video recordings in simulated real-time. Agreement between two recordings was tested for five subjects by calculating the proportion of specific intrarater agreement; it was approximately 70% for hand grips and 60-80% for work operations. Registrations were made on work stations with high (HS) and low (LS) prevalence of symptoms.

Self-reported physical exposure and musculoskeletal symptoms of the forearm-hand among automobile assembly-line workers.

The aim was to study the prevalence of physical exposures and symptoms of the forearm-hand in a population with highly repetitive jobs. Automobile assembly-line workers (ALWs) (n = 521) and a control group (CG) from the general population answered a questionnaire. Consistent differences were found between the groups.

A portable ergonomic observation method (PEO) for computerized on-line recording of postures and manual handling.

A new portable ergonomic observation method (PEO) is presented. It is applicable to most professions and work tasks and requires only moderate human resources for data collection and analysis. Observations are made in real time directly at the workplace using a portable personal or hand-held computer, and data are accessible for immediate analysis and presentation.

Acceptability of intermittent handgrip contractions based on physiological response.

Our aim was to study physiological response and acceptability of intermittent muscle contractions. Seven male subjects performed eight isometric handgrip exercises with altered contraction-relaxation periods but identical tension-time products. Local blood flow (BF), heart rate, blood pressure, electromyography, maximal voluntary handgrip contraction (MVC), and venous concentration of potassium and lactate of both forearms were followed during and up to 24 hours after the exercises.

Sensitivity of the hand to surface pressure.

A new method of measuring pain-pressure threshold (PPT) of the hand has been developed. Externally applied surface pressure (EASP) was exerted at a certain rate of increase and the level where the feeling of pressure turned into pain was recorded. Also, the effects of sustained EASP were elucidated.