Physical demands associated with right-angle direct-current power-tools: An evaluation of current technology.

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the physical demands associated with three direct current powered right-angle power tool tightening strategies at various fastener-location-orientations, target torques and joint-hardness. Physical demands were measured using surface electromyography, handle force and upper body kinematics. Results identified TurboTight®, a rapid and short duration fastening strategy, to produce lower handle force impulse, less joint angle displacement, and lower EMG magnitudes when compared to the longer duration fastening strategies tested.