Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of moving closer to the work while performing overhead drilling. This task was simulated by twenty subjects while standing on either a lower or a higher step of a stepladder. Shoulder load was estimated by root-mean-square amplitude of electromyographic (EMG) activity and cinematographic analysis to determine shoulder joint moment using static link segment modeling. The results indicated that moving closer to the work surface by moving up a step reduces shoulder joint moment and anterior deltoid EMG. However, biceps brachii EMG increased by moving up a step. There was no significant change noted in EMG median frequencies suggesting that fatigue was not a significant factor. We conclude that while moving up a step reduces the muscular load on some muscles and the shoulder joint, other muscles may work harder. There are also safety considerations regarding moving up a step and alternative methods to move closer to the work surface are suggested.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
