The influence of task design on upper limb muscles fatigue during low-load repetitive work: A systematic review

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2016

Authors

Joana Santos (Author) Other; João Santos Baptista (Author) FEUP; Pedro Ribeiro Rocha Monteiro (Author) Other; Alberto Sérgio Miguel (Author) Other; Rubim Santos (Author) Other; Mário Vaz (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

Vol. 52

Pages: 78-91

ISSN: 0169-8141

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 40 Citations

Scopus - 16 Citations

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Technology > Safety technology

FOS: Engineering and technology > Other engineering and technologies

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00K-DE0

DOI: 10.1016/j.ergon.2015.09.010

Abstract (EN): Ergonomic interventions such as increased scheduled breaks or job rotation have been proposed to reduce upper limb muscle fatigue in repetitive low-load work. This review was performed to summarize and analyze the studies investigating the effect of job rotation and work-rest schemes, as well as, work pace, cycle time and duty cycle, on upper limb muscle fatigue. The effects of these work organization factors on subjective fatigue or discomfort were also analyzed. This review was based on relevant articles published in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. The studies included in this review were performed in humans and assessed muscle fatigue in upper limbs. 14 articles were included in the systematic review. Few studies were performed in a real work environment and the most common methods used to assess muscle fatigue were surface electromyography (EMG). No consistent results were found related to the effects of job rotation on muscle activity and subjective measurements of fatigue. Rest breaks had some positive effects, particularly in perceived discomfort. The increase in work pace reveals a higher muscular load in specific muscles. The duration of experiments and characteristics of participants appear to be the factors that most have influenced the results. Future research should be focused on the improvement of the experimental protocols and instrumentation, in order to the outcomes represent adequately the actual working conditions. Relevance to industry: Introducing more physical workload variation in low-load repetitive work is considered an effective ergonomic intervention against muscle fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders in industry. Results will be useful to identify the need of future research, which will eventually lead to the adoption of best industrial work practices according to the workers capabilities.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 14