Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ergonomic benefits of an angle grinder with a rotatable main handle in a cutting task. Background: Angle grinder manufacturers rarely address ergonomic features in their advertisements, and if they do, the benefits are expressed in a qualitative manner. Meanwhile, quantitative information about the effects of the device on the worker is required to make informed decisions during tool selection and cumulative trauma prevention. Method: Eleven maintenance workers and metalworkers used an angle grinder to cut a horizontal steel rod using three wrist postures. Only one of the postures was exclusively available in the case of a rotatable main handle. The postural effect was evaluated objectively with electromyography and a force-sensing-resistor-based force glove. Subjective ratings about discomfort and control were obtained with a visual analog scale. Results: The subjective ratings favor the near-neutral wrist posture. The forearm muscles’ electromyographic activities were similar across the postures. Forces on the hand–handle interface were concentrated on the intermediate phalanges. If the device is operated without gloves, the forces on the intermediate phalanges may exceed the discomfort pressure threshold regardless of wrist posture. Conclusion: In the cutting task, the subjective measures favor the posture with a near-neutral wrist, which is a feature of the rotatable main handle. The objective measures did not allow one to prefer one posture to another. Application: The findings give insight into the impact of wrist posture on muscle activity, forces on the hand–handle interface, and discomfort. This is useful information for the person responsible for tool selection.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.