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Assessing Increased Activities of the Forearm Muscles Due to Anti-Vibration Gloves: Construct Validity of a Refined Methodology.

Hum Factors. 2020 Sep 04; :18720820948303

Authors: Yao Y, Rakheja S, Larivière C, Marcotte P

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim was to test the construct validity of a surface electromyography (EMG) measurement protocol, indirectly assessing the effects of anti-vibration (AV) gloves on activities of the forearm muscles.

BACKGROUND: AV gloves impose a relatively higher grip demand and thus a higher risk for musculoskeletal disorders. Consequently, activities of the forearm muscles should be considered when assessing AV glove performance.

METHOD: Effects of AV gloves on activities of the forearm muscles (ECR: extensor carpi radialis longus; ED: extensor digitorum; FCR: flexor carpi radialis; FDS: flexor digitorum superficialis) were measured via EMG, while gripping a handle with two grip force levels. Fifteen subjects participated with 11 glove conditions, including one with bare hand.

RESULTS: Activities of ECR, FCR, mean of ECR and FCR (ECR_FCR), and mean of all four muscles were sensitive to wearing gloves. Compared with bare hand, combined ECR_FCR activities increased by 22%-78% (mean = 48%, SD = 28%) with gloves. The correlation coefficient (r) of ECR_FCR activities with glove thickness and manual dexterity scores were 0.74 (p < .05) and 0.90 (p < .001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: A refined EMG methodology was the most sensitive to AV gloves with specific forearm muscles (ECR and FCR) and the 50-N handgrip force. Its construct validity was further substantiated by correlations with glove thickness and manual dexterity.

APPLICATION: Assessment of the effect of AV gloves on activities of the forearm muscles can yield design guidance for AV gloves to reduce grip exertion by the gloved hand.

PMID: 32885999 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]