Subjective discomfort in a simulated repetitive task

Abstract

Subjective discomfort was recorded in a semi-paced laboratory experiment, where ten female subjects assembled (strenuous task) and disassembled (less strenuous task) pieces of water tubes. It was recorded five times during each session which lasted between 69 and 151 min and during five consecutive sessions. The subjects rated both the general discomfort and localization of the discomfort. The time course of the general discomfort showed an ascending trend and there were only minor differences between the strenuous and less strenuous task. The localization of the discomfort centralized to neck and shoulders and there was some inconsistency between the localization and the kinesiological analysis of the muscle activity. The results imply that the general discomfort rating is easily biased. The local discomfort rating seems to be more reliable for ergonomic purposes.