Short-term changes in upper extremity dynamic mechanical response parameters following power hand tool use

Abstract

Dynamic mechanical response parameters (stiffness, damping and effective mass), physiological properties (strength and swelling) and symptoms of the upper limb were measured before power tool operation, immediately following and 24 h after power tool operation. Tool factors, including peak torque (3 Nm and 9 Nm) and torque build-up time (50 ms and 250 ms), were controlled in a full factorial design. Twenty-nine inexperienced power hand tool users were randomly assigned to one of four conditions and operated a pistol grip nutrunner four times per min for 1 h in the laboratory. Isometric strength decreased immediately following tool use (15%) (p < 0.01) and 24 h later (9%) (p < 0.05). Mechanical parameters of stiffness (p < 0.05) and effective mass (p < 0.05) were affected by build-up time. An average decrease in stiffness (43%) and effective mass (57%) of the upper limb was observed immediately following pistol grip nutrunner operation for the long (250 ms) build-up time. A previously developed biomechanical model was used to estimate handle force and displacement associated with the tool factors in the experiment. The conditions associated with the greatest predicted handle force and displacement had the greatest decrease in mechanical stiffness and effective mass, and the greatest increase in localized discomfort.

Keywords:

• Mechanical responses
• Stiffness
• Forearm
• Power tool

Acknowledgements

This research was partially supported by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Grant R01 OH07793 – 02.