Evaluation of design alternatives for sewing scissors with respect to hand performance, discomfort and usability

Abstract

The effects of three re-designed models of sewing scissors on hand performance measures, discomfort and usability were investigated, and the results were compared with those of conventional scissors. Adjustments were made to the scissors handle with emphasis on more neutral wrist postures (bent handle - model A), correction of the thumb's position and movements (model B) and reducing hand/finger discomfort (model C) while working with the tool. The results showed some improvements in hand performance, muscular effort, usability and discomfort with model B compared to the conventional model. Better hand performance and usability and lower discomfort were recorded with model C compared to the conventional model. The results suggest that the correction of the thumb's position and movement (model B) or even reduced hand/finger discomfort (model C) are perhaps more important considerations in scissors design than improved wrist posture (model A) for improving users' performance and usability of the tool.

Keywords:

• hand tool design
• tool handle
• handle shape
• muscular effort
• bent handle
• fabric cutting scissors

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

ORCID

Iman Dianat http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6282-939X

Additional information

Funding

This project was funded by the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences [grant number 280/B].