Short answer
When designing for environments where wrist orthoses might be worn, anticipate and mitigate increased strain on the shoulder and upper back by optimizing task sequencing, tool design, and workstation layout.
- Field
- Human Factors
- Source
- Industrial Health (2010)
- Method
- Electromyography (EMG) analysis
- Sample
- 16 participants
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Wearing wrist extension orthoses, even short ones, can significantly increase muscle activity in the shoulder and scapular regions during simulated assembly tasks. This human factors research insight is drawn from a 2010 study published in Industrial Health. Using Electromyography (emg) analysis with 16 participants, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing for environments where wrist orthoses might be worn, anticipate and mitigate increased strain on the shoulder and upper back by optimizing task sequencing, tool design, and workstation layout.
Wrist orthoses increase shoulder and scapular muscle strain during assembly tasks
Wearing wrist extension orthoses, even short ones, can significantly increase muscle activity in the shoulder and scapular regions during simulated assembly tasks.
Industrial Health · 2010
Key Findings
- 01Wearing short and long wrist extension orthoses significantly increased EMG activity in the upper trapezius and serratus anterior muscles during repetitive assembly tasks requiring shoulder movement.
- 02Wearing short and long wrist extension orthoses significantly increased EMG activity in the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, serratus anterior, and anterior deltoid muscles during repetitive assembly tasks requiring shoulder stability.
- 03The long wrist extension orthosis resulted in significantly higher upper trapezius EMG activity compared to the short orthosis.
Application
Design takeaway
When designing for environments where wrist orthoses might be worn, anticipate and mitigate increased strain on the shoulder and upper back by optimizing task sequencing, tool design, and workstation layout.
How to apply
During the design of assembly lines or hand-intensive workstations, conduct user trials that include individuals wearing common assistive devices like wrist braces to identify potential ergonomic risks.
Project actions
- 01When evaluating a product or system, consider if users might wear any supportive devices and how that could affect their experience.
- 02If your design involves repetitive arm movements, think about how different user conditions could impact muscle strain.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Used objective EMG measurements to quantify muscle activity.
- +Investigated multiple muscle groups relevant to upper limb and shoulder function.
Limitations
The tasks were simulated, and the study involved a relatively small sample size, so results might vary in different real-world industrial settings.
Reliability & validity
The use of EMG provides a quantifiable measure of muscle activation, enhancing the study's reliability. However, the validity might be influenced by the artificiality of simulated tasks and the specific muscle sites chosen.
Think critically
How might the design of the assembly task itself (e.g., reach, force, repetition) interact with the effects of the wrist orthosis to exacerbate or mitigate shoulder and scapular strain?
Design Principles
"The biomechanical impact of assistive or supportive devices on the wider musculoskeletal system must be considered in design."
This finding is crucial for designers and engineers involved in creating workstations, tools, and assembly processes. It highlights a potential for increased musculoskeletal strain and discomfort for users, which can lead to fatigue, reduced productivity, and long-term injury.
What This Means for Your Design
Wearing a wrist brace can make your shoulders and upper back muscles work harder, even if the brace is just for your wrist.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the ergonomic implications of user-worn devices or the potential for increased musculoskeletal load in your design project.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
Research indicates that the use of wrist extension orthoses can lead to increased electromyographic activity in shoulder and scapular muscles during assembly tasks, suggesting a potential for heightened musculoskeletal strain. This is a critical consideration when designing for users who may require such devices, as it can impact overall comfort and long-term usability.
Source
Industrial Health
Effects of Wrist-extension Orthosis on Shoulder and Scapular Muscle Activities during Simulated Assembly Tasks
journal · 2010
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about wrist orthoses increase shoulder and scapular muscle strain during assembly tasks?
- When designing for environments where wrist orthoses might be worn, anticipate and mitigate increased strain on the shoulder and upper back by optimizing task sequencing, tool design, and workstation layout. Evidence: Industrial Health (2010).
- Why does "Wrist orthoses increase shoulder and scapular muscle strain during assembly tasks" matter for design?
- This finding is crucial for designers and engineers involved in creating workstations, tools, and assembly processes. It highlights a potential for increased musculoskeletal strain and discomfort for users, which can lead to fatigue, reduced productivity, and long-term injury.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When designing for environments where wrist orthoses might be worn, anticipate and mitigate increased strain on the shoulder and upper back by optimizing task sequencing, tool design, and workstation layout.
- What were the main findings?
- Wearing short and long wrist extension orthoses significantly increased EMG activity in the upper trapezius and serratus anterior muscles during repetitive assembly tasks requiring shoulder movement.. Wearing short and long wrist extension orthoses significantly increased EMG activity in the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, serratus anterior, and anterior deltoid muscles during repetitive assembly tasks requiring shoulder stability.. The long wrist extension orthosis resulted in significantly higher upper trapezius EMG activity compared to the short orthosis.
- What research method was used?
- Electromyography (EMG) analysis with 16 participants.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2010 journal from Industrial Health.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- During the design of assembly lines or hand-intensive workstations, conduct user trials that include individuals wearing common assistive devices like wrist braces to identify potential ergonomic risks.
- What are the limitations?
- The study used simulated assembly tasks, which may not perfectly replicate real-world industrial conditions. The study focused on specific muscle groups and may not capture the full picture of musculoskeletal strain.