In:
Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, SAGE Publications, Vol. 39, No. 1 ( 1997-03), p. 83-101
Abstract:
Twenty women were asked to generate forces using a dynamometer that were consistent with one of three different work-rest schedules (a low-, medium-, and high-force schedule). Each work-rest schedule consisted of 6 identical blocks of 10 work-rest cycles. Each of the 10 work-rest cycles lasted 1 min. The first work-rest cycle in each block consisted of a 6--s maximal voluntary contraction and a 54--s rest. The remaining 9 work-rest cycles in each block consisted of a submaximal contraction and a rest period. The desired force of the submaximal contraction, the length of this contraction, and the duration of the rest period remained constant within schedules but varied across schedules. The amount of physiological work was kept constant among schedules. The fatigue that developed in the medium-force schedule was significantly lower than that developed in either the low- or high-force schedule. A model was developed that predicted the amount of fatiguable strength at the beginning and end of each contraction of a work-rest cycle. When fit to the results from the experiment, the model explained 94% of the variance. The model can be used to predict the work-rest schedule that minimizes fatigue in a given repetitive job, thereby potentially increasing productivity and reducing the incidence of cumulative trauma disorders.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0018-7208
,
1547-8181
DOI:
10.1518/001872097778940678
Language:
English
Publisher:
SAGE Publications
Publication Date:
1997
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2066426-6
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