Ergonomic Evaluation of Young Agricultural Operators Using Handle Equipment Through Electromyography and Vibrations Analysis Between the Fingers.

BACKGROUND

Agricultural handle equipment is present on all production areas' farms. They are handy and portable; however, excessive use can lead to acute traumas or accidental injuries. Repetitive movements, awkward postures, and hand-arm vibrations predispose them to pain and work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study was to observe the interaction of handle equipment in terms of electromyographic activity and analyze the postural work-related alterations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty male agricultural operators, mean age 24 ± 1.54 years, underwent the electromyographic analysis testing their muscular activities with a brushcutter, electric saw, and hedge trimmer in four different test conditions.

RESULTS

The brushcutter proved to be the agricultural handle equipment with the higher mean frequency (3.37 ± 0.38 Hz) and root mean square (5.25 ± 1.24 ms). Furthermore, the digital postural analysis showed a general asymmetry of the main arm and the respective side of the trunk. The head resulted right inclined in the anterior frontal plane by 5.7° ± 1.2°; the right scapula lower than the left in the posterior frontal plane (8.5° ± 1.8°), and a working trunk inclination of 34.15° ± 5.7°.

CONCLUSIONS

Vibrations of handle equipment and awkward working postures represent a risk for agricultural operators. Preventive measures are required to avoid young operators from experiencing musculoskeletal disorders all lifelong.