Biomechanical factors during common agricultural activities: Results of on-farm exposure assessments using direct measurement methods.

ABSTRACT: Agricultural work is associated with increased risk of adverse musculoskeletal health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to quantify exposure to biomechanical factors among a sample (n = 55) of farmers in the Midwest region of the U.S. while they performed a variety of routine agricultural activities, and to compare exposure levels between these activities. Surface electromyography was used to estimate activity levels of the erector spinae, upper trapezius, forearm flexor, and forearm extensor muscle groups. Simultaneously, inertial sensors were used to measure kinematics of the trunk, upper arm, and wrist. In general, lower muscle activity levels, less extreme postures, and slower movement speeds were observed during activities that involved primarily the use of agricultural machiner

SUBMITTER: Fethke NB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8256625 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb - Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature