Affiliations: Department of Family Resource Management, Faculty of
Home Science, Assam Agricultural University, Assam, India
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Ruplekha Borah, Department of Family
Resource Management, Faculty of Home Science, Assam Agricultural University,
Jorhat-785013, Assam, India. Tel.: +913762340011; Fax: +91 3762310831; E-mail:
ruplekha_borah@rediffmail.com
Abstract: Pounding of rice for the preparation of indigenous food items is a
regular food processing activity in rural Assam. The traditional tool used by
the rural women for pounding is called 'Dhenki'. Objectives: An attempt was made to assess physical fitness of
participants, to determine physiological workload involved in pounding of rice
with this traditional tool, and to ascertain muscular and postural stress
involved in the activity. Participants: Twenty subjects in the age of 21–45 years were
purposively selected. Methods: A stepstool technique was adopted for assessing physical
fitness of the participants. Heart rate was recorded with Polar Heart Rate
Monitor (Polar Sports Tester – PE 4000) and angle of deviation in lower
lumber region was measured with Dual Inclinometer during the operation. Results: The average resting heart rate values of participants was
80 b.min^{ -1}. Average working heart rate values in
pounding activity was 118.18 b.min^{ -1} and average energy
expenditure was 10.04 kJ/min. Physiological workload of pounding of rice on the
basis of heart rate and Energy Expenditures was found to be 'Moderately Heavy'.
Perceived exertion of participants in pounding activity (RPE) was rated 4.1 in
5 point scales. Conclusions: Ergonomic interventions through redesigning of
traditional tool will improve work performance and enhance productivity of farm
women.
