Affiliations: Faculty of Science and Technology, School of Science, Institute for Clinical Exercise and Health Science, Hamilton Campus, Hamilton, Scotland, UK | Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Wolfson Building, Glasgow, UK
Note: [] Corresponding author: U. Chris Ugbolue,Faculty of Science and Technology, School of Science, Institute for Clinical Exercise and Health Science, Hamilton Campus, AlmadaStreet, Hamilton, ML3 0JB, Scotland, UK. Tel.: +44 01698283100 Ext 8284; E-mail: u.ugbolue@uws.ac.uk
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hand usage and movement is routinely performed by
all individuals daily irrespective of age. These movements can vary and can be
repetitive in nature. Exposure of the hard and soft tissues of the hand to
prolonged repetitive activities could contribute to the development of work
related upper limb disorders (WRULD). OBJECTIVE: Within the work setting,
work related upper limb disorders (WRULDs) rank high in the United Kingdom
(UK), second only to back complaints. This paper reports the amount of tendon
travel and swelling that occurs in the hand during repetitive office activities
associated with WRULDs. PARTICIPANTS: Nine healthy adults
(five males; four females) participated in the study. METHODS: A 30-minute laboratory-based simulated office activity that consisted of data
entry, mouse clicking and dragging, and mouse scrolling tasks was performed.
Participants wore a custom-made cost effective flexible electrogoniometric
glove (FEG) as two experimental conditions were tested; namely, FEG – only,
and FEG using a Splint (FEG – Splint). RESULTS: The FEG – only condition produced a higher overall tendon travel compared to the FEG – Splint
condition. Both hands presented no statistically significant differences in
hand temperature (p > 0.05) and hand volume increments (p > 0.05)
with respect to the FEG – only and FEG – Splint office activity experiments.
All participants that showed a decrease in hand volumetric measurement produced
final temperature measurements lower than initial temperature measurements
taken at the commencement of the experiment. Based on participants' perception,
the mouse scrolling task was deemed as most strenuous. CONCLUSION: The findings can help to advise patients on biomechanical 'risks' associated with
repetitive activities.
