Affiliations: Occupational Ergonomics Laboratory, Department of
Physiology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Tirthankar Ghosh, Occupational
Ergonomics Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, 92,
Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Kolkata-700 009, India. Tel.: +97 79726141899;
E-mail: tirthag@gmail.com
Abstract: Objective: One of the main activities of the goldsmiths is Blowing
Pipe. The blowpipe is to expand and shape the gold beads by means of positive
pressure produced by careful, controlled oral expiration. Objective of this
study was to assess the effect of ergonomic intervention on facial muscle
fatigue and respiratory stress of goldsmiths to continue their work. Participants: For this current study 100 male goldsmiths were
selected from the Davangere District of Karnataka. Methods: This study used the questionnaire, Examination of Pulmonary
Function, Measurement of peak expiratory flow rate and electromyography of
three major facial muscles. Three primary types of ergonomic interventions were
provided to the goldsmiths. Subjects were interviewed at the end of each week
to ascertain intervention acceptance. From the analysis of subject's
preference, the hand air pipe was selected by. Results: A large number of goldsmiths complained of respiratory
symptoms in this industry. Reduced lung volumes and peak expiratory flow rates
of goldsmiths was found, presumably from heavy pressure generated by using blow
pipe. This work habit also increases the fatigue of facial muscles, at the end
of the day. Conclusion: It was found that, by implementing the ergonomic
intervention can reduce facial muscle fatigue and respiratory stress of
goldsmiths.
