Ergonomic evaluation of the effects of handle types on garden tools

摘要

The objective of this study was to evaluate quantitatively the effects of handle types of garden tools on ergonomic effectiveness, user satisfaction in terms of work performance, and subjective judgment of tactile feel and control. Shovelingperformance, hand grip force and electromyography (EMG), task workload, and subjective ratings of perceived exertion were measured while using three types of garden tasks/tools (shovel, rake, and hoe) with three different handle types: a conventional wood handle and two more fiberglass handle. The most effective measure for shovels was the relative efficiency of shovel performance, that is, shovel performance divided by task workload. A hollow fiberglass handle was 12% more efficient than either a wood orsolid fiberglass handle. The grip force and EMG analyses showed a similar effect, with a solid or hollow fiberglass handle requiring significantly less effort than a wood handle. Subjective ratings of the perceived exertion were also lowest for a hollowfiberglass handle. A hollow fiberglass handle showed better physiological efficiency and better subjective acceptability for comfort, tactile feel, and decreased slipperiness