The Effect of Vibration on Muscle Activity and Grip Strength Using an Electric Drill

Abstract

The paper focused on the effects of vibration exposure on muscle activity and grip strength. The study was conducted on eighteen subjects, required to drill wood material using electric drill for 5 and 15 minutes. Electromyography (EMG), Vernier Labpro with 3 axis accelerometer and hand dynamometer were used in the experiment. The results showed that right extensor carpi radialis muscle had the highest percentage of Maximum Voluntary Contraction (MVC) with values of 21.8%MVC-23.5%MVC. The mean vibration level was 10.45 m/s 2 (5 minutes) and 10.69 m/s 2 (15 minutes). Drilling wood material for 15 minutes resulted in higher percentage MVC (7.79%), vibration levels (2.29%), and percentage decrease ratio (11.17%) than using 5 minutes for the extensor carpi radialis muscle. The findings of the study indicated that as the level of vibration and exposure duration increase the muscular activity and the percentage decrease ratio of grip strength would also increase.