Analysis of ergonomic load and fatigue in live-line work based on surface electromyography and motion capture

Abstract

Explore the adverse ergonomic factors that induce fatigue and musculoskeletal disease during live-line operation. Recruit 10 male volunteers to participate in the simulation of the installation and removal of insulating protective cover. Measuring height, weight and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) before the task. During the simulation, collecting the participants' subjective fatigue scores, motion captured data and the sEMG of deltoid, biceps, triceps and brachioradialis. Conducting Jointed EMG Amplitude and Spectrum Analysis (JASA) based on the root mean square (RMS) and median frequency (MF). The differences in the right elbow flexion, right elbow pronation, left elbow flexion, left shoulder extrinsic rotation, and left shoulder abduction at different times of task were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Kinematic analysis revealed significant alterations in upper-limb joint motion patterns, which correlated with the progression of muscular fatique The left deltoid, right biceps brachii, right triceps brachii, left brachioradialis, and right brachioradialis are the five primary muscle groups involved in work processes and are proned to fatigue. The repetition times of the operation are the adverse ergonomics factor which influenced the live-line workers fatigue condition. A reasonable labor organization should be formulated. Health promotion and education should be conducted to correct poor work postures. In addition, the development of supported equipment can be carried out based on the range of motion of the elbow and shoulder joints during the operation.