How does the com position of a vacuum cleaner affect muscle activities while vacuuming?

Abstract

Nowadays, vacuuming cleaners are not only used for floor cleaning, but also for other usages like curtain cleaning, sofa cleaning and ceiling cleaning. And prolonged vacuuming may cause potential health risks. Cordless stick vacuum cleaner whose main mass is near the handle has an advantage when being used to clean high places. This study is to investigate the effect of relative position of its COM (center of mass) and handle on the upper limb muscle activities during vacuuming in different situations. Sixteen participants conducted vacuuming tasks in both floor and high window using three cleaner models with com above handle, in front of handle, and below handle. Electromyography data from six muscles were recorded and analyzed. Compared to the floor task, muscle activities are significantly greater during the window task. When vacuuming floor, no significant data difference is observed among three kinds of cleaner models. When vacuuming window, cleaner with com above handle is more preferable, causing lower muscle activities, than other two kinds of cleaners.