Effect of feed force and duration on discomfort level using a hand drill machine

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of feed force (push force) and duration of work in a drilling task on the perceived discomfort score and the change in MVC grip strength. Nine male college students voluntarily participated in this study .Three feed forces (40N,60N and 80N) and three time durations(1min,2min and 3min)were chosen.Vibrations at the machine were recorded along X,Y and Z direction and were considered as covariate in our analysis. The analysis which was done using SPSS revealed that there is a significant effect of feed force on discomfort level of subjects(p<0.001) and variation of time duration of drilling was also significantly affecting discomfort score (p<0.001) Interaction effect of feed force and time was not found significant in this study. Also the feed force and duration of drilling was not found significant on change in MVC grip strength.