Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


ChanyAnneMarieLynn2004 mt.pdf (21.28 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

The Effect of Cell Phone Design on Supper Extremity Discomfort and Muscle Fatigue

Chany, Anne-Marie Lynn
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1418836367

Abstract Details

2004, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Industrial and Systems Engineering.
Objective: To assess how a small cellular phone design compared to a landline phone in the development of discomfort and muscle fatigue over time during phone use. Background: Phone use involves low level static exertions that may be influenced by phone design parameters. The phone design and it’s interactions with anthropometry may change the shoulder and hand postures assumed during use, which in turn, may modify the length-strength relationship and moment arms of the involved muscles. There is a void in the literature regarding musculoskeletal symptoms, biomechanics and cellular phone devices. Methods: Ten subjects (five male and five female) participated in a study that simulated phone use. Each subject participated in two separate one-hour sessions, using a cellular phone and landline phone. Periodic discomfort information was recorded. Also, electromyographic (EMG) muscle activity was monitored on the trapezius, the deltoid, the flexor digitorum superficialis, and the thenar muscles. Discomfort information and muscle fatigue data were analyzed to assess significant differences between phone models and anthropometry. Results: Pain and discomfort were reported during phone use for both phones over the test period. EMG median frequency shifts supported the discomfort claims and indicated muscle fatigue in the deltoid and thenar muscles. The posture imposed by the design was a significant contributor to the development of fatigue. Specifically, the cell phone presented an increase in pain and discomfort for the hand, wrist, and fingers for all subjects. However, interactions between phone designs and anthropometry were significant. Biomechanical measures demonstrated that subjects with short limb lengths developed more severe signs of fatigue in the thumb. Additionally, subjects with longer arm lengths tended to develop greater discomfort in the neck, shoulder, and back areas of the body when compared with their shorter limbed counterparts. The deltoid confirmed this occurrence showing signs of muscle fatigue related to internal moment arms. Conclusions: Two major factors that determined discomfort and fatigue development during phone use were phone design and anthropometry. Grip style was dictated by the phone design, and changed the length-strength relationship of the hand resulting in differing discomfort and fatigue levels. Anthropometry played a modifying role in both the shoulder and hand, and determined the severity of the discomfort and fatigue present.
William S. Marras (Advisor)
Deborah Burr (Committee Member)
115 p.
Design; Industrial Engineering

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Chany, A.-M. L. (2004). The Effect of Cell Phone Design on Supper Extremity Discomfort and Muscle Fatigue [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1418836367

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Chany, Anne-Marie. The Effect of Cell Phone Design on Supper Extremity Discomfort and Muscle Fatigue. 2004. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1418836367.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Chany, Anne-Marie. "The Effect of Cell Phone Design on Supper Extremity Discomfort and Muscle Fatigue." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2004. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1418836367

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1418836367
161
© 2004, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.