EFFECTS OF UPPER LIMB POSTURES ON SELF PACED CYCLE TIME (SPCT)

Abstract

This experiment was designed to see the effect of upper limb postures on Self Pace Cycle Time (SPCT). The experiment was conducted in four parts. A group of five right handed males participated in every parts of this experiment. The considered postures were (i) upper arm abduction (ii) shoulder flexion/extension (iii) shoulder rotation (adduction) and (iv) elbow flexion. The results showed that SPCT was significantly affected by upper arm abduction (p<0.028). It was also observed that SPCT was more as the upper arm abducted more towards 900. Shoulder flexion/extension was highly significant on SPCT (p=0.006). Shoulder rotation (adduction) was not found significant but increase in angle towards midline showed slight decrease in SPCT as per profile plot. SPCT was not significant for elbow flexion angle but profile showed that decrease in discomfort was evident of low SPCT (i.e. higher productivity) with increase in angle of elbow flexion. The practical relevance of this study is to avoid the postures which are highly discomfort and decreases the productivity in Industries.