Research article summary (published 30 Dec 2001):

Determination and evaluation of acceptable force limits in single-digit tasks.

Full Abstract

Acceptable limits derived from psychophysical methodologies have been proposed, measured, and employed in a range of applications. There is little existing work, however, on such limits for single-digit exertions and relatively limited evidence on several fundamental issues related to data collection and processing of a sequence of self-regulated exertion levels. An experimental study was conducted using 14 male and 10 female participants (age range 18-31 years) from whom maximal voluntary exertions and maximal acceptable limits (MALs) were obtained using the index finger and thumb. Moderate to high levels of consistency were found for both measures between sessions separated by one day. Single MAL values, determined from a time series of exertions, were equivalent across three divergent processing methods and between values obtained from 5- and 25-min samples. A critical interpretation of these and earlier results supports continued use of acceptable limits but also suggests that they should be used with some caution and not equated with safe limits. This research can be applied toward future development of exertion limits based on perceived acceptability.

Author information

Author/s: Nussbaum, Maury A (MA); Johnson, Hope (H);

Affiliation: Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA. nussbaum(-atsign-)vt.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Human factors (Hum Factors), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-; vol 44 (issue 4) : pp 545-56

Dates: Created 2003/04/14; Completed 2003/06/11; Revised 2008/11/21;

PMID: 12691364, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

Adolescent Adult Female Fingers - physiology Hand Strength - physiology Humans Isometric Contraction - physiology

Male Physical Exertion - physiology Psychomotor Performance - physiology Reference Values Thumb - physiology Weight-Bearing - physiology Workplace

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

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