Evaluation models of muscle fatigue recovery for manual demolishing tasks

Abstract: Manual demolition tasks are heavy physical demanding tasks that may cause muscle fatigue accumulation and lead to work-related musculoskeletal injuries (WMSDs). Asking the operators to have a rest is a vital way to reduce muscle fatigue. How long the rest time would be fine for operators to recover becomes important. This study aims to establish muscle fatigue recovery evaluation models for manual demolition tasks to determine the recovery time of the operators. A muscle fatigue recovery test of manual demolition tasks was designed and organized. A total of 12 male college students were recruited. Their muscle force and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 min. ANOVA analysis was done to show the effects of the time period on the force and RPE. Correlation analysis was performed to show the relationship between measured parameters. Regression analysis was carried out to establish models. The study showed that time significantly influenced F(t) and RPE. With the progressing of the muscle fatigue recovery, the F(t) went up and the RPE went down. The time, F(t), and RPE were significantly related. Both F(t) and RPE models were established and assessed. The constructed models were reasonable and able to describe the characteristics of muscle fatigue recovery in manual demolishing tasks.

Keywords: manual demolishing task, muscle fatigue recovery, evaluation model, work-related musculoskeletal disorders

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1002662

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