Occupational Ergonomics and Biomechanics Laboratory

Prone harvesting and planting. Laboratory simulation of prone agriculture task involves recording EMG signals from the shoulder and back muscles for quantifying fatigue.

Prior research for technology adoption has focused mainly on the productivity and economic payback of implementing prone workstations, rather than on the effect of working in a prone posture on the body. This study examines if the prone posture is effective in delaying the onset of fatigue while maintaining performance. This experiment will utilize surface EMG to characterize localized fatigue in the upper back and neck muscles, as well as a psychophysical scale to determine the perceived exertion of the subjects while performing a motion intensive task using the hands, similar to hand harvesting in agriculture. Two treatments, one utilizing stooped and bent postures common to farm workers: the other using a prone workstation, will be compared. Fatigue, perceived exertion, and accuracy in completing a simulated task will be measured. This research is a pilot study for further investigation into workstations in agricultural ergonomics.