The relationship between anthropometry and hand grip strength among older Malaysian people

Physiological changes and loss of hand grip strength are natural consequences of the ageing process. Previous studies have shown that physiological changes will affect the hand grip strength of elderly people. However, to date, there are no studies which have developed models that predicts the hand grip strength of elderly Malaysians as a function of anthropometric dimensions. Knowledge on the correlation between these variables is crucial in order to create a suitable living environment as well as designing and developing products that cater specifically to the needs of the elderly. Hence, the main objective of this study is to examine the correlation between anthropometric dimensions and hand grip strength in a representative sample of the elderly population in Malaysia and developing the regression models that predicts the hand grip strength of elderly Malaysian males and females

The Relationship Between Anthropometry and Hand Grip Strength Among Elderly Malaysians

It is known that the ageing process will result in a decrease in anthropometric dimensions as well as loss of hand grip strength, which is natural among elderly people. Previous studies have shown that the decrease in anthropometric dimensions may influence hand grip strength of elderly people. Hence, this paper seeks to determine the relationship between anthropometric dimensions and hand grip strength among elderly Malaysians. A total of 112 elderly subjects aged 60 years and above residing in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, are recruited in this study. The subjects comprise 56 males (age range 60–79 years, mean: 66.88, SD: 5.35) and 56 females (age range: 60–82 years, mean: 66.98, SD: 5.16). In this study, 38 anthropometric dimensions are measured, along with hand grip strength. The anthropometric dimensions are measured using a professional standard anthropometry set whereas hand grip strength (in Newtons) is measured using a dynamometer. The mean values, standard deviations and percentiles are determined and the data are analysed by correlation analysis. The results show that there is a significant correlation between the following anthropometric dimensions (stature, sitting hip breadth, wrist circumference, hand circumference and heel ankle circumference) and hand grip strength. These findings of this study are indeed useful for product designers to design and develop ergonomic hand-held products for elderly Malaysians

G3-4 musculoskeletal discomforts among assembly team members performing assembly welding task

Work in the automotive assembly plant is physically strenuous and assembly team members are particularly at risk for developing symptoms of musculoskeletal discomforts (MSDs) compared to other sectors. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence rate of musculoskeletal discomforts based on the frequency, severity and performance interference among production assembly team members in an automotive component assembly plant. A cross-sectional study was carried out among the production assembly team members who performed manual assembly welding task. The Cornell Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire (CMDQ) data sheets were used in interview with the assembly team members to obtain the prevalence of MSDs. The prevalence of pain in the upper back, lower back, right shoulder and right wrist have been reported to be higher in comparison with pain in other parts of the body. The current study identified the severe musculoskeletal discomfort allies with production assembly line. Assembly team member's lines 4 were reported high mean frequency discomfort, severely discomfort and interfered assembling task performance. It has been discovered; nonetheless, that assembly team member's assembling task performance has interfered with lower back pain. MSD's survey appeared to be very helpful to screen the production assembly team member's health,well-being and performance. The results are also useful for assessing the ergonomics risks factors in the future study

Ergonomics study on musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) related problems among workers in electronics assembly line

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most prevalent occupational health problems, affecting millions of workers every year. Ergonomics is important because our body is stressed by an awkward posture, extreme temperature, or repeated movement which affected the musculoskeletal system. The body may begin to have symptoms such as fatigue, discomfort, and pain, which can be the first signs of a musculoskeletal disorder. Thus, this study aims to analyse the data obtained from electronics company based on workers with manual material handling that involved in the production line. Ergonomics methodology will be used to find out risk and tendency of MSD. This study will suggest improvement in production’s handling by taking care of worker’s safety. The problems related to the assembly and assembly processes were analysed by using WITNESS simulation software, whereas DELMIA simulation software is used to improve human factors working condition. Based from both simulation runs, the assembly line can be further improved in many ways, such as the arrangement of floor layout, workplace condition and machines handling method by the workers. All of these are imperative to improve the working condition which will directly increase the efficiency of the production line. For analysis and implementation stage, the results from the case study experiments will be carried out in the actual manufacturing condition. The main issues that were recorded from the observation and data collection was the delivery always behind the schedule. It was contributed by the human factor which increased the number of rejected parts and slows down the production line. The WITNESS and DELMIA software have successfully improved the overall efficiency of the electronic assembly line. Hence, based on the study, the continuous improvement of the layout design, ergonomic factors and training of operators are possible to be implemented in a larger scale

Development of laser cutting and engraving machine utilising PC-NC controller

Laser machining is one of the most popular applications of the laser material processing. New processes such as laser cutting and laser engraving have been evolved ever since laser machining became popular in the manufacturing industries over the past decades. Therefore, this study developed the laser cutting and engraving machine by utilizing PC-NC controller. The controlling system that has been developed is capable of executing a stored program correctly and moving the laser smoothly in the desired way. Hence, the PC-NC controller specifically tailored for laser cutting and engraving which can control all the relevant parameters in real time except the laser beam power. So the moving table which attached to the laser head can run smoothly and control the crucial parameters accurately. The laser machine then is tested with different types of work piece to investigate the effectiveness of cutting and engraving processes using this system. In general, the laser system for cutting and engraving utilizing PC-NC controller successfully developed