Assessing Muscle Fatigue in Road Maintenance Workers
Author Information
Author(s): Roja Zenija, Kalkis Valdis, Vain Arved, Kalkis Henrijs, Eglite Maija
Primary Institution: Faculty of Chemistry, University of Latvia
Hypothesis
The study aims to evaluate the work heaviness degree and muscle fatigue of road maintenance workers after a one-week work cycle.
Conclusion
A complex ergonomic analysis can effectively assess work heaviness and predict occupational health issues for workers under varying workloads.
Supporting Evidence
- Road construction work is classified as hard work based on energy consumption.
- Muscle tone and fatigue depend more on physical preparedness and length of service than on age.
- Workers reported discomfort and fatigue in various body parts after work.
Takeaway
This study looked at how tired road workers get after a week of hard work, finding that their muscles can get really tired and need breaks.
Methodology
Heart rate monitoring, OWAS method for work postures, and myotonometric measurements were used to assess muscle fatigue and work heaviness.
Limitations
The study does not show objective muscle fatigue and does not consider training and muscle mass of the workers.
Participant Demographics
The study group consisted of 10 road construction workers and 10 pavers aged between 20 and 60 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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