CONTENTS

Lakshmi et al
Grip strength and wrist angle
As the deviation of the wrist increases the
pressure on the wrist increases therefore fatigue
increases which reduces the grip strength (Varghese
et al. 1994). The deviation of the wrist is more for
model 3 which reduced the grip strength as wrist bend
and hand movements affect interstitial fluid pressure
within the carpal tunnel, and any pressure increase
can compress the median nerve and other structures.
Pressure changes within the carpal tunnel show a
curvilinear relationship between vertical extension/
flexion hand movements and carpal tunnel pressure
increases resulting in increased fatigue and pain in
wrist and fore arm (Rempel et al. 1994). The force
generated decreased and more force has to be applied
while rolling with model 3 resulting in increase of carpal
tunnel pressure as with the hand in neutral posture,
carpal tunnel pressure typically remains below 30mm
Hg. Sustained increases in carpal tunnel pressure
above 30mm Hg are undesirable because they may
detrimentally affect functioning of the median nerve
(Gelberman et al. 1994). Flexion of the wrist beyond
15-40 degrees increases carpal tunnel pressure
beyond 40mm Hg.
Fig 2. Reduction in grip strength (kgs)
Figure 3. Wrist angle (degrees) in deviation
Time taken for Roti Making
The time taken to roll the dough while using
model 2 and 4 was higher when compared to the
other two models because the handles were not comfortable
to hold and roll. The time taken to roll the
dough by model 3 was less compared to others due
to the counter balance of the body and the handle.
The posture of the wrist adopted while using the rolling
pin also influences the force required which in
turn effects the time of operation, as the awkward
posture of wrist and weight of the tool both influences
the cumulative effect of the subject. The present findings
corroborates with the study of Konz (1990) who
reported that the tool should be shaped to allow normal
operation with the hand in neutral position and
as close to the body as possible. Avoiding awkward
postures will have positive effect on the performance
and output. More amount of time was taken to roll
Fig 2. Time taken for roti
the dough for model 4 as the shape of the handle of
the pin was not comfortable which created pressure
at the palm and made the task to complete at slower
pace
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