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711 Introduction to Ergonomics
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Velocity/Acceleration

Angular velocity is nothing more than the speed at which the body part moves.

Rapid hand/wrist movement over time may cause ergonomic injury.

Acceleration is the rate of change of the speed at which the body part moves.

For example, a drummer's hand/wrist may move very rapidly back and forth while drumming. The faster that back and forth motion occurs, the greater the risk of injury. Other factors like the weight of the object being moved will also increase risk.

Heavy Dynamic Exertion

Work requiring heavy physical exertion places a greater demand on the body's cardiovascular system to provide the necessary oxygen and metabolites to muscle tissue. If a muscle group's demand for metabolites and oxygen cannot be met, that muscle group will become fatigued, increasing the risk of injury. When the muscle is tired and sore, it's fatigued, and injury may more likely occur. If the entire body becomes fatigued, an actual cardiovascular failure may occur.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-10. Steve's hand/wrist moves very rapidly back and forth while drumming for a musical group. He may eventually suffer an ergonomic injury due to which of the following risk factors?