Psychophysical frequency for a gripping task

Abstract A laboratory experiment was conducted to determine the maximum acceptable frequency (MAF) for a simulated gripping task at different gripping forces and gripping durations using a psychophysical protocol. A modified Lafayette handgrip dynamometer was used to simulate the gripping task for twelve female subjects. Results show that MAF was significantly reduced as gripping force and gripping duration increased. Also, the various physiological responses, EMG analyses, and ratings of perceived exertion supported the MAF values obtained using the psychophysical approach. MAF values for gripping task can be applied in many industrial tasks for the reduction of risk factors for cumulative trauma disorders of the upper extremities.

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