Effect of a Novel Teat Preparation System on Upper Extremity Muscle Activity Among U.S. Large-Herd Dairy Parlor Workers

Details

• Personal Author:
  Douphrate DI ; Fethke NB ; Gimeno Ruiz de Porras D ; Hagevoort GR ; Nonnenmann MW ; Rodriguez A
• Description:
  Background: Dairy production in the U.S. is moving towards large-herd milking operations resulting in an increase in task specialization and work demands. Large-herd dairy parlor workers experience a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the upper extremity. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of an alternative teat scrubber (TS) cow preparation method on upper extremity muscle activity among large-herd parlor workers, as well compare to muscle activity associated with conventional manual milking tasks. Methods: Upper extremity muscle activity was recorded among U.S. large-herd parlor workers (n = 15) using surface electromyography. Participants performed multiple task cycles, using both conventional and TS methods. Muscle activity levels were then compared across conventional manual and TS milking tasks. Results: Conventional manual milking tasks of dip, strip and wipe were associated higher muscle activity levels of the upper trapezius and anterior deltoid. Biceps muscle activity was greatest during teat dip and wipe. Forearm flexor and extensor muscle activity was greatest during teat wipe and dip. The TS system resulted in more desirable anterior deltoid EMG profiles, and less desirable biceps, forearm flexor and extensor profiles. Conclusions: Results suggest that the TS system is effective in reducing anterior deltoid muscle activation levels. The TS system also appears to result in increased biceps, forearm flexor and extensor muscle activation levels. Increases in muscle activation levels could be offset by reduced repetitiveness resulting from three conventional manual milking tasks being replaced with one TS task. Relevance to industry: If parlor production requirements (e.g., quality and onsistency) are maintained while simultaneously reducing cumulative muscle loading and worker fatigue, then TS use should be considered in milking parlor operations. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Dairy Products Ergonomics Livestock Musculoskeletal Diseases Musculoskeletal System Occupational Health Safety
• Keywords:
  Animal Husbandry Workers Author Keywords: Agriculture Workers Cattle Dairy Dairy Products Electromyography Farm Injury Livestock Industry MSD Musculoskeletal Musculoskeletal Disorders Repetitive Work Upper Extremities

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• ISSN:
  0169-8141
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Cooperative Agreement
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  Colorado ; Iowa ; New Mexico ; OSHA Region 6 ; OSHA Region 7 ; OSHA Region 8 ; Texas
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  161-169
• Volume:
  56
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20052012
• Citation:
  Int J Ind Ergon 2016 Nov; 56:161-169
• Contact Point Address:
  David I. Douphrate, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health in San Antonio, 7411 John Smith Drive, Suite 1100, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
• Email:
  david.i.douphrate@uth.tmc.edu
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2017
• NORA Priority Area:
  Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
• Performing Organization:
  Colorado State University - Ft. Collins
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Start Date:
  20030915
• Source Full Name:
  International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics
• End Date:
  20270914
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:ae36acf1bc59bd7c63439ace2e6c6c3f646518eab8cff5bbcbdfbb98e1c0802b832e8569ad19841009182d5f32f791bc2d6d82ea6aa0bf42acf532f4eead62a4
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/211641/cdc_211641_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 1.64 MB ]