Effects of Short-Term Hand Tractor Operation on Upper Limb Responses of Users

Objectives Continuous exposure to hand-arm vibration integrated with poor posture and forceful movements are known causes of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). In most related studies, force and vibration levels in experimental research is controlled. This study aims to determine how actual hand tractor field operation can affect the upper limb of users. It intends to characterize upper limb muscle activation applied during actual hand tractor usage. Lastly, it determines the immediate impacts on hand strength and perceived upper limb discomfort after the operation.