THE ASSESSMENT OF HAND ACTIVITY LEVEL AND NORMALIZED PEAK FORCE IN HAND-LOOM WEAVERS

Abstract

This study was a survey research. The objective was to study the hand activity level (HAL) and normalized peak force (NPF) of hand-loom weavers by comparison, quantitative and qualitative methods. 105 people from traditional weaving, Ki-kratook weaving and Teen-jok weaving in the northern Thailand were studied by questionnaire and ergonomics evaluation. ANOVA, t-test and regression used statistic test.

The results showed that the HAL, which quality studies of both right and left hand of Keekatook weaving is the highest and are different from other types of weaving, statistically significant (p <0.01). NPF of the left hand weaving that each pattern is of equal value. In the right hands found that the Teen-jok weaving with the highest NPF and different from other types of weaving (p <0.05). The HAL-NPF ratio of quantitative studies showed that the left hand of the worker is higher than the AL level, but not more than TLV level. However, the right hand showed a score of more than TLV level. The average ratio score of the qualitative study found that the left hand and the right hand are higher than the TLV level. In summary, the two methods, it is possible to replace it, due to assess the two are related statistically significant. This could be an approach to risk assessment of the activities done by hand in the other handicraft work.

(Journal of Sports Science and Technology 2014;14(1): 1 -10 )

Keywords: Hand Activity Level, Normalized Peak Force, Hand-loom Weaving