Validation of a frequency-weighted filter for continuous biomechanical stress in repetitive wrist flexion tasks against a load.

This experiment validates a frequency-weighted filter for continuous measurements of force, posture and repetition using a stimulated industrial task. A peg transfer task was used requiring subjects to repetitively insert pegs into holes with controlled resistance. Ten subjects performed the task for six conditions. All wrist flexion angular data were recorded continually using an electrogoniometer and processed through the filter. Subjective discomfort was reported after performing the task for 1 h using a 10 cm visual analogue scale. Results from linear regression analysis showed that the instrument reliably estimated subjective discomfort (r2 = 0.873). Applications and limitations of this instrument are explored.