Sculptors' workstation modification to reduce muscular fatigue and discomfort

This study aims to improve the sculptors' workstation in pottery handicraft to reduce muscular fatigue and discomfort. This study was conducted in 24 healthy carving subjects who no illness history, muscular injury and bone diseases. Demographic data showed average age of 33. 58±6. 40 years old. Also, their average experience in carving work was 8. 88±5. 36 years. The improvements of the workstation were redesigned of the banding wheel, storage of carving equipment and adjusted height of seat to 2 levels, 28 and 42 centimeters. The results found that discomfort of general body, left and right low back muscles and right shoulder muscle for operating at the modified workstation were significantly less than operating at the traditional workstation (p-value<0. 05) at 12. 00 p. m., 1. 05 p. m. and 4. 00 p. m. In addition, the ΔMF in right upper trapezius in the afternoon for working at the modified workstation was significantly reduce compared to the traditional workstation (p-value<0. 05). Also, the reduction of average time spent per one piece and the increased score of workstation satisfaction with the change of the posture for operating at the modified workstation were statistically significantly different (p-value<0. 05). However, no significant differences of the ΔMF in the left and right sides of erector spinae L4-L5 and the left upper trapezius at all carving period and the total score of workstation satisfaction between performing at the modified and the traditional workstations were found. Additionally, no correlation of muscular fatigue indicators between the subjective measurement by using questionnaire and the objective measurement by using EMG was found. It could be summarized that the modified workstation could clearly reduce discomfort in low back muscles and right shoulder muscle with significant difference. Moreover, the average time spent per one piece of carving work was reduced and the score of workstation satisfaction with the change of the posture was increased. Therefore, these results confirm increased productivity and comfort for the sculptors using this modified workstation.