Can the use of an alternatively designed tamper alter spine posture and risk of upper limb injury while tamping espresso?

Tamping is the process of compressing espresso grinds in order to pull shots of espresso and has been identified as one of the most strenuous tasks performed by baristas due to relatively high force and repetition as well as awkward spine and upper limb postures. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine if an alternatively designed tamper is able to alter spine posture and upper limb risk of risk while tamping. To test this, the current study measured 1) three-dimensional thoracic and lumbar spine posture using electromagnetic sensors adhered over the spine; 2) force applied to the tamper using a force plate; and 3) risk of upper limb injury using RULA and the Strain Index while tamping with a traditional vertical handle tamper and a flat handle-less tamper. Ten experienced baristas each performed 20 tamps (10 with the traditional tamper and 10 with the flat tamper; order randomized) of standard weight/grind espresso. Tamping with the flat tamper resulted in more neutral thoracic and lumbar spine postures and reduced force applied when using the flat tamper. The flat tamper also resulted in a lower score for both RULA and the Strain Index indicating a lower risk of injury to the upper limb. Based on the findings of this study, a flat, handle-less tamper has the potential to be a more ergonomically effective tool for tamping espresso grinds.