The influence of gender, handle size, anthropometric measures, and vibration on the performance of a precision task

This study evaluates the effect of gender, handle size and vibration levels on the ability to perform a precision task and on ratings of discomfort and difficulty. Forty subjects, 20 women and 20 men, performed a task using handles of three different diameters while being exposed to two different vibration levels. The task was to follow a straight line on a computer screen by grasping the handle. After each test round, the subjects rated the perceived difficulty and discomfort according to Borg's category-ratio scale. Anthropometrical measures and assessments of maximum grip strength were also made.The male subjects performed better in all the tests. No gender difference was shown in the ratings of difficulty and discomfort. The ratings of discomfort, but not the performance itself, differed between the vibration levels. Handle size, anthropometric measures, and maximum grip strength influenced the female subjects’ results and ratings more than the male subjects. Fifteen female subjects and ten male subjects were able to rank only one of the handles or did not realize that the handles had been changed between the test rounds. The results indicate that there should be considerations to gender differences in the design of machines and tools.Relevance to industryThis paper describes how physical characteristics affect the ability to perform a task more in women than in men. The results contribute to the discussion of the situation of women in male-dominated occupations using machines and tools designed for men.