Inverse dynamic analysis of the biomechanics of the thumb while pipetting: A case study

John Z. Wu, Erik W. Sinsel, Daniel S. Gloekler, Bryan M. Wimer, Kristin D. Zhao, Kai Nan An, Frank L. Buczek

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Thumb-push manual pipettes are commonly used tools in many medical, biological, and chemical laboratories. Epidemiological studies indicate that the use of thumb-push mechanical pipettes is associated with musculoskeletal disorders in the hand. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the kinematics and joint loading of the thumb during pipetting. The time-histories of joint angles and the interface contact force between the thumb and plunger during the pipetting action were determined experimentally, and the joint loadings and joint power in the thumb were calculated via an inverse dynamic approach. The moment, power, and energy absorption in each joint of the thumb during the extraction and dispensing actions were analyzed. The results indicate that the majority of the power is generated in the interphalangeal (IP) and carpometacarpal (CMC) joints for the pipetting action. The analysis method and results in the current study will be helpful in exploring the mechanism for musculoskeletal injuries of the hand associated with pipetting, providing a preliminary foundation for ergonomic design of the pipette.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)693-701
Number of pages9
JournalMedical Engineering and Physics
Volume34
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2012

Keywords

  • Ergonomics
  • Joint moment
  • Kinematics
  • Modeling
  • Pipette
  • Thumb

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biophysics
  • Biomedical Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Inverse dynamic analysis of the biomechanics of the thumb while pipetting: A case study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this