OBJECTIVETo evaluate the exercise-induced fatigue in operators during pesticide spraying based on surface electromyography (sEMC) signals and heart rate.

METHODSThe sEMG signals were recorded from the right trapezius, biceps brachii, extensor digitorum, and flexor digitorum of 19 operators by portable electromyography units during pesticide spraying using 3WS-16 manual sprayers. Meanwhile, the heart rate of operators was measured by the ambulatory blood pressure monitoring system. The changes in median frequency and heart rate were analyzed.

RESULTSPesticide spraying was defined as low-intensity labor. The median frequency of the right trapezius, biceps brachii, extensor digitorum, and flexor digitorum decreased significantly as pesticide spraying went on (P < 0.05). The body remained in a state of slight fatigue from 8 min after pesticide spraying began to the end of the operation.

CONCLUSIONThe degree of exercise-induced fatigue of operators can be evaluated based on sEMG signals and heart rate during pesticide spraying.

Arm ; Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory ; Electromyography ; Hand ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Muscle Fatigue ; Muscle, Skeletal ; physiology ; Occupational Exposure ; adverse effects ; Pesticides ; Physical Exertion