Investigating thumb mechanics in texting using novel instrumentation methods

dc.contributor.advisorBiden, Edmund
dc.contributor.advisorHill, Wendy
dc.contributor.advisorRickards, Jeremy
dc.contributor.authorBernier, Rachelle
dc.date.accessioned2023-03-01T16:37:38Z
dc.date.available2023-03-01T16:37:38Z
dc.date.issued2018
dc.date.updated2023-03-01T15:02:53Z
dc.description.abstractAs text messaging becomes a primary form of communication, risk of pathophysiological consequences rises. Evaluating thumb mechanics during one and two-handed texting, may increase understanding of how texting methods influence parameters such as texting forces and muscle activity. Comparing texting between normally limbed and people with limb loss may highlight the influence of previously existing musculoskeletal symptoms. A unique instrumentation method was created to capture thumb forces on a cell phone screen. Myoelectric signals were recorded while an 8-camera Vicon M-Cam system was utilized to capture the motions of texting. Results indicated that females had larger texting impulse and net joint torques than males, possibly due to hand size, which was also found to have an effect on phone stability; as phone size increased in relation to the person’s hand, the phone positioning became more unstable. Thumb speed and duration of muscle activity were both significantly higher for one-handed texting. Increased pain, coupled with significantly slower texting rates and modified posture for people with limb loss, suggest more presence of previously existing musculoskeletal symptoms. One–handed texting increases the concern for increased musculoskeletal injuries, especially for people with limb loss. Key words: texting, kinematics, RSI, postures, forces, motion capture
dc.description.copyright©Rachelle Bernier, 2018
dc.formattext/xml
dc.format.extentxi, 93 pages
dc.format.mediumelectronic
dc.identifier.urihttps://unbscholar.lib.unb.ca/handle/1882/14230
dc.language.isoen_CA
dc.publisherUniversity of New Brunswick
dc.rightshttp://purl.org/coar/access_right/c_abf2
dc.subject.disciplineMechanical Engineering
dc.titleInvestigating thumb mechanics in texting using novel instrumentation methods
dc.typemaster thesis
thesis.degree.disciplineMechanical Engineering
thesis.degree.fullnameMaster of Science in Engineering
thesis.degree.grantorUniversity of New Brunswick
thesis.degree.levelmasters
thesis.degree.nameM.Sc.E.

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