[The influence of posture during flower-cutting on the strength of flower-cutters' apprehension].

OBJECTIVE Musculoskeletal disorders, particularly carpal tunnel syndrome, have been one of the most important public health problems during recent years. It is the leading cause of occupational morbidity in Colombia, the flower industry being one of the areas of work having the highest incidence. This study was thus aimed at ascertaining whether flower-cutters' strength of apprehension has been affected by cutting height and arm posture. METHOD The study involved 12 operating personnel; a 22 factorial arrangement was used and the effect of cutting height and posture on forearm pronation or supination ans the factors influencing the strength of apprehension. RESULTS Statistical analysis showed no interaction between the factors; however, it did reveal a significant effect on the strength of apprehension. Varying how the arm bent had a greater effect than changing the position of the forearm (pronation or supination). CONCLUSIONS Pronation was the ideal flower-cutting posture because it involved less effort to perform such task. Further research should examine the effects of wrist deviation angle in the flower industry.