Abstracts Volume 13 Number 1

Tool-handle design research has been previously limited to determination of diameters of cylindrical handles to increase performance, comfort and avoid acute and cumulative traumatic disorders. However, there is still lack of correct shape determination and systemization of the ergonomic design knowledge. To overcome these limitations, methodology to develop optimal sized and shaped tool-handles for a target population previously developed has been integrated into an existing ergonomics and aesthetics decision support system. The system allows a correct determination of tool-handle size and shape according to the target population and provides general ergonomics knowledge. Resulting handles consider optimal diameters for each finger to maximize maximum voluntary contraction, comfort and contact area, which can lower the risk of acute and cumulative trauma disorders. The system allows development of ergonomic tool-handles with almost no prior ergonomics knowledge and without iterative design process, which decreases the designing time. 42 refs. (Received in August 2012, accepted in July 2013. This paper was with the authors 2 months for 2 revisions.)