Analysis of the factors of the work-load in handwriting.

Analysis of the factors which influenced the work load in handwriting were studied using the new apparatus for simultaneous measurement of grip and pen-point pressures developed by the author. Thickness of the pen holder was shown to be a factor which influenced the work load, and diameter of pen holder for minimum load was determined. Nature of the pen-point was also one of the factors, and it was shown that the ball-point pen gave the greatest load and felt-point pen gave the smallest load in three kinds of pen-points; ball-point pen, felt-tip pen and pencil. Number of copies also influenced the load to the upper extremities, and taking more than three copies gave excess work load to female workers.