Viva Questions and Answers for Human Factors Engineering Lab

Experiment 1: Anthropometry Measurement

Viva Questions:
1. What is anthropometry, and why is it important in ergonomic design? Anthropometry refers to the
measurement of human body dimensions. It is essential in ergonomic design to ensure that tools, workstations,
and environments fit the user comfortably and safely.
2. What apparatus is used for anthropometric measurements? The Harpenden Anthropometric Kit is
typically used for anthropometric measurements.
3. What are percentile values in anthropometry, and how are they calculated? Percentile values represent
the statistical distribution of body measurements in a population. They are calculated using the formula:
p=m+k×Sp = m + k \times S, where pp is the desired percentile, mm is the mean, kk is a factor from a
standard table, and SS is the standard deviation.
4. What is the difference between static and dynamic anthropometry? Static anthropometry measures the
body in fixed postures, while dynamic anthropometry considers body dimensions during movement.
5. List some common body dimensions measured in anthropometry. Common body dimensions include
stature, eye height, shoulder height, elbow height, hip height, and sitting height.
6. What is the significance of calculating Z-scores in anthropometry? Z-scores help determine how far a
particular measurement deviates from the mean, providing insights into the variability of body dimensions.
7. What factors can affect anthropometric measurements? Factors include age, gender, ethnicity, and posture
during measurements.
8. Why is it essential to use a large sample size for anthropometric data? A large sample size ensures the
data is more representative of the population, increasing the accuracy of the measurements.
9. What is the role of anthropometry in workplace design? Anthropometry ensures that workspaces, tools,
and equipment are designed to fit the physical needs of users, reducing discomfort and the risk of injury.
10. What is the difference between standing and sitting measurements? Standing measurements are taken
with the subject standing upright, while sitting measurements are taken with the subject seated. Each provides
different insights into body dimensions used for specific ergonomic applications.

Experiment 2: Goniometer
Viva Questions:
1. What is a goniometer, and what is it used for? A goniometer is an instrument used to measure the range of
motion at a joint.
2. What are the types of goniometers? Types include universal goniometers, gravity
goniometers/inclinometers, smartphone-based goniometers, arthrodial goniometers, and twin-axis electro-
goniometers.
3. What is flexion and extension? Flexion is a forward-upward movement that decreases the angle at a joint,
while extension is the return movement that increases the angle.
4. What is the difference between abduction and adduction? Abduction is the movement of a body part away
from the midline of the body, while adduction is the movement toward the midline.
5. What is radial deviation and ulnar deviation? Radial deviation involves tilting the hand toward the thumb,
while ulnar deviation involves bending the hand toward the pinky finger.
6. Why is it important to measure joint ranges of motion? Measuring joint ranges helps in assessing mobility,
diagnosing injuries, and evaluating rehabilitation progress.
 7. What is the difference between active and passive range of motion? Active range of motion is performed
by the patient, while passive range of motion is assisted by a therapist.
8. What precautions should be taken while using a goniometer? The joint should be stabilized, bony
landmarks should be palpated, and the goniometer should be correctly aligned to ensure accurate readings.
9. What is the role of goniometry in ergonomics? Goniometry helps assess postures and joint angles to
optimize workplace ergonomics and prevent musculoskeletal disorders.
10. What is the procedure for using a goniometer? The procedure involves positioning the joint, moving it
through its range of motion, palpating landmarks, aligning the goniometer, and recording the reading.

Experiment 3: Hand Tool Dynamometer

1. What is the purpose of using a hand tool dynamometer? It measures the grip strength and evaluates
ergonomic tool design.
2. What is the formula used in this experiment? Mean = Sum of Observations / Number of Observations.
3. Why is grip strength important? It indicates hand and forearm strength, essential for many tasks.
4. What are some ergonomic principles in hand tool design? Maintain a straight wrist and avoid ulnar and
radial deviations.
5. What factors affect hand strength? Age, gender, and hand dominance.
6. What is the difference between precision and power grip? Precision grip involves fine control, while
power grip involves maximum force.
7. Why is it essential to avoid tissue compression stresses? To prevent discomfort and improve blood flow.
8. What is the significance of dominant hand strength? The dominant hand is generally stronger and more
efficient.
9. How can tool design reduce musculoskeletal disorders? By minimizing awkward postures and repetitive
strain.
10. What improvements can be suggested for hand tools? Using ergonomic handles and reducing repetitive
motions.

Experiment 4: Pinch Gauge

1. What is the purpose of a pinch gauge? It measures finger grip strength.
2. What types of grips are measured? Pinch grip, lateral grip, and tripod grip.
3. Why is finger strength important in ergonomics? It affects the ability to perform fine motor tasks.
4. What are ergonomic considerations in pinch tools? Avoid overextension and use compressible handles.
5. What is the difference between thumb and finger strip controls? Finger strip controls distribute load
across multiple fingers.
6. What is the ideal grip thickness for a precision grip? Greater than 6 mm.
7. What material is preferred for tool grips? Non-conductive and compressible materials like rubber.
8. Why should repetitive finger actions be minimized? To reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
9. What are internal precision grips? Grips involving thumb and finger support for stability.
10. How can tools be modified for better ergonomics? By adjusting thickness, shape, and grip surface.
Experiment 5: Study and Design of Different Types of Hand Tools
1. What is the aim of this experiment? To design and evaluate hand tools ergonomically.
2. What apparatus is used? Handgrip dynamometer.
3. What is HTA? Hierarchical Task Analysis, used to analyze tasks step-by-step.
4. What is NASA-TLX? A workload assessment tool used to rate task difficulty.
5. What factors are considered in ergonomic hand tool design? Handle shape, grip thickness, and wrist
posture.
6. Why should handle design avoid sharp edges? To prevent discomfort and injury.
7. What is the recommended handle length for hand tools? 125 mm.
8. Why is it important to avoid repetitive strain in tool use? To reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
9. What is the significance of grip surface material? It should be compressible and non-slip.
10. How can hand tools be made more user-friendly? By adjusting handle angles and improving grip surfaces.

Experiment 6: Posture Analysis - RULA

1. What is RULA? Rapid Upper Limb Assessment.
2. What does RULA assess? It evaluates postural risks in the upper body.
3. What software is used for RULA? Ergo Master.
4. What is the importance of posture analysis? To prevent musculoskeletal disorders.
5. What is the maximum RULA score? 7, indicating high risk.
6. What factors are considered in RULA? Joint angles, muscle use, and load force.
7. Why is RULA used in ergonomics? To identify and mitigate posture-related risks.
8. What is the difference between static and dynamic posture? Static posture involves holding a position;
dynamic involves movement.
9. What actions are recommended for high RULA scores? Immediate ergonomic interventions.
10. How is RULA score calculated? By assessing body positions and load factors.

Experiment 7: Lift Analysis - 2D Biomechanical Prediction

1. What is the aim of lift analysis? To evaluate the biomechanics of lifting tasks.
2. What is biomechanical prediction? Estimating body movement impacts.
3. What software is used? Ergo Master.
4. Why is lift analysis important? To reduce the risk of back injuries.
5. What is the center of gravity? The point where body weight is balanced.
6. What are the major application areas of biomechanics? Improving movement performance and injury
prevention.
7. What is the concave-convex rule? A principle in joint movement analysis.
 8. What is passive insufficiency? When a muscle cannot stretch to allow full movement.
9. What is active insufficiency? When a muscle cannot contract effectively.
10. How can lifting techniques be improved? By keeping the load close and maintaining a neutral spine.

Experiment 8: Task Analysis - Work/Rest Cycles

1. What is task analysis? Breaking down tasks into smaller steps.
2. Why are work/rest cycles important? To prevent fatigue and improve productivity.
3. What software is used? Ergo Master.
4. What data is recorded in this experiment? Muscle activity, joint angles, and force exertion.
5. What is the recommended work/rest ratio? Depends on task intensity.
6. What is the aim of work/rest cycles? To reduce fatigue and prevent errors.
7. How can task design improve ergonomics? By incorporating breaks and task rotation.
8. What is the impact of fatigue on productivity? It reduces performance and increases error rates.
9. How can rest intervals be optimized? Based on task complexity and physical demand.
10. Why is task analysis important in ergonomics? It helps identify risks and improve workflow.

Experiment 9: Discomfort Survey

1. What is a discomfort survey? A tool to assess pain/discomfort in tasks.
2. What software is used? Ergo Master.
3. What is the pain scale used? A scale from 0 (no discomfort) to 10 (severe discomfort).
4. What factors are assessed in a discomfort survey? Posture, static exertion, and repetitive motion.
5. Why is it important to address discomfort in tasks? To prevent injuries and improve well-being.
6. What is Borg's scale? A perceived exertion scale.
7. What is the relationship between discomfort and ergonomics? Poor ergonomics increases discomfort.
8. How is a discomfort survey conducted? By observing tasks and recording discomfort levels.
9. What interventions can reduce discomfort? Ergonomic adjustments and task redesign.
10. Why is it important to monitor discomfort levels? To identify risks and improve task conditions.

Experiment 10: NIOSH Lifting Equation

1. What is NIOSH? National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
2. What is the NIOSH lifting equation? A tool to assess lifting task risks.
3. What factors are considered in the equation? Horizontal, vertical, and distance multipliers.
4. What is the recommended lifting limit? Varies based on task conditions.
5. Why is coupling important in lifting? It affects grip and load handling.
6. What is the asymmetry angle? The angle of body twist during lifting.
 7. What is the lifting constant? A baseline value used in the equation.
8. What are the risks of poor lifting techniques? Back injuries and musculoskeletal disorders.
9. How can lifting tasks be made safer? By optimizing load size and lifting posture.
10. Why is NIOSH lifting equation used in ergonomics? To ensure safe manual handling practices.

Experiment 11: Assembly of Three Jaw Chuck with and without HTA
1. What is the aim of this experiment? To evaluate workload using NASA-TLX.
2. What is HTA? Hierarchical Task Analysis.
3. What is NASA-TLX? A workload assessment tool.
4. What are the six factors of NASA-TLX? Mental demand, physical demand, temporal demand, performance,
effort, and frustration.
5. Why is workload assessment important? To improve task performance and reduce stress.
6. How is the workload rating calculated? By summing weighted factor scores.
7. What is the purpose of using HTA? To simplify complex tasks.
8. How can task performance be improved? By reducing workload and streamlining steps.
9. What is the difference between before and after HTA assembly? Reduced workload and time.
10. Why is ergonomic task assessment important? To enhance usability and reduce errors.