Objective: To evaluate the exercise-induced fatigue in operators during pesticide spraying based on surface electromyography (sEMC) signals and heart rate.
Methods: The sEMG signals were recorded from the right trapezius, biceps brachii, extensor digitorum, and flexor digitorum of 19 operators by portable electromyography units during pesticide spraying using 3WS-16 manual sprayers. Meanwhile, the heart rate of operators was measured by the ambulatory blood pressure monitoring system. The changes in median frequency and heart rate were analyzed.
Results: Pesticide spraying was defined as low-intensity labor. The median frequency of the right trapezius, biceps brachii, extensor digitorum, and flexor digitorum decreased significantly as pesticide spraying went on (P < 0.05). The body remained in a state of slight fatigue from 8 min after pesticide spraying began to the end of the operation.
Conclusion: The degree of exercise-induced fatigue of operators can be evaluated based on sEMG signals and heart rate during pesticide spraying.