An ergonomic evaluation of conventional roll and pre-cut commercial tapes

The purpose of this study was to economically evaluate the pre-cut tape as compared to the conventional roll tape. In order to achieve that purpose, a full-scale ergonomic evaluation was performed. A factorial experiment was performed with two tape types (pre-cut and conventional), two types of dispensers (portable and table dispensers), two dispenser positions (horizontal and vertical), and two types of taping orientation directions (horizontal and vertical). Thirty subjects representing three age groups (young, middle, and old) were chosen to participate in the study. Continuous recording of the hand deviation (ulnar and radial) and hand flexion extension angles using a Thought Technology goniometer and the Flex-comp software was performed during the course of the study. Also the time to finish the task of taping was recorded using the Flex-comp software. The study results showed that the mean deviation angle associated with the pre-cut tape is less than that of conventional roll tape. Also, it was found that the pre-cut tape appears to cause more wrist extension than the roll tape. Further, the pre-cut tape appears to have less variability in wrist motions indicated by lower standard deviation of both the flexion-extension, and radial-ulnar deviation. The pre-cut tape also involved lower magnitude of peak deviation and flexion angles. Finally, the time needed to complete the task of taping with the pre-cut tape was found to be shorter than that with the roll tape. Design implications of the findings are discussed.