Abstract:
The purpose of this research was to reduce low back pain of rubber tappers from collecting rubber latex activities. According to health survey of 15 rubber tappers, it was found that the 13 tappers or 86.7 percents had low back pain from collecting the rubber latex. Also, from using interview questionnaire with the 5 tappers who were suffering from the pain, the average value of abnormality index was 3.6. In assessing a posture index, RULA technique was used. The average RULA score of 7 was found. To evaluate the level of low back muscle contraction, an electromography (EMG) was utilized. The voltages of 29.1 !JV and 64.7 μV for the left and right erector spinae was obtained, respectively. After analyzing the activity, it was found that the cause of the low back pain was from the excessive back bending in collecting the latex. Also, the latex collected of around 10 kg may be also contributed to the pain. Therefore, a lumbar support belt was used to reduce the excessive back bending and to keep the back more straight. After changing the working method for a few weeks, the new latex collecting method was evaluated with the same 5 subjects. The average value of AI of 3.2 or 12.4 percents reduction was found. The RULA score was not changed. The EMG signals of 28.4 μV and 57.0 μV or 2.6 percents and 11.8 percents reduction were obtained. It could be concluded that the low back pain of
the rubber tappers was reduced.