Quantification of Muscle Fatigue and Joint Position of the Hand During EVA Simulation Operations

Task-based intensity and fatigue metrics were developed and applied to neutral buoyancy simulations of extravehicular activities (EVA). Surface electromyographic (EMG) signals from hand flexor and extensor musculature were recorded during neutral buoyancy EVA simulations at Marshall Space Flgiht Center (MSFC) in August-September 1996. A task intensity index, based on the cumulative histogram of EMG amplitude, was developed and used to determine relative physical difficulty of handgripping, knob turning, bolt manipulation, and j-hook release tasks. A fatigue index, based on the task intensity metric and task duration, was used to provide a measure of task-related fatigue.