"LG Dios Dishwasher, Research Results on Prevention of Joint and Muscle Fatigue Pain"

LG Electronics and Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology Collaborate on 'Comparative Evaluation of Physical Load in Dishwasher Tasks' Study

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyewon] Recent research has shown that using the LG Electronics Dios dishwasher reduces the burden on joints and muscles such as the wrist, neck, and waist compared to hand dishwashing.

This was revealed through the "Comparative Evaluation of Physical Load in Dishwashing Tasks" study conducted by LG Electronics in collaboration with Professor Shin Gwanseop's Ergonomics Laboratory at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST). The study involved 30 participants in their 30s and 40s.

LG Electronics and UNIST focused on the fact that hand dishwashing, a major household chore, heavily uses specific body parts. They scientifically measured the wrist rotation amount, the angle and duration of bending the neck and waist, and the usage of eight muscles including the arms, shoulders, and waist to verify how much the dishwasher reduces physical burden.

The LG Dios dishwasher was shown to help prevent fatigue and pain in joints and muscles such as the wrist, neck, and waist. The study found that wrist joint rotation during hand dishwashing was about seven times greater than when using the dishwasher. The cumulative wrist rotation during hand dishwashing exceeded 54,500 degrees. Considering a wrist rotation radius of 90 degrees, this means the wrist rotated more than 27 times per minute on average for 22.3 minutes per hand dishwashing session. Repeated wrist rotation without sufficient rest increases the risk of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, commonly known as wrist tunnel syndrome.

Additionally, the time spent with the head bent at an angle of 20 to 30 degrees was reduced by 91% when using the dishwasher compared to hand dishwashing. The time spent bending the waist at an angle of 10 to 20 degrees was also reduced by 95%. The likelihood of pain or discomfort in the neck or waist is proportional to the angle and cumulative time of joint bending.

The cumulative usage of major muscles such as the arms, shoulders, and waist was more than 70% less when using the dishwasher compared to hand dishwashing. The cumulative usage of the arm's flexor carpi ulnaris muscle decreased by up to 88%. This muscle affects wrist rotation and hand grip strength. The upper trapezius muscle in the shoulder and the erector spinae muscle in the waist saw cumulative usage reductions of approximately 80% and 74%, respectively. Continuous accumulation of muscle usage increases the likelihood of muscle fatigue, which temporarily reduces muscle strength.

Professor Shin, who led the study at UNIST's Ergonomics Laboratory, stated, "We confirmed that the dishwasher, which is becoming a new essential home appliance replacing hand dishwashing, also benefits health." Yoon Kyungseok, Vice President and Head of the Kitchen Appliances Division at LG Electronics H&A Business Division, said, "This research result confirms new possibilities for the Dios dishwasher as a health management appliance. We will strive to enable more customers to experience the convenience of dishwashers."