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ISSN 1051-9815 (P)
ISSN 1875-9270 (E)
Impact Factor 2024: 1.7
WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation is an interdisciplinary, international journal which publishes high quality peer-reviewed manuscripts covering the entire scope of the occupation of work. The journal's subtitle has been deliberately laid out: The first goal is the prevention of illness, injury, and disability. When this goal is not achievable, the attention focuses on assessment to design client-centered intervention, rehabilitation, treatment, or controls that use scientific evidence to support best practice.
WORK occasionally publishes thematic issues, but in general, issues cover a wide range of topics such as ergonomic considerations with children, youth and students, the challenges facing an aging workforce, workplace violence, injury management, performing artists, ergonomic product evaluations, and the awareness of the political, cultural, and environmental determinants of health related to work.
Dr. Karen Jacobs, the founding editor, and her editorial board especially encourage the publication of research studies, clinical practice, case study reports, as well as personal narratives and critical reflections of lived work experiences (autoethnographic/autobiographic scholarship),
Sounding Board commentaries and
Speaking of Research articles which provide the foundation for better understanding research to facilitate knowledge dissemination.
Narrative Reflections on Occupational Transitions, a new column, is for persons who have successfully transitioned into, between, or out of occupations to tell their stories in a narrative form. With an internationally renowned editorial board,
WORK maintains high standards in the evaluation and publication of manuscripts. All manuscripts are reviewed expeditiously and published in a timely manner.
WORK prides itself on being an author-friendly journal.
WORK celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2015.
*WORK is affiliated with the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)* *WORK is endorsed by the International Ergonomics Association (IEA)* *WORK gives out the yearly Cheryl Bennett Best Paper Award*
Abstract: This paper proposes a method to identify opportunities for increasing the efficiency of raw material allocation decisions for products that are simultaneously targeted at multiple user populations around the world. The values of 24 body measures at certain key percentiles were used to estimate the best-fitting anthropometric distributions for female and male adults in nine national populations, which were selected to represent the diverse target markets multinational companies must design for. These distributions were then used to synthesize body measure data for combined populations with a 1:1 female:male ratio. An anthropometric range metric (ARM) was proposed for assessing the variation…of these body measures across the populations. At any percentile, ARM values were calculated as the percentage difference between the highest and lowest anthropometric values across the considered user populations. Based on their magnitudes, plots of ARM values computed between the 1st and 99th percentiles for each body measure were grouped into low, medium, and high categories. This classification of body measures was proposed as a means of selecting the most suitable strategies for designing raw material-efficient products. The findings in this study and the contributions of subsequent work along these lines are expected to help achieve greater efficiencies in resource allocation in global product development.
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Keywords: anthropometry, design for sustainability, designing for multiple user populations, design for human variability
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0439-2109
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2109-2116, 2012
Abstract: Few steps like turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, turn off the lights when leaving a room, recycle waste or using recycling bags are considered sustainable attitudes. Sustainable development is one that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the future generations and it doesn’t deplete resources for the future. Consume with conscious is a sustainable habit and usability of products contributes to this. The goal of this paper is to prove that the usability of software contributes positivity or negativity for sustainability. By calculating the amount of electrical power dissipated by an electronic device, you…can discover the amount of energy lost by it, and consequently, to relate this quantity with the amount charged by the concessionaire for each kWh of energy used. It was concluded that a software with low usability cause users to lose a lot of time interacting with it and thus spend more energy and money that goes against the concept of sustainability.
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Keywords: usability, sustainability, usability test, power consumption
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0440-2117
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2117-2121, 2012
Abstract: Electric cookers are one of the highest energy consuming domestic appliances, and there are several aspects that can influence the amount of energy used when preparing a meal. Appliance characteristics are shown to influence consumption, but human factors play an important role in the overall electricity usage. A user observation study was conducted among university students to understand how they use electric cookers. They were asked to perform a specific cooking task, and the electricity usage was measured. Participants' behaviours were analysed and compared with a set of energy saving techniques. Appliance characteristics that influenced how students use energy were…also investigated. The results show that users performed the task in several different ways, presenting diverse energy consumption, the average being 3 times above the necessary to complete the task. This information is now informing the design of interventions to motivate people to change their behaviours whilst cooking.
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Keywords: Energy saving, cookers, user observation,
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1016-2122
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2122-2128, 2012
Abstract: Protecting and conserving environmental resources is a global concern. Over the past decade, a number of certification processes have emerged to help designers and operators of buildings assess the potential impact of a building on the environment. Certifications such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) consider the environmental impact through the lifecycle of a building, but may not be considering the people that construct and utilize it. It is important to remember the human factor. Considering the human factor throughout the lifecycle is crucial to ensure individuals are protected during construction and in operation in the built…environment. The paper highlights how ergonomics can be integrated into the life cycle of a building to promote sustainability goals for both the human factor and the environment. A case study approach will be used to illustrate how ergonomics was integrated into a LEED renovation and expanded into its daily operations on a large university campus..
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Keywords: Ergonomics, Sustainability, LEED, Occupant Health
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0647-2129
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2129-2132, 2012
Abstract: This work details the conceptual and methodological evolution of ‘Ergoecology’ and its relationship to certain comparable disciplinary proposals and standards, with a view to making its current status known and fostering discussion and development of it in a broader context. ‘Ergoecology’ is a discipline which relates the ergonomic system to ‘environmental factors’, stressing the relationships between ecological-geographical aspects and human activities. After analyzing previouslydeveloped and partially-validated methods, strengths are established, together with areas where there is room for improvement, based on conceptual validity. The objectives, principles, and premises of ‘Ergoecology’ will be revised and therefore it will be able to…be compared with other disciplinary and regulatory developments. Finally, new concepts and notions are proposed, together with basic principles and axioms that will enable ‘Ergoecology’ to advance in both, the theoretical and the practical dimensions, leaving the door open to be disseminated and applied.
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Abstract: This paper presents an applied research aimed at understanding the relevance and the applicability of human related criteria in sustainability assessment of construction materials. Under a theoretical perspective, human factors consideration is strongly encouraged by building sustainability assessment methods, but the practice demonstrates that current models for building sustainability assessment neglect ergonomic issues, especially those ones concerning the construction phase. The study starts from the observation that new construction techniques for high energy efficient external walls are characterized by elements generally heavier and bigger than traditional materials. In this case, high sustainability performances connected with energy saving could be reached…only consuming high, and then not very much sustainable, human efforts during setting-up operations. The paper illustrates a practical approach for encompassing human factors in sustainability assessment of four block types for energy efficient external walls. Research steps, from block selections to bricklaying task analysis, human factors indicators and metrics formulation, data gathering and final assessment are going to be presented. Finally, open issues and further possible generalizations from the particular case study will be discussed.
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Keywords: Bricklaying, task analysis, human factors indicators, metrics, construction techniques
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1018-2141
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2141-2146, 2012
Abstract: The transfer of knowledge in an ecotourism project is never a one-way affair. An approach connected to bottomup development is the submersion into another culture, while creating a new organizational structure. For co-creation, patterns that are often latent, such as leadership roles, the association with business, or even the color of education can be revealed by carefully facilitated brainstorms or workshops. Especially in countries with a different hierarchical structure, such as Indonesia compared to Holland, a careful analysis is needed before starting cooperation. Although a case is only a temporary view on a situation and not a guarantee for a…truly sustainable system, the bottom-up approach tested has interesting starting points for an ecotourism system. Two cases were conducted in Bali, Indonesia, which resulted in guidelines on how to approach usercentered ecotourism development.
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Keywords: Eco-tourism, sustainability, cultural diversity, co-creation, participatory research, developing countries
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1019-2147
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2147-2154, 2012
Abstract: The link between ergonomic/human factor and sustainability seems to be clearly evidenced mainly in relation to social dimension of sustainability, in order to contribute to assure corporate social responsibility and global value creation. But the will to establish an equilibrated connection among used resources in human activities, supported by the sustainability perspective, evidences that the contribution of ergonomics/human factors can be effectively enlarged to other aspects, especially in relation to building design. In fact a sustainable building is meant to be a building that contributes, through its characteristics and attribute, to a sustainable development by assuring, in the same time,…a decrease of resources use and environmental impact and an increase of health, safety and comfort of the occupants. The purpose of this paper is to analyze in a broader sense the contribution of ergonomic/human factor to design of sustainable building, focusing how ergonomics principles, methodology and techniques can improve building design, enhancing its sustainability performance during all phases of building lifecycle.
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Abstract: This article presents a literature review on the concept of sustainability applied to cities and a proposal for transforming a town in the south of Brazil into a sustainable town. Improvements in energy, sanitation, waste and water conditions, as well as food, clothing, education and jobs generation were considered to enhance the citizen's quality of life and environmental protection.
Abstract: The changes happen quickly in today’s world, simultaneously interacting with technological advances in the sciences and new paradigms socio-political and economic, in search of a sustainable future and a present with emergency strategies for the preservation of humanity and the planet “Earth ”. Currently, the mobility of people in the intra-urban space is being threatened by congestion, pollution resulting from the appreciation of the culture of personal transport and the precariousness of public transportation. In the city of João Pessoa (PB), the subject of this finding for these disorders. Workers suffer the consequences of daily stress takes to access home-work,…difficulty in arriving at the right time to the workplace and adverse reactions caused by pollution. The VLT (Light Rail Vehicle) has been presented as a viable solution to the problems of public transport, with several experiments that can be seen as positive in the world. This work involves the implementation of a public transport system based on VLT Corridor along the Avenue Dom Pedro II, in João Pessoa (PB), aiming to acquire a good transport network for use of the population, reduce the number of vehicles on process, minimize pollution and optimize urban mobility.
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Keywords: Congestion, Transport, VLT, Population
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1022-2169
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2169-2174, 2012
Abstract: This paper approaches the challenge of considering the principles of sustainable development in the conception of products, services or systems in a specific territory, though inserted in a globalized world. The reflection takes place by crosschecking the information gathered through bibliographical research on the following themes: wellbeing, design, and the local versus global relation. Thus, the strategy of analysis adopted comprehends the triangulation of information for further comparison of the survey and discussion of the data obtained. This paper results in a set of reflections on the interactions between human beings and their territories, towards new conceptions oriented to a…more sustainable future.
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Keywords: Sustainability, ergodesign, satisfaction, need
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0648-2175
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2175-2178, 2012
Abstract: Growing challenges with respect to preserving the environment have forced changes in company operational structures. Thus, the objective of this article is to measure the evidence of Environmental Management using the Item Response Theory, based on website analysis from Brazilian industrial companies from sectors defined through the scope of the research. This is a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive study related to an information collection and analysis instrument. The general view of the research problem with respect to the phenomenon under study in based on multi-case studies, with the methodological outline based on the theoretical reference used. Primary data was gathered…from 270 company websites from 7 different Brazilian sectors and led to the creation of 26 items approved by environmental specialists. The results were attained with the measuring of Environmental Management evidence via the Item Response Theory, providing a clear order of the items involved based on each item's level of difficulty, quality, and propriety. This permitted the measurement of each item's quality and propriety, as well as that of the respondents, placing them on the same analysis scale. Increasing the number of items and companies involved is suggested fEor future research in order to permit broader sector analysis.
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Keywords: Environmental management performance, Industry websites, Disclosure, Measurement, Item response theory
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1023-2179
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2179-2186, 2012
Abstract: Augmented Reality focuses on the enrichment of the user’s natural field of view by consistent integration of text, symbols and interactive three-dimensional objects in real time. Placing virtual objects directly into the user’s view in a natural context empowers highly dynamic applications. On the other hand, this necessitates deliberate choice of information design and density, in particular for deployment in hazardous environments like military combat scenarios. As the amount of information needed is not foreseeable and strongly depends on the individual mission, an appropriate system must offer adequate adaptation capabilities. The paper presents a prototypical, vehicle-mountable Augmented Reality vision system,…designed for enhancing situation awareness in stressful urban warfare scenarios. Tracking, as one of the most crucial challenges for outdoor Augmented Reality, is accomplished by means of a Differential-GPS approach while the type of display to attach can be modified, ranging from ocular displays to standard LCD mini-screens. The overall concept also includes envisioning of own troops (blue forces), for which a multi-sensor tracking approach has been chosen. As a main feature, the system allows switching between different information categories, focusing on friendly, hostile, unidentified or neutral data. Results of an empirical study on the superiority of an in-view navigation cue approach conclude the paper.
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Keywords: outdoor augmented reality, situation awareness, information design, information density
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0441-2187
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2187-2194, 2012
Abstract: Previous studies suggest significant differences between navigating virtual environments in a life-like walking manner (i.e., using treadmills or walk-in-place techniques) and virtual navigation (i.e., flying while really standing). The latter option, which usually involves hand-centric devices (e.g., joysticks), is the most common in Virtual Reality-based studies, mostly due to low costs, less space and technology demands. However, recently, new interaction devices, originally conceived for videogames have become available offering interesting potentialities for research. This study aimed to explore the potentialities of the Nintendo Wii Balance Board as a navigation interface in a Virtual Environment presented in an immersive Virtual Reality…system. Comparing participants’ performance while engaged in a simulated emergency egress allows determining the adequacy of such alternative navigation interface on the basis of empirical results. Forty university students participated in this study. Results show that participants were more efficient when performing navigation tasks using the Joystick than with the Balance Board. However there were no significantly differences in the behavioral compliance with exit signs. Therefore, this study suggests that, at least for tasks similar to the studied, the Balance Board have good potentiality to be used as a navigation interface for Virtual Reality systems.
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Keywords: Virtual Reality, Navigation interfaces, Human performance, Emergency egress
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0649-2195
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2195-2200, 2012
Abstract: Exploration of a Virtual Environment (VE) might vary as well in applied technology as in the conceptual design. A conceptual difference of exploring style and navigation type relates to the degree of freedom a user possesses. It ranges from completely unrestricted to completely restricted navigation. To assess the impact of different exploration styles, an experiment was carried out. Four different styles were compared in a large-scale VE. The navigation of the participants was either free or restricted in various levels concerning motion and viewing direction. During the exploration, the participants memorized the location of flags, which represented special events at…these locations. The participant’s task was to memorize position and color of the flags. Subsequently, they marked the positions and colors of the flags in a map of the scene. The performance in this task was captured, as well as data about their amount of experienced simulator sickness and subjective workload. Additionally, balancing tests were administered to investigate in an objective measurement of simulator sickness. Each condition showed the same achievement in the memorizing task and the subjective workload. Furthermore, the measured high variance in simulator sickness symptoms overrode other effects. In the balancing tests a basic influence of exposure with VE was found. However, subsequent interviews with the participants showed that the personal impression of the efficiency of exploration method was highly individual. By finding and matching exploration methods to individual persons, benefit by using Virtual environments could be enhanced.
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Abstract: This paper outlines the approach taken to iteratively evaluate a set of VR/AR (virtual reality / augmented reality) applications for five different manual-work applications – terrestrial spacecraft assembly, assembly-line design, remote maintenance of trains, maintenance of nuclear reactors, and large-machine assembly process design – and examines the evaluation data for evidence of the effectiveness of the evaluation framework as well as the benefits to the development process of feedback from iterative evaluation. ManuVAR is an EU-funded research project that is working to develop an innovative technology platform and a framework to support high-value, high-knowledge manual work throughout the product lifecycle.…The results of this study demonstrate the iterative improvements reached throughout the design cycles, observable through the trending of the quantitative results from three successive trials of the applications and the investigation of the qualitative interview findings. The paper discusses the limitations of evaluation in complex, multi-disciplinary development projects and finds evidence of the effectiveness of the use of the particular set of complementary evaluation methods incorporating a common inquiry structure used for the evaluation – particularly in facilitating triangulation of the data.
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Keywords: evaluation, iterative development, virtual reality, augmented reality, manual work
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0443-2208
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2208-2215, 2012
Abstract: Muscle fatigue is considered as one of the major risk factors for developing musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this project was to select an adequate fatigue assessment model for an implementation in Dassault Systemes digital human modeling software. A review of existing MET models has been done resulting in a decision to use the extended Ma's model (2010). In this project, only shoulder and elbow joints have been tested and more subjects will be necessary for further validation. The model has been compared to several endurance time (ET) static studies. Two dynamic experiments were also performed by two different subjects.…The results showed that because of the inter-individual variability, a simple prediction curve or value, can’t well predict individual measured ET (or task failure). There is a need for a chart representation which also shows standard deviation (SD) range. Considering the SD range, the results were included in the prediction. Thus, this range may help the human factors expert to nuance the prediction results while considering environment factors and some realities specific to the industry.
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Keywords: Muscle exhaustion, Human Modeling, Digital 3d Manikin, Human Simulation
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1024-2216
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2216-2225, 2012
Abstract: Seat pressure is known as a major factor of seat comfort in vehicles. In passenger vehicles, there is lacking research into the seat comfort of rear seat occupants. As accurate seat pressure measurement requires significant effort, simulation of seat pressure is evolving as a preferred method. However, analytic methods are based on complex finite element modeling and therefore are time consuming and involve high investment. Based on accurate anthropometric measurements of 64 male subjects and outboard rear seat pressure measurements in three different passenger vehicles, this study investigates if a set of parameters derived from seat pressure mapping are sensitive…enough to differentiate between different seats and whether they correlate with anthropometry in linear models. In addition to the pressure map analysis, H-Points were measured with a coordinate measurement system based on palpated body landmarks and the range of H-Point locations in the three seats is provided. It was found that for the cushion, cushion contact area and cushion front area/force could be modeled by subject anthropometry, while only seatback contact area could be modeled based on anthropometry for all three vehicles. Major differences were found between the vehicles for other parameters.
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Abstract: Many digital human models provide the crucial method to calculate postures in virtual environments. Traditionally these methods refer to experiments and make use of statistical modeling. They provide sufficient results in their specialized domain, but cannot be used in general applications. In addition they do not consider important design aspects as forces and discomfort. Hence a new force based approach has been introduced in order to overcome these shortcomings. Based on biomechanical models of active maximal and passive receding joint torques, a mechanical optimization generates static stable postures and related discomfort ratings. The results were promising, but showed some model…deficiencies and were not validated in detail. The present paper continues this work and provides necessary model enhancements. Finally the new prediction models are validated on real experiments. The validation results are presented and discussed regarding to usability aspects and future development work.
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Keywords: biomechanics, digital human model, generic simulation model, validation
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0445-2232
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2232-2237, 2012
Abstract: The goal of this paper is to present the advantages on the use of 3D Digital Human Models (DHM) on the design of public transport vehicles. In this case, the subjects were scanned using the WBX Cyberware 3D Whole Body Scanner, with functional and daily postures according to the use of public transportation and some especial cases, such as a mother with her offspring or a business man with his valise, so the volume of the person would be taken in consideration. A data collection was created to simulate several situations of the daily use of the vehicle.
Keywords: ergonomics, occupancy, magnetic levitation train and digital human model
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1025-2238
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2238-2242, 2012
Abstract: This paper will present the workflow developed for the application of serious games in the design of complex cooperative work settings. The project was based on ergonomic studies and development of a control room among participative design process. Our main concerns were the 3D human virtual representation acquired from 3D scanning, human interaction, workspace layout and equipment designed considering ergonomics standards. Using Unity3D platform to design the virtual environment, the virtual human model can be controlled by users on dynamic scenario in order to evaluate the new work settings and simulate work activities. The results obtained showed that this virtual…technology can drastically change the design process by improving the level of interaction between final users and, managers and human factors team.
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Keywords: digital human model, simulation, virtual environment, motion capture
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0446-2243
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2243-2247, 2012
Abstract: Several digital human modelling (DHM) tools have been developed for simulation and visualisation of human postures and motions. In 2010 the DHM tool IMMA (Intelligently Moving Manikins) was introduced as a DHM tool that uses advanced path planning techniques to generate collision free and biomechanically acceptable motions for digital human models (as well as parts) in complex assembly situations. The aim of the paper is to illustrate how the IPS/IMMA tool is used at Scania CV AB in a digital test assembly process, and to compare the tool with other DHM tools on the market. The illustrated case of using…the IMMA tool, here combined with the path planner tool IPS, indicates that the tool is promising. The major strengths of the tool are its user friendly interface, the motion generation algorithms, the batch simulation of manikins and the ergonomics assessment methods that consider time.
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Keywords: digital human modelling, anthropometrics, ergonomics assessment, vehicle manufacturing
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0447-2248
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2248-2252, 2012
Abstract: In 2008 the Association of German Engineers (VDI) published the first part of the VDI 4499 guideline for methods and tools for the digital factory. Part 1 of this guideline deals with the fundamentals of the system and will be expanded by the addition of further parts on specific topics within the digital factory. Soon to be published is Part 4 which covers human models as tools of the digital factory. It describes the state of the art of current digital human models with regards to the methods and procedures implemented in German speaking countries. The structure of this part…of the guideline is based on the different sections of engineering mechanics and outlines the opportunities for ergonomic assessments and the evaluation of work systems. During the writing of the guideline, the restrictions of the existing procedures also became evident thus showing the requirement for further development of such procedures. This is illustrated in this paper using examples from commercial software systems.
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Keywords: human modelling, digital factory, ergonomic evaluation, anthropometry, prospective work design
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0448-2253
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2253-2259, 2012
Abstract: Most strength tests are restricted to measuring joint torques only in main directions like flexion or pronation. However, for an advanced strength prediction model, information about maximum possible joint torques in intermediate directions also has to be known. This paper concentrates on obtaining functions for maximum joint torques in arbitrary directions in the elbow. Therefore, isometric joint torque measurements have been conducted with 20 young males applying joint torques in eight different directions in one posture (90 degrees elbow flexion, 0 degrees shoulder flexion, neutral forearm rotation). It turns out that the appearance of the resulting shape can be best…predicted using ellipse segments. Furthermore, a standardized ellipse could be obtained for the measurement posture. This helps to predict maximum joint torques in any other direction by knowing only one of the main joint torques.
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Keywords: digital human model, joint torque, biomechanics, elbow, strength
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0449-2260
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2260-2267, 2012
Abstract: The sleep system (i.e. the combination of mattress and bed base) is an important factor of the sleep environment since it allows physical recuperation during sleep by providing proper body support. However, various factors influence the interaction between the human body and the sleep system. Contributing factors include body dimensions, distribution of body weight and stiffness of the sleep system across the mattress surface. During the past decade, the rise of several new bedding technologies has made it increasingly difficult for the consumer to select a proper sleep system. Therefore, this study presents a method to model human-bed interaction in…order to objectively predict the ideal sleep system for a particular individual. The proposed method combines a personalized anthropometric model with standardized load-deflection characteristics of mattress and bed base. Results for lateral sleep positions show a root mean square deviation of 11.9 ± 6.1 mm between modeled spine shapes and validation shapes, derived from 3D surface scans of the back surface. The method showed to be a reliable tool to individually identify the sleep system providing superior support from a variety of possible mattress–bed base combinations.
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Keywords: ergonomic design criteria, sleep system optimization, personalized body support, mechanical bed characteristics, bed support
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0450-2268
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2268-2273, 2012
Abstract: Agent-based modeling and simulation (ABMS) has gained wide attention over the past few years. ABMS is a powerful simulation modeling technique that has a number of applications, including applications to real-world business problems [1]. This modeling technique has been used by scientists to analyze complex system-level behavior by simulating the system from the bottom up. The major application of ABMS includes social, political, biology, and economic sciences. This paper provides an overview of ABMS applications with the emphasis on modeling human socio-cultural behavior (HSCB).
Keywords: Agent-based modeling, Human Socio-cultural Behavior, simulation
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0650-2274
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2274-2278, 2012
Abstract: The aim in this paper is to present a research on the application of serious games for the design of laboratories in the oil and gas industries. The focus is in human virtual representation acquired from 3D scanning, human interaction, workspace layout and equipment designed considering ergonomics standards. The laboratory studies were simulated in Unity3D platform, which allows the users to control the DHM1 on the dynamic virtual scenario, in order to simulate work activities. This methodology can change the design process by improving the level of interaction between final users, managers and human factor teams. That helps to…better visualize future work settings and improve the level of participation between all stakeholders.
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Keywords: digital human model, simulation, virtual environment
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0451-2279
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2279-2283, 2012
Abstract: Multimodal, immersive, virtual reality (VR) techniques open new perspectives for perceptual-motor skill trainers. They also introduce new risks and dangers. This paper describes the benefits and pitfalls of multimodal training and the cognitive building blocks of a multimodal, VR training simulators.
Keywords: Virtual reality, multimodal training, skill acquisition, perceptual motor skills, virtual reality training
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0452-2284
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2284-2287, 2012
Abstract: Laparoscopic surgery requires more specialized training of the surgeons than traditional open surgery. The Virtual Basic Laparoscopic Surgical Trainer (VBLaST) is being developed as a virtual version of the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Skills (FLS) trainer. This study assessed the current haptic and virtual reality (VR) technology of a virtual peg transfer task of the VBLaST, based on the subjective preference of surgeons and their objective task performance measures. Twenty-one surgical residents, fellows and attendings performed a peg-transfer task in the FLS and the VBLaST. Each subject performed 10 trials on each simulator. Results showed that subjects performed significantly better on…the FLS than on the VBLaST. Subjects showed a significant learning effect on both simulators, but with an accelerated improvement on the VBLaST. Even so, 81% of the subjects preferred the FLS over the VBLaST for surgical training which could be attributed to the novelty of the VR technology and existing deficiencies of the haptic interface. Despite the subjective preference for the physical simulator, the performance results indicate an added value of VR and haptics in surgical training, which is expected to be demonstrated in more surgically relevant tasks such as suturing and knot-tying.
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Keywords: surgical training, virtual reality (VR), virtual basic laparoscopic surgical trainer (VBLaST), fundamentals of laparoscopic skills (FLS), force feedback
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0453-2288
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2288-2292, 2012
Abstract: Musculoskeletal disorders are still a major problem in daily occupational life. Despite the high incidence rates and important consequences for employees, employers and society, efficient preventive strategies seem to fail in efficiency. The reason may be found in approaching the issue via the classic post-factum analysis. The preventive measures are almost not implemented because of the low predictability to be injured which affects the awareness of the problem and the low identification with the improvement proposals. MSD belong to the cumulative diseases which require and anticipating strategy based on early detection of pre-indicating symptoms.
Abstract: Training and provision of assistive devices are considered major interventions to prevent and treat low back pain (LBP) among workers exposed to manual material handling (MMH). To establish the effectiveness of training and provision of assistive devices in preventing and treating LBP an update of a Cochrane literature review was performed to November 2010. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies with a concurrent control group (CCTs) were included. Nine RCTs (20.101 employees) and nine CCTs (1280 employees) were included for prevention: six more than in the previous version. No study on treatment was found. None of the included RCTs…and CCTs provided evidence that training and provision of assistive devices prevented LBP when compared to no intervention or another intervention.
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Keywords: prevention, musculoskeletal, lifting, carrying, training
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0455-2299
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2299-2301, 2012
Abstract: In ergonomics, assessing the working postures of an individual by observation is a very common practice. The present study investigated whether monetary resources devoted to an observational study should preferably be invested in collecting many video recordings of the work, or in having several observers estimate postures from available videos multiple times. On the basis of a data set of observed working postures among hairdressers, necessary information in terms of posture variability, observer variability, and costs for recording and observing videos was entered into equations providing the total cost of data collection and the precision (informative value) of the resulting…estimates of two variables: percentages time with the arm elevated <15 degrees and >90 degrees. In all 160 data collection strategies, differing with respect to the number of video recordings and the number of repeated observations of each recording, were simulated and compared for cost and precision. For both posture variables, the most cost-efficient strategy for a given budget was to engage 4 observers to look at available video recordings, rather than to have one observer look at more recordings. Since the latter strategy is the more common in ergonomics practice, we recommend reconsidering standard practice in observational posture assessment.
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Keywords: resource consumption, mean exposure, risk assessment, posture observation, efficiency
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0456-2302
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2302-2306, 2012
Abstract: Background: Normalization of surface electromyography (EMG) is a common and recommended practice, however this methodological step itself introduces variability to a data set. Quantification of this variance is necessary to correctly interpret overall EMG variability. This information is also paramount to identifying experimentally and clinically relevant normalization task(s) which minimize induced variance yet are time-efficient. Purpose: The goal of this study was to quantify the within-day variance of two commonly reported, sub-maximal tasks utilised for low back EMG normalization: one collected with a high degree of meticulousness, and the other collected in a more rapid manner. Results: Only minimal differences…were seen between tasks in the magnitude of within-day variance for EMG amplitude at all recording sites, save the right-side L5 location, which showed a significant difference (p=0.020). For trunk posture, within-day variance for the highly meticulous tasks was significantly higher than for the less-meticulous task (p=0.011). Conclusion: A less meticulous sub-maximal normalization task performed in a standing position was equal or superior to a more meticulously collected task in terms of kinematic task repeatability and within-day EMG variance. These findings are encouraging for field study applications where meticulous methods are not feasible, and provide a time saving strategy for lab studies.
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Keywords: variance components, electromyography, work related musculoskeletal disorders, exposure assessment, submaximal
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0457-2307
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2307-2314, 2012
Abstract: This study was an economic evaluation conducted alongside a cluster randomised controlled trial with a follow-up of 12 months. The aim was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit of the Stay@Work Participatory Ergonomics programme (PE) compared to a control group (no PE). In total, 37 departments (n=3047 workers) were randomised into either the intervention (PE) or control group (no PE). During a meeting, working groups followed the steps of PE, and composed and prioritised ergonomic measures aimed to prevent low back pain (LBP) and neck pain (NP). Working groups had to implement the ergonomic measures within three months in their…department. Cost data included those directly related to LBP and NP. Cost-effectiveness analyses (CEA) and cost-benefit analyses (CBA) were performed. After 12 months, health care costs and costs of productivity losses were higher in the intervention group than in the control group (the mean total cost difference was $/euro$127; 95% CI $/euro$-164 – $/euro$418). From a societal perspective, the CEA showed that PE was not cost-effective compared to control for LBP and NP prevalence, work performance, and sick leave. The CBA from a company perspective showed a monetary loss of $/euro$78 per worker. The PE programme was neither cost-effective nor cost-beneficial on any of the effect measures.
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Abstract: This paper aimed at summarizing the knowledge of the relationship between Lean and work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD), and WMSD risk factors, in manufacturing companies. Literature search processes identified 23 publications studying this, in scientific journals. Eight included measurements of WMSD; three were mostly negative, two showed mixed results, one showed no results and two were mostly positive. Eighteen publications included measurements of WMSD risk factors; seven showed mostly negative results, eight snowed mixed results, two showed mostly positive results and one was inconclusive. Three literature reviews were identified, which studied this question; two were mostly negative, while the third…was inconclusive. Also, 12 publications of grey literature studying Lean and WMSD risk factors in Swedish organizations were identified; nine showed mixed results, two showed mostly positive results and one showed mostly negative results. Due to the varying quality and study design of the publications, together with the few identified studies, it is difficult to compare them. The context and the implementation also likely affect the results. The general conclusion was that a Lean implementation may increase the risk of WMSD and risk factors for WMSD, if it is not accompanied with an ergonomic intervention.
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Keywords: WMSD, working conditions, manufacturing
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0459-2321
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2321-2328, 2012
Abstract: This paper wants to present an integrated approach to Line Balancing and Risk Assessment and a Software Tool named ErgoAnalysis that makes it easy to control the whole production process and produces a Risk Index for the actual work tasks in an Assembly Line. Assembly Line Balancing, or simply Line Balancing, is the problem of assigning operations to workstations along an assembly line, in such a way that the assignment be optimal in some sense. Assembly lines are characterized by production constraints and restrictions due to several aspects such as the nature of the product and the flow of orders.…To be able to respond effectively to the needs of production, companies need to frequently change the workload and production models. Each manufacturing process might be quite different from another. To optimize very specific operations, assembly line balancing might utilize a number of methods and the Engineer must consider ergonomic constraints, in order to reduce the risk of WMDSs. Risk Assessment may result very expensive because the Engineer must evaluate it at every change. ErgoAnalysis can reduce cost and improve effectiveness in Risk Assessment during the Line Balancing.
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Keywords: assembly lines, line balancing, ergonomics, OCRA index, risk assessment
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0460-2329
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2329-2333, 2012
Abstract: Injuries due to manual valve handwheel operations are a major concern in the chemical process industry. Manual valves are used to start, stop, and control flow in process lines. The torque required to operate handwheels after the initial “breaking” can vary due to the size, design, and condition of the valve. This study tested four methods of turning the handwheel on a medium-sized gate valve at two different torque requirements (25 Nm and 50 Nm). The methods were compared to each other, in terms of efficiency, subjective ratings of perceived exertion, and electromyography activity of the upper extremity and trunk…muscles. The results indicate that different methods and torque requirements are compensated for by the use of different muscles. Also, this use of different muscles, along with the increased mechanical advantage of the wrench, can affect the operator’s actual and perceived comfort and efficiency while operating a valve handwheel.
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Abstract: Objective: To evaluate muscular strain in the upper limbs of workers in a freeze-processing plant for poultry by developing a tool for quantitative analysis, yielding a final score, which can provide diagnostic support in legal proceedings. Methods: The Strain index proposed by Moore & Garg was used to quantify biomechanical aspects of muscular strain, evaluating the intensity and duration of effort, frequency of movement, position of wrist and hand, speed of activity and duration of the task per shift. The index was applied in three critical work-areas in a freezeprocessing plant for poultry where the activities of nine workers were…analyzed. Results: Absenteeism caused by osteomuscular lesions and mental-health problems reaches 20%. The three work-areas studied are those where the birds’ throats are cut, where they are suspended on a conveyor-belt and, where they are wrapped. These areas were chosen because they have the highest rates of absenteeism and rotation of workers. The findings identified final scores between 12 and 27, when 7 or more means the maximum risk. Conclusion: Defensive strategies developed by workers can reduce biomechanical problems arising from high throughput rates, but are not enough by themselves to allow production to proceed without the occurrence of osteomuscular problems.
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Keywords: biomechanics, cumulative trauma disorders, ergonomics, work in freeze-processing plants
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0462-2341
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2341-2348, 2012
Abstract: To cut a fabric, the professional performs different jobs and among them stands out the cut. The scissors has been the instrument most used for this activity. Over the years, technology has been conquering its space in the textile industry. However, despite the industrial automation able to offer subsidies to answer employment market demands, without appropriate orientation, the worker is exposed to the risks inherent at the job. Ergonomics is a science that search to promote the comfort and well being in consonance with efficacy. Its goals are properly well defined and clearly guide the actions aimed at transforming the…working conditions. This study aimed to analyze the activity of cut tissues with a machine by a seamstress and the implications on their body posture. The methodology used was the observation technique and application of the Protocol RULA, where the result obtained was the level 3 and score 5, confirming that "investigations and changes are required soon". Conclude that using the machine to tissue cut should be encouraged, but in conjunction with orientations for improving posture while handling it. It seeks to prevent dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system that prevents employees from performing their work tasks efficiently and productively.
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Abstract: Physical inactivity and prolonged static work tasks may seriously affect health. There are numerous indications that promoting physical activity (PA) at sedentary workplaces can reduce these health risks. However, PA interventions have so far been documented rarely on the basis of medical parameters. Effects on the PA behavior are often studied only through the methods of subjective self-assessment. For this reason an extensive method inventory was developed consisting of objective PA assessment methods and various methods for documenting PA related health outcomes. The developed method inventory has been tested in a pilot intervention study at office workplaces. The current paper…presents and discusses a part of the applied inventory. The methods considered here demonstrated several positive intervention effects: intervention subjects were more active, felt better, increased muscle strength and showed improvements in resting heart rate and BMI. Not all data has been analyzed to date, but the preliminary results suggest that most of the investigated methods turned out to be suitable for the documentation of intervention effects. Among the methods for which no effects were found, the question remains whether this is due to a lack of sensitivity of the method or due to aspects related to the study design.
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Keywords: VDU workplaces, intervention study, measurement, physical activity, health outcomes
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0464-2355
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2355-2359, 2012
Abstract: This study investigates the effects of the number of interpolation points on the prediction accuracy of segment angle trajectory during lifting. Ten participants performed various lifting tasks while a motion tracking system recorded their movements. Two-point through ten-point equal time-spaced segment angles extracted from major segment trajectory data captured by the motion tracking system were used to re-generate the whole body lifting motion by using polynomial and cubic spline interpolation methods. The root mean square error (RMSE) between the reference (motion tracking system) and the estimated (interpolation method) segment angle trajectories were calculated to quantify the prediction accuracy. The results…showed that the cubic spline interpolation will yield a smaller RMSE value than one based on the polynomial interpolation. While increasing the number of interpolation points can reduce the RMSE of the estimated segment angle trajectories, there was a diminishing advantage in continuing to add interpolation points. A sensitivity analysis suggests that if the estimation of the segment angles at each interpolation point deviates considerably from the real value, and cannot be controlled at a low level (<10 (), the use of higher number of interpolation points will not improve the estimation accuracy.
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Abstract: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the association between prevalence of low back disorders in female workers and biomechanical demands of compressive and shear forces at the lumbar spine. A descriptive, cross-sectional and correlational study was carried out in 11 groups of female workers in the Province of Concepción. An interview was performed to investigate the prevalence of low back pain. To estimate biomechanical demands on the lumbar spine, it was used the 3DSSPP software. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the prevalence of low back disorders and peak compression force at the lumbar spine was r = (p<0.005).…The Spearman correlation coefficient between the prevalence of low back disorders and peak shear force was r = 0.9 (p <0.005). To protect 90% of female workers studied, the limits of compression and shear forces should be at 2.8 kN and 0.3 kN, respectively. These values differ from the recommendations currently used, 3.4 kN for peak compression force and 0.5 kN for peak shear force.
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Keywords: low back pain, women, handling load, compression force, shear force
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0466-2364
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2364-2369, 2012
Abstract: The occupational exposure limits of different risk factors for development of low back disorders (LBDs) have not yet been established. One of the main problems in setting such guidelines is the limited understanding of how different risk factors for LBDs interact in causing injury, since the nature and mechanism of these disorders are relatively unknown phenomena. Industrial ergonomists’ role becomes further complicated because the potential risk factors that may contribute towards the onset of LBDs interact in a complex manner, which makes it difficult to discriminate in detail among the jobs that place workers at high or low risk of…LBDs. The purpose of this paper was to develop a comparative study between predictions based on the neural network-based model proposed by Zurada, Karwowski & Marras (1997) and a linear discriminant analysis model, for making predictions about industrial jobs according to their potential risk of low back disorders due to workplace design. The results obtained through applying the discriminant analysis-based model proved that it is as effective as the neural network-based model. Moreover, the discriminant analysis-based model proved to be more advantageous regarding cost and time savings for future data gathering.
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Abstract: The present study, a part of the PROOF (PRedicting Occupational biomechanics in OFfice workers) study, aimed to determine whether trapezius muscle effort was different across computer activities in a field study of computer workers, and also investigated whether head and shoulder postures were different across computer activities. One hundred twenty participants were measured continuously for two hours each while performing their own computer work. Keyboard activities were associated with the highest intensity of left and right trapezius muscle efforts, and mouse activities were associated with the smallest variability in left and right trapezius muscle efforts. Corresponding trends in head and…shoulder postures included that the greatest head flexion and left and right shoulder internal rotation was observed during keyboard activities, and that the smallest variability in head flexion, head lateral tilt, and right shoulder internal rotation was observed during mouse activities. Identifying which muscle efforts and postures are different across computer activities is the first essential step for developing prediction rules for muscle efforts and postures, which can be used to link muscle efforts and postures to musculoskeletal symptoms in epidemiological studies.
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Abstract: Adoption of the stooped posture in the workplace is widespread throughout the world in agriculture, construction, and mining. This type of posture has been established as a risk factor for developing low back disorders (LBDs). The purpose of this study is to evaluate a personal weight transfer device as a possible intervention to reduce the load on the lumbar spine, thereby reducing the risk of developing LBDs. Eighteen healthy subjects performed stooped posture tasks in a laboratory study designed to simulate harvesting of low-growing crops. Results showed that when wearing the device in the static stooped posture, biceps femoris activity…was reduced by 17%, lumbar flexion was reduced by 12%, ankle plantar-flexion increased by 5%, and the lumbar erector spinae of those subjects who did not experience flexion-relaxation of the erector spinae was reduced by 26%. Hip and knee flexion were not significantly altered. Therefore, the device may be beneficial for those with existing LBDs, and who use the stooped posture routinely.
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Keywords: weight transfer device, ergonomic intervention, electromyography
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0469-2381
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2381-2383, 2012
Abstract: Stooped work has been shown to be associated with the development of low back disorders, particularly those that affect the spinal intervertebral discs. Although several studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of physical factors on disc health, little research has focused on the effect of prolonged stooped work on disc hydration- a critical component of disc health. The purpose of this study is to explore the connection between stooped work and low back pain through controlled mechanical loading and quantitative analysis of disc hydration during in vitro simulated stooped and erect loading conditions of porcine discs. The results…showed that stooped postures exhibit significantly decreased overall water content relative to erect postures. Since as disc hydration forms the foundation for overall disc health and proper function, these results have implications for the injury mechanisms associated with stooped work.
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Keywords: Low back disorders, biomechanics, back pain
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0470-2384
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2384-2386, 2012
Abstract: Eleven healthy volunteers took part in three sessions where computer work was performed for 10 min in each session. The recordings were made on two consecutive days. After the first session, the subjects underwent a series of high intensity eccentric exercises of shoulder elevation to induce muscle soreness. The second session was performed immediately after the exercises and third session 24 hours after the exercise. Surface electromyography (EMG) of descending and ascending trapezius, deltoideus anterior and serratus anterior was recorded. Exposure variation analysis (EVA) centroid and marginal distribution was computed. Principle component analysis (PCA) was performed on both cases. Describing…more than 80% of variance, first eight components for EVA marginal distributions and first four ones for EVA centroid were picked to be investigated. The sole EVA amplitude levels played a practically significant role to describe the variation in EVA marginal distribution. However, a significant pattern of load redistribution to superficial muscles was not found. This may suggest investigating the role of deep muscles in redistribution of load during computer work in response to high level eccentric contractions.
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Abstract: Psychosocial factors, individual factors, workplace requirements, and workplace organizational factors have all been reported as being associated with the risk of musculoskeletal disorders [11]. Huang, Feuerstein, and Sauter [5] described the various concepts and models proposed to link occupational stress and work-related upper extremity disorders, as well as the difficulty in verifying the suggested linkages. Huang et al. [5] suggested that decomposing a complex model would be an appropriate method to begin the investigations of the proposed models. Task repetition is a workplace requirement that is considered a potential risk factor for cumulative trauma and its relationship to psychosocial factors…was investigated. The study found only weak to no statistically significant relationship between task repetition and reported psychosocial factors of job stress in workers in Taiwan.
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Abstract: Farming is a physically arduous occupation that places farm workers' at potential risk of musculoskeletal disorders, which has been observed to impose a greater impact on their health. Each activity in agriculture brings about certain stress and strain on bones and muscles leading to work-related musculoskeletal disorders which can lead to several permanent diseases and disabilities. The purpose of analyzing musculoskeletal problems among male and female workers engaged in agriculture was to know about the risk factors dangerous to health so that interventions can be planned for mitigating them thereby increasing the efficiency of work. Educational intervention included audio-visual aids…as well as printed literature. It was hoped that awareness of these factors through dissemination of information would contribute at preventing hazards amongst farmers and their families. The results revealed that the workers reported very severe to severe pain in low back while performing agricultural activities. Weeding was the most strenuous activity for females and threshing crop for males. Training and education on MSDs through educational intervention proved that the knowledge of the farm workers could be enhanced and can help reduce risk of many musculoskeletal problems. It can be help in empowering the community and mitigate MSDs in agriculture.
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Keywords: musculoskeletal problems, body discomfort, educational intervention
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0473-2398
Citation: Work,
vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 2398-2404, 2012
Abstract: Interacting with touchscreen computer systems is a challenging task for elderly tremor patients, because of a lower input accuracy caused by their tremor symptoms. Previous observations by Mertens et al. suggested that continuous movements are able to lower these symptoms. In this paper Swabbing, a input method for touchscreen systems based on such motions, is presented. A user study will show that Swabbing is able to reduce the error rate while proving equal user satisfaction compared to standard input techniques. Furthermore reasons for these benefits will be argued and explained with the use of accuracy measures by MacKenzie et al.…In the end possible future enhancements of Swabbing will be discussed.
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