Work - Volume 44, issue Supplement 1

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-01587

Citation: Work, vol. 44, no. Supplement 1, pp. 1-3, 2013

Authors: Mullick, Abir

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the Inclusive Indoor Play study was to learn about indoor play and develop design guidelines to inform design of inclusive playthings. PARTICIPANTS: Children with and without disabilities, parents, teachers, therapists, daycare owners and designers. METHODS: Focus group interviews; Children's drawings; and Indoor play simulation. RESULTS: The major findings suggest that: 1) play should encourage a child's creativity and develop imagination, 2) inclusive play concept must be …employed to design playthings for children with wide age group, 3) inclusive designs improve usability, broaden market appeal, and increase user base, and 4) customizable playthings help children with and without disabilities personalize play situations. Three play principles provide new directions to designing inclusive playthings: 1) offer many play opportunities, 2) provide many modes of play, and 3) include many levels of play challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Inclusive Design Guidelines were developed from the findings of three studies: Focus group interviews, Children's drawings, and Play simulation. The guidelines served as useful tools for inclusive design and they were employed to design of six indoor playthings. The playthings were instrumental in promoting social inclusion and they met the criteria of the Inclusive Indoor Play project. Show more

Keywords: Play, children, universal design, play guidelines

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-121489

Citation: Work, vol. 44, no. Supplement 1, pp. 5-17, 2013

Authors: Rice, Valerie J.B.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to provide information to the reader on warnings and the use of warnings with children, to prevent accidental injuries. METHODS: A literature review was used to present research findings related to child warnings. RESULTS: This paper provides a basic introduction to accidental injuries, susceptibility of children, warnings, the effectiveness of warnings, and guidelines for designing effective warnings. CONCLUSION: While most warnings concerning children focus on adult …caregivers, there are warnings for children that appear effective, especially when combined with other methods of hazard control and injury prevention. Additional research on warnings geared toward children is needed. Show more

Keywords: Warnings, children, injury prevention, hazard control

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-121491

Citation: Work, vol. 44, no. Supplement 1, pp. 19-28, 2013

Authors: Sanders, Martha | Stolz, Julie | Chacon-Baker, Ashley

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Exposure to lead-based paint or material has been found to impact children's cognitive and behavioral development at blood lead levels far below current standards. The purpose of the project was to screen for lead in toy items in daycare centers in order to raise awareness of inside environmental lead exposures and minimize lead-based exposures for children. METHODS: Occupational therapy students in a service learning class tested for lead in ten daycare or public centers …using the XRF Thermo Scientific Niton XL3t, a method accepted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). RESULTS: A total of 460 items were tested over a two-month period for an average of 66 toys per setting. Fifty six (56) items tested > 100 ppm, which represented 12% of the entire sample. Items with high lead levels included selected toys constructed with lead-based paint, lead metals, plastics using lead as a color enhancer, and decorative objects. CONCLUSION: While the actual number of lead-based products is small, the cumulative exposure or habitual use may pose an unnecessary risk to children. Indoor exposures occurred for all day care centers regardless of socio-economic levels. Recommendations to minimize exposures are provided. Show more

Keywords: Childhood health promotion, environmental hazards, lead testing, occupational therapy

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-121492

Citation: Work, vol. 44, no. Supplement 1, pp. 29-38, 2013

Authors: Smith, Thomas J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This report introduces evidence for the conclusion that a common theme underlies almost all proposed solutions for improving the performance of K-12 students, namely their reliance on the design of educational system environments, features and operations. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two categories of design factors impacting such performance are addressed: (1) 9 factors reliably shown to have a strong influence – namely environmental design of classroom and building facilities, longer exposure to learning, cooperative …learning designs, early childhood education, teaching quality, nutritional adequacy, participation in physical activity, good physical fitness, and school-community integration; and (2) 11 factors with an equivocal, varied or weak influence – classroom technology, online learning environments, smaller class size, school choice, school funding, school size, school start times, teacher training level, amount of homework, student self-confidence and informal learning. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that: (1) student learning outcomes, and more broadly the edifice of education itself, are largely defined in terms of an extensive system of design factors and conditions; (2) the time is long overdue for the educational system to acknowledge the central role of E/HF design as the major influence on student performance and learning; and (3) K-12 educators and administrators should emphasize allocation of resources to design factors reliably shown to have a strongly positive impact on student performance, but should treat expenditure on factors with equivocal, varied or weak influence on such performance with more caution and/or skepticism. Show more

Keywords: Educational ergonomics, education, student learning

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-121493

Citation: Work, vol. 44, no. Supplement 1, pp. 39-60, 2013

Authors: Harris, C. | Straker, L. | Pollock, C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Young people are exposed to a range of information technologies (IT) in different environments, including home and school, however the factors influencing IT use at home and school are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate young people's computer exposure patterns at home and school, and related factors such as age, gender and the types of IT used. 1351 children in Years 1, 6, 9 and 11 from 10 schools in metropolitan Western …Australia were surveyed. Most children had access to computers at home and school, with computer exposures comparable to TV, reading and writing. Total computer exposure was greater at home than school, and increased with age. Computer activities varied with age and gender and became more social with increased age, at the same time parental involvement reduced. Bedroom computer use was found to result in higher exposure patterns. High use of home and school computers were associated with each other. Associations varied depending on the type of IT exposure measure (frequency, mean weekly hours, usual and longest duration). The frequency and duration of children's computer exposure were associated with a complex interplay of the environment of use, the participant's age and gender and other IT activities. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, human – machine interface, exposure, children, school, home

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-121494

Citation: Work, vol. 44, no. Supplement 1, pp. 61-71, 2013

Authors: Feathers, David | Pavlovic-Veselinovic, Sonja | Hedge, Alan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Assessing physical ergonomic factors within the classroom environment creates new opportunities to support designs that promote student well-being. Student-aged anthropometric data helps guide proper desk fit assessment, therefore facilitating scholastic performance through the reduction of distractions such as physical discomfort. OBJECTIVE: This study reports dimensions of fit between student anthropometry and the desk environment (classroom seating conditions), for grade-school aged children in Serbia. Measurements of the children and their …desks are compared to subjective reports of discomfort. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-seven elementary school students, grade 2 (ages 7–8; n=29) and grade 4 (ages 9–10; n=28), were enrolled in this study. All participants were from the same elementary school in the city of Nis, Serbia. METHODS: Seventeen anthropometric measurements of students were collected using standard anthropometric instruments. Eight measurements of student work desks and chairs were also collected. Students were evaluated by a physiatrist to assess health issues and completed a novel questionnaire about musculoskeletal discomfort for different body parts. Student fit to the classroom seat and desk was assessed structurally and subjectively. Data analysis included descriptive anthropometric measurements and inferential statistics including Chi square analysis. RESULTS: Results indicated age-related differences in body part discomfort for grade 2 and grade 4 students, arm discomfort reported over 50% of second grade students, and neck/upper back discomfort was reported as the highest of all body parts (32%) for students in the fourth grade. CONCLUSION: Anthropometric variables and preliminary analysis of fit as it relates to reported discomfort are discussed, as are external factors of backpack use and seated video/computer-game use. International comparisons of anthropometric data are discussed and serve to inform new considerations of ergonomics research for school children. Show more

Keywords: Primary school children, anthropometry, discomfort, musculoskeletal disorders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-121488

Citation: Work, vol. 44, no. Supplement 1, pp. 73-81, 2013

Authors: Van Oss, Tracy | Quinn, Danielle | Viscosi, Pauline | Bretscher, Kristen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Pedestrian injury is the second leading cause of injury related death for children. The purpose of this research project was to determine the effectiveness of pedestrian and road traffic safety education with children, as part of the Walk This Way program through Safe Kids USA. Through the implementation of PHOTOVOICE, a project that captured children's narratives coinciding with a photograph, children engaged in community exploration to identify pedestrian hazards in their communities and explore possible solutions …utilizing their photography and narrations. Children participated in an engaging educational session, a community fieldtrip, and reflection. Results concluded that, despite a small increase in post test scores, an increase in awareness of hazards in the community and successful identification of community hazards was achieved. The goal of this research project was determine the effectiveness of a hands-on pedestrian and road traffic safety educational program with children. The results of this research project will be integrated with similar projects completed across the country through the program Walk This Way with Safe Kids USA. Both this research project and the Walk This Way program aim to promote behavior change in children and create safer communities to reduce pedestrian related injury. The overall goal of this research project andthe Walk This Way program is to increase education on a national level in regards to pedestrian safety for children and provide a basis for lobbying for public policy changes pertaining to road and pedestrian safety. Show more

Keywords: Unintentional injury, community, safety, safe kids

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-121495

Citation: Work, vol. 44, no. Supplement 1, pp. 83-93, 2013

Authors: Awan, Saeed | Nasrullah, Muazzam

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Children and adults involved in carpet weaving are prone to a number of health and safety problems. This paper describes initial impact of an ergonomically designed loom and work place modifications, to encourage young and adult workers to weave carpets and reduce the hazardous child labor in carpet weaving in the province of Punjab, Pakistan. METHODS: A new carpet loom with improved ergonomic and safety features suitable for adult carpet weavers was designed. Model carpet weaving …worksites based on the new loom and better work environment were created in 30 villages. The impact of new loom compared with the traditional looms was assessed through structured questionnaires and health examinations after 24 months. RESULTS: Adolescent (15–17 years) and adult (> 17 years) participants included 75 respondents (males 10.7%, n=8; females 89.3%, n=67) operating under the new conditions and 92 respondents (males 12%, n=11; females 88%, n=81) operating under traditional conditions. Results indicated an improvement of health related complaints among those working in the new conditions, most notable were the differences in joint pain (p=0.002) and respiratory health (p=0.02). Improvement of income was also reported by workers at model workplaces. Also, no children below the age of 14 were found to be working at the new looms. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that individuals who adopted new looms and workplace interventions reported less joint pain and better respiratory health than those working with traditional looms in a traditional work environment. By reducing the risks in the workplace, this ergonomic intervention has the potential to reduce or eliminate hazardous child labor from carpet weaving. Show more

Keywords: Carpet, weaving, child labor, injury, loom, ergonomics, musculoskeletal, safety, Pakistan

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-121490

Citation: Work, vol. 44, no. Supplement 1, pp. 95-103, 2013

Authors: Rice, Valerie J. | Butler, Jenny | Marra, Diane

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: During interviews with Health Care Specialist military cadre, instructors voiced concern that symptoms associated with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (SoADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (SoODD) were interfering with soldiers' ability to complete training. The purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between SoADHD and SoODD with soldiers' grade point average (GPA), Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) scores, and musculoskeletal injuries during Health Care Specialist (HCS) Advanced Individual Training …(AIT). METHOD: Participants included 122 soldiers attending HCS training. Participants completed a demographic survey and Barkley and Murphy's ADHD and ODD self-report symptom surveys. Their ADHD and ODD self-report scores were correlated with course performance metrics at the conclusion of their 16 weeks of training. RESULTS: Pearson Correlation Coefficients revealed a significant negative relationship between ratings on the Oppositional Defiant Disorder scale with soldiers' GPA (p < 0.05), however the relationship was weak – accounting for 4% of the variance. No significant findings were noted between SoADHD and GPA, nor were significant relationships found between SoADHD or SoODD with APFT scores or musculoskeletal injuries. CONCLUSION: Symptoms associated with ADHD and ODD had little impact on the academic and physical performance of soldiers attending HCS training. Implications and future research are explored, in this article. Show more

Keywords: Attention, ADHD, ODD, military, performance

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-121544

Citation: Work, vol. 44, no. Supplement 1, pp. 105-114, 2013

Authors: Feathers, David J. | Rollings, Kimberly | Hedge, Alan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Students are faced with work demands requiring intense computer use throughout the week, often with cumulative hourly use per day exceeding that of adult workers. Extended daily computer use has been associated with a reported increase of musculoskeletal symptoms for college-aged students. New mouse designs offer alternative movement and postural strategies to potentially mitigate musculoskeletal stress for students. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the use of alternative computer mouse designs …by college-aged students (18–25) through a precision task (point-and-click an on-screen target). Wrist movements, hand posture, and associated subjective user data were collected across innovative mouse designs to understand the physical impact and basic usability issues for this population. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one (21) healthy, right handed students (11 female; 10 male) were enrolled in this study. METHODS: Five mouse designs were assessed by investigating hand fit, wrist movements, and subjective accounts of ease of use, perceived control, comfort and aesthetics. Human performance was captured for each mouse design in terms of peak velocity, average movement time, and fastest movement direction using an electrogoniometer as participants performed the ISO 9241 multipoint standard Fitts' task using the Generalized Fitts' Law Model Builder software (GFLMB v.1.1C; [1]) within a zero-error setting (point-and-click task). Hand measurements were taken in both standardized anthropometric positions and adapted hand positions on five alternative mouse designs for a total of seven sets of measurements for each participant. Subjective data was collected through a series of questionnaires that were administered before, during, and after the mouse tasks. RESULTS: Results for human performance, distal upper extremity posture (hand/wrist), and subjective data such as overall preference, ease of use, perceived control, and comfort are given for this population. Wrist extension exceeded 30 degrees for over 50% of the total movement time for 3 out of 5 mouse designs. Postural variations in hand molding of the metacarpophalangeal arch (MCP angle) across mouse design was shown to be related to mouse control and ease of use. Subjective evaluations showed no differences between males and females, and overall preference was correlated to subjective evaluations of comfort, ease of use, perceived control, and, to a lesser extent, product attractiveness. CONCLUSIONS: Individual performance across the alternative mouse designs in this study showed overall faster movement speeds than the `conventional' mouse design, while exhibiting similar wrist posture behavior for extension and ulnar deviation. Wrist extension is a risk factor for musculoskeletal injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. The current ergonomic standard calls for wrist extension to be below 30 degrees, and 3 of the 5 mouse designs exceeded this value. Guidance and adherence to proper use techniques for alternative mouse designs for this population is warranted and will help mitigate potential musculoskeletal risks. Show more

Keywords: Input device, computer mouse, postural variation and fit for students

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-121487

Citation: Work, vol. 44, no. Supplement 1, pp. 115-122, 2013