Affiliations: Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, Madison Area
Technical College, Madison, WI, USA | Occupational Science and Technology, College of Health
Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Darcie L. Olson, Occupational
Therapy Assistant Program, Madison Area Technical College, 211 N. Carroll St.,
Madison, WI 53703, USA. Tel.: +1 608 258 2313; Fax: +1 608 258 2480; E-mail:
dlolson@matcmadison.edu
Abstract: Ergonomic research on nursing work has focused primarily on the
biomechanical analysis of patient handling tasks. Few studies have addressed
the intensity of a full day of nursing work as measured by changes in heart
rate and energy expenditure. Objective: A pilot study was conducted between August 2009 and May
2010 to examine the intensity of performing nursing assistant work in long term
care settings and to assess the usefulness of heart rate monitoring as a
measure of work intensity. The residents of the facilities were physically
dependent adults. The settings had floor-based mechanical lifting devices
available and no-lift policies that restricted workers from lifting. Participants: Eight women between the ages of 19 and 54 from two
facilities participated in this study. Methods: A wearable recorder allowed unobtrusive heart rate
monitoring while nursing assistants worked their usual shift. Continuous heart
rate monitoring for a full shift provided an estimation of energy expenditure.
Results: The data suggest that the nursing assistants worked at a
moderate level yet were within the safe work intensity level recommended by
NIOSH [32]. Conclusions: The information provides preliminary baseline data for
nursing assistants who work with physically dependent adults using floor-based
lifts in a no-lift environment.
