| 1. |
- Maimaiti, Nazhakaiti, et al.
(författare)
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Cervical musculoskeletal disorders and their relationships with personal and work-related factors among electronic assembly workers
- 2019
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Ingår i: Journal of Safety Research. - : PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD. - 0022-4375 .- 1879-1247. ; 71, s. 79-85
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Electronics assembly workers are reported to have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study investigated the prevalence of cervical MSDs and the complex relationships between cervical MSDs and individual, physical, psychosocial factors among electronics assembly workers. Methods: In this cross-sectional survey, self-administered questionnaires from 700 workers in electronics manufacturing workshops were analysed. Information concerning musculoskeletal symptoms, personal and work-related factors was collected. Finally, the prevalence of cervical MSDs was computed for different subgroups, and the relationships with different factors were analyzed using logistic regression and structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: The total 12 month prevalence of cervical MSDs among the survey population was 29.4%. Variables of gender, job tenure, twisting head frequently, neck flexion/extension for long time and work required to be done quickly showed significant associations with MSDs in a multivariate logistic regression (P < 0.05). The SEM analysis showed moderate and significant correlations between postural load (gamma = 0.279), gender (gamma = 0.233) and cervical MSDs, while there were weak but significant correlations between vibration (gamma = 0.024), work stress (gamma = 0.126), job tenure (gamma = 0.024) and cervical MSDs. Both work stress and vibration affected the MSDs indirectly through postural load. Conclusions: The logistic regression results support previous general epidemiological MSD studies, and indicates that individual, physical, and psychosocial factors are related to cervical MSDs. The SEM provides a better approximation of the complexity of the relationship between risk factors and cervical MSDs. Improving awkward postures may be effective ways to control the influence of occupational stressors or vibration on MSDs. Practical Applications: The study is to improve prevention of MSDs among electronics assembly workers and promote their occupational health.
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| 2. |
- Dong, Yidan, et al.
(författare)
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Association between long-term static postures exposure and musculoskeletal disorders among university employees : A viewpoint of inflammatory pathways
- 2022
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Ingår i: Frontiers In Public Health. - : FRONTIERS MEDIA SA. - 2296-2565. ; 10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are critical occupational and social problems. With the improvement of production mechanization and automation, and the widespread application of computers, more occupations are exposed to static postures and load. This study explored the role of inflammation in the association between static postures exposure and MSDs. MethodsThis study adopted a prospective nested case-control design in which 66 lower back MSDs cases and 66 healthy controls were selected from a cohort study of university employees. The personal information, postural load, musculoskeletal symptoms, pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), and inflammatory cytokines were collected. Logistic and linear regressions were used to investigate the association among postural load, inflammatory cytokines, and lower back MSDs. Mediation analysis was used to calculate the mediation effect. ResultsThe results of logistic and linear regressions showed that postural load and inflammatory cytokines were positively associated with lower back MSDs (P < 0.05), and postural load was positively associated with inflammatory cytokines (P < 0.05). Further, mediation analysis showed that the mediation effect of postural load on the lower back MSDs through TNF-alpha was 0.073 (95%CI: 0.025-0.128), and the mediation effect of posture load on the lower back MSDs through IL-6 was 0.098 (95%CI: 0.041-0.179), respectively. ConclusionStatic postures were associated with the occurrence of MSDs through inflammatory cytokines, and low-level inflammation may be a critical early event in the generation of MSDs. This study may help bridge the gap of potential mechanisms linking static postures to increased risks of MSDs, and provide new evidence for targeted protection against the global increasing MSDs.
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| 3. |
- Dong, Yidan, et al.
(författare)
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Derived patterns of musculoskeletal symptoms and their relationships with ergonomic factors among electronic assembly workers : A latent class analysis
- 2022
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Ingår i: Journal of Safety Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0022-4375 .- 1879-1247. ; 82, s. 293-300
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Multi-site musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) are considered to be more common and have more serious consequences than single-site MSS. This study aimed to determine whether derived patterns of MSS may be identified in electronic assembly workers and if extracted MSS classes are associated with personal and work-related factors. Method: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was performed with 700 participating electronic assembly workers. The questionnaire included individual factors, psychosocial and physical exposures, and MSS. The derived patterns of MSS and their relationships with ergonomic factors were analyzed using latent class analysis (LCA) and multinomial logistic regression models (MLRM). Results: The 1-year prevalence of MSS affecting only one body site or two or more body sites was 14.9% and 32.7%, respectively. The results of LCA showed three distinct classes of MSS patterns, which were labelled 'MSS in most sites' (5.0%), 'MSS in neck and shoulder' (27.0%), and 'MSS in one or no site' (68.0%). The results of MLRM showed that the 'MSS in neck and shoulder' was associated with job tenure (OR 5.579, 95% CI 2.488-12.511), excessive dynamic and static loads (OR 3.868, 95% CI 1.702- 8.793 and OR 5.270, 95% CI 2.020-13.747, respectively); while the 'MSS in most sites' was associated with high job demands (OR 4.528, 95% CI 1.647-12.445) and excessive dynamic loads (OR 111.554, 95% CI 4.996-2490.793). Conclusions: The results showed unique patterns of MSS among electronic assembly workers that were associated with personal and work-related factors. Practical applications: The findings highlight that the high prevalence of multi-site MSS in this group should be a focus. It also provides further evidence that LCA considering the number and location of anatomical sites involving MSS can be used to determine distinct classes of MSS patterns, which is of great significance for the epidemiological study and management of MSS in the future.
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| 4. |
- Dong, Yidan, et al.
(författare)
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Study on the Associations of Individual and Work-Related Factors with Low Back Pain among Manufacturing Workers Based on Logistic Regression and Structural Equation Model
- 2021
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Ingår i: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 18:4
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Work-related musculoskeletal injuries are one of the major occupational health issues of the workers, especially low back pain (LBP). The aim of this study was to survey the prevalence of LBP among manufacturing workers and to identify associations of individual and work-related factors with LBP. A cross-sectional questionnaire study was performed with 1173 participating manufacturing workers. The questionnaire included individual factors, psychosocial and physical exposures, and musculoskeletal discomfort. It was analyzed by logistic regression and structural equation modeling (SEM). The 1-year prevalence of LBP among Chinese manufacturing workers was 33.6%. Logistic regression analysis showed that job tenure, awkward postures, vibration and job demand were positively-while social support and job control were negatively associated with LBP (p < 0.05). The SEM results indicated that, as shown in other studies, job types, job tenure, postural load, high job demand, low job control and vibration were directly associated with LBP, but also that job types, high job demand, low social support and vibration may have indirect effects on LBP-mediated by postural load.
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| 5. |
- Forsman, Mikael, Professor, et al.
(författare)
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A Low-Cost Sensor-Based Smartphone App for Wrist Velocity Measurements
- 2021
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Ingår i: Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems. - Cham : Springer Nature. ; , s. 763-767
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- A quantitative wrist angular velocity to wrist-related disorders relation have been reported in hand intensive work. This velocity has been complicated to measure. A new sensors and smartphone method was developed and tested. The result indicate the prototype as a promising tool, which in the future may support researchers and practitioners in exposure quantification and risk assessment of hand intensive repetitive work tasks.
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| 6. |
- Forsman, Mikael, Professor, et al.
(författare)
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Systematic risk management with RAMP for riskassessment and adapted changes - an implementation study
- 2022
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Ingår i: NES2022 WORK WELL Conference Proceedings Research. ; , s. 156-157
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- RAMP (Risk Assessment and Management tool for manual handling – Proactively), is arisk management tool focusing on manual handling work. Since 2017 RAMP has beenspread to over 105 countries. More than other methods, RAMP supports the entire riskmanagement process. RAMP is based on risk factors documented in scientific literature,and it has been evaluated regarding usability and reliability. It is now used for MSDrisk management in many organisations. The feedback from RAMP users is positive,and there are indications of reductions in sick absence.The purpose of the ongoing project is to investigate a selection of effects thatimplementation entails and to examine the implementation of RAMP from a leadershipand system perspective. Specific questions are: What happens when a companyimplements RAMP? Are the risk factors reduced? What affects the change? Whatstrategies do companies use when implementing RAMP? Are the effects of whichstrategies companies apply when implementing affected? What are the facilitators andbarriers to the implementation of this risk management method?The project is carried out as an implementation study based on mixed methods incollaboration between researchers and four production companies and two FHV actors.The effects and implementation of RAMP will be evaluated by comparing risk levels,qualitative interviews, document analyses, questionnaires and structured observationsof work processes. For changes in risk factors, RAMP risk assessments, which includeobservations and objectivemeasurements of push-pull forces, carried out at baseline andat follow-up will be compared. If possible, in addition to the above data collection, thecompany's own data on sick leave, productivity and quality (eg quality deficiency data)will be included and monitored over time.Implementations and effects of RAMP will be summarized in so-called logicalmodels. These models will identify inputs (e.g. time and resources set aside forimplementation), activities (e.g. training and measures implemented), intermediate(short-term) outcomes (e.g. the extent to which RAMP is used in the systematic workenvironment work and in the entire process for risk management, how much of the highrisks have been reduced, what type of measures have been taken and how the riskawareness has developed among employees), long-term outcomes (e.g. employees'perception of the workload, perceived health and perceived problems), and possiblylong-term outcomes (e.g. changes in sick absence, quality and productivity as well assharing good examples within the organisation).157At this point in the project, the questionnaire has been designed, companies havebeen contacted, and data collection at the first company, that now has assigned animplementation strategy, is about to start.The project is expected to show what effects on the work environment (possibly alsohealth, quality and productivity) that systematic application of the RAMP method canhave, aswell aswhich of the studied factors affect the implementation and to what extentthey do so. The results are expected to lead to new knowledge in the area of systematicrisk management and implementation strategies.
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| 7. |
- Gupta, Nidhi, et al.
(författare)
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Does occupational forward bending of the back increase long-term sickness absence risk? : A 4-year prospective register-based study using device-measured compositional data analysis
- 2022
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health. - : Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health. - 0355-3140 .- 1795-990X. ; 48:8, s. 651-661
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective Forward bending of the back is common in many jobs and a risk factor for sickness absence. However, this knowledge is based on self-reported forward bending that is generally imprecise. Thus, we aimed to investigate the dose-response relation between device-measured forward bending at work and prospective register-based risk of long-term sickness absence (LTSA). Methods At baseline, 944 workers (93% from blue-collar jobs) wore accelerometers on their upper back and thigh over 1-6 workdays to measure worktime with forward bending (>30 degrees and >60 degrees) and body positions. The first event of LTSA (>= 6 consecutive weeks) over a 4-year follow-up were retrieved from a national register. Compositional Cox proportional hazard analyses were used to model the association between worktime with forward bending of the back in an upright body position and LTSA adjusted for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), occupational lifting/carrying, type of work, and, in an additional step, for leisure time physical activity (PA) on workdays. Results During a mean worktime of 457 minutes/day, the workers on average spent 40 and 10 minutes on forward bending >30 degrees and >60 degrees in the upright position, respectively. Five more minutes forward bending >30 degrees and >60 degrees at work were associated with a 4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.07] and 8% (95% CI 1.01-1.16) higher LTSA risk, respectively. Adjustment for leisure-time PA did not influence the results. Conclusion We found a dose-response association between device-measured forward bending of the back and prospective LTSA risk. This knowledge can be integrated into available feasible methods to measure forward bending of the back for improved workplace risk assessment and prevention.
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| 8. |
- Hoareau, Damien, et al.
(författare)
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Evaluation of In-Cloth versus On-Skin Sensors for Measuring Trunk and Upper Arm Postures and Movements
- 2023
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Ingår i: Sensors. - : MDPI AG. - 1424-8220. ; 23:8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Smart workwear systems with embedded inertial measurement unit sensors are developed for convenient ergonomic risk assessment of occupational activities. However, its measurement accuracy can be affected by potential cloth artifacts, which have not been previously assessed. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the accuracy of sensors placed in the workwear systems for research and practice purposes. This study aimed to compare in-cloth and on-skin sensors for assessing upper arms and trunk postures and movements, with the on-skin sensors as the reference. Five simulated work tasks were performed by twelve subjects (seven women and five men). Results showed that the mean (+/- SD) absolute cloth-skin sensor differences of the median dominant arm elevation angle ranged between 1.2 degrees (+/- 1.4) and 4.1 degrees (+/- 3.5). For the median trunk flexion angle, the mean absolute cloth-skin sensor differences ranged between 2.7 degrees (+/- 1.7) and 3.7 degrees (+/- 3.9). Larger errors were observed for the 90th and 95th percentiles of inclination angles and inclination velocities. The performance depended on the tasks and was affected by individual factors, such as the fit of the clothes. Potential error compensation algorithms need to be investigated in future work. In conclusion, in-cloth sensors showed acceptable accuracy for measuring upper arm and trunk postures and movements on a group level. Considering the balance of accuracy, comfort, and usability, such a system can potentially be a practical tool for ergonomic assessment for researchers and practitioners.
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| 9. |
- Jin, Xu, et al.
(författare)
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Prevalence and associated factors of lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders among manufacturing workers : a cross-sectional study in China
- 2022
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Ingår i: BMJ Open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 12:2
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective To survey the prevalence of lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among Chinese manufacturing workers, and to identify the associated factors. Design Observational study with cross-sectional design. Setting A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted in four manufacturing factories in China. Participants 7908 manufacturing workers were included in this study after excluding non-conforming personnel. Outcome measures Individual and work-related information, and MSDs in the whole leg and knee region were measured by the anonymous self-administered questionnaire. Individual and work-related factors associated with MSDs and their effects were identified through multivariate logistic regression. Results Of all respondents, 3241 (41.0%) reported having had lower extremity MSDs in the recent 12 months, and for the knees, ankles/feet and hips/thighs were 29.5%, 23.9% and 16.7%, respectively. After confounder-adjusted single-factor analysis, 22 variables (of 24) were significantly related to the disorders. Factors like always kneeling/squatting for long periods, always standing for long periods and often lifting in an uncomfortable position were shown to have higher risks, with ORs of 2.77 (95% CI: 2.33 to 3.30), 2.30 (1.96 to 2.69) and 2.25 (2.04 to 2.47). Comparable results were found on knee disorders. The final model included 15 variables of demography, biomechanics and work organisation. The following factors showed increased risks of lower extremity MSDs: being female, being older, longer working years, higher body mass index (BMI), keeping the same posture for a long time, awkward position, shift work and monotonous work. Whereas having enough breaks reduced the risk. Conclusion The prevalence of lower extremity MSDs among Chinese manufacturing workers is high. The most commonly affected body regions were the knees and ankles/feet. Multiple factors were found associated with lower extremity MSDs including age, BMI, work experience, work organisations, physical ergonomics exposures, etc.
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| 10. |
- Langenskiöld, Charlotta, et al.
(författare)
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The Effect of Corrective and Encouraging Accumulated Vibrotactile Feedback on Work Technique Training and Motivation : A Pilot Study
- 2023
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Ingår i: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 20:18
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Encouraging feedback is shown to increase motivation and facilitate learning in different settings, though there is a lack of knowledge of applying it in work technique training. This pilot study aimed to evaluate two accumulated vibrotactile feedback strategies for work technique training using a smart workwear system. Eight women and two men participated in the study. They were divided into two groups, receiving the corrective feedback or the combined corrective and encouraging feedback while doing simulated manual handling tasks in a lab environment. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to evaluate the motivation, learning, and user experiences. In this small sample size, we saw that both groups significantly improved their work technique of upper arm and trunk postures, and no significant difference between groups was seen. In addition, both groups reported increased ergonomic awareness, were satisfied with the feedback training, and considered the system useful. However, the combined feedback group had slightly lower ratings of motivation and more negative experiences of the corrective feedback itself compared to the corrective feedback group. Both groups had positive experiences with the encouraging feedback. Future research should consider investigating the long-term learning effects of using solely corrective or encouraging accumulated feedback for work technique training with such systems.
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