| 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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| 11. |
- Lind, Carl Mikael, et al.
(författare)
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Prevention of Work: Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Using Smart Workwear – The Smart Workwear Consortium
- 2019
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Ingår i: Human Systems Engineering and Design. - Cham : Springer. - 9783030020521 - 9783030020538 ; 876, s. 477-483
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Adverse work-related physical exposures such as repetitive movements and awkward postures have negative health effects and lead to large financial costs. To address these problems, a multi-disciplinary consortium was formed with the aim of developing an ambulatory system for recording and analyzing risks for musculoskeletal disorders utilizing textile integrated sensors as part of the regular workwear. This paper presents the consortium, the Smart Workwear System, and a case study illustrating its potential to decrease adverse biomechanical exposure by promoting improved work technique.
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| 12. |
- Lind, Carl, et al.
(författare)
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Reducing postural load in order picking through a smart workwear system using real-time vibrotactile feedback
- 2020
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Ingår i: Applied Ergonomics. - : Elsevier. - 0003-6870 .- 1872-9126. ; 89
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Vibrotactile feedback training may be one possible method for interventions that target at learning better work techniques and improving postures in manual handling. This study aimed to evaluate the short term effect of real-time vibrotactile feedback on postural exposure using a smart workwear system for work postures intervention in simulated industrial order picking. Fifteen workers at an industrial manufacturing plant performed order-picking tasks, in which the vibrotactile feedback was used for postural training at work. The system recorded the trunk and upper arm postures. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were conducted about the users’ experience of the system. The results showed reduced time in trunk inclination ≥20°, ≥30° and ≥45° and dominant upper arm elevation ≥30° and ≥45° when the workers received feedback, and for trunk inclination ≥20°, ≥30° and ≥45° and dominant upper arm elevation ≥30°, after feedback withdrawal. The workers perceived the system as useable, comfortable, and supportive for learning. The system has the potential of contributing to improved postures in order picking through an automated short-term training program. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd
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| 13. |
- Manivasagam, Karnica, et al.
(författare)
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Evaluation of a New Simplified Inertial Sensor Method against Electrogoniometer for Measuring Wrist Motion in Occupational Studies
- 2022
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Ingår i: Sensors. - : MDPI AG. - 1424-8220. ; 22:4, s. 1690-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Wrist velocity is an important risk factor for work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the elbow/hand, which is also difficult to assess by observation or self-reports. This study aimed to evaluate a new convenient and low-cost inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based method using gyroscope signals against an electrogoniometer for measuring wrist flexion velocity. Twelve participants performed standard wrist movements and simulated work tasks while equipped with both systems. Two computational algorithms for the IMU-based system, i.e., IMUnorm and IMUflex, were used. For wrist flexion/extension, the mean absolute errors (MAEs) of median wrist flexion velocity compared to the goniometer were <10.1 degrees/s for IMUnorm and <4.1 degrees/s for IMUflex. During wrist deviation and pronation/supination, all methods showed errors, where the IMUnorm method had the largest overestimations. For simulated work tasks, the IMUflex method had small bias and better accuracy than the IMUnorm method compared to the goniometer, with the MAEs of median wrist flexion velocity <5.8 degrees/s. The results suggest that the IMU-based method can be considered as a convenient method to assess wrist motion for occupational studies or ergonomic evaluations for the design of workstations and tools by both researchers and practitioners, and the IMUflex method is preferred. Future studies need to examine algorithms to further improve the accuracy of the IMU-based method in tasks of larger variations, as well as easy calibration procedures.
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| 14. |
- Wang, F. J., et al.
(författare)
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Occurrence pattern of musculoskeletal disorders and its influencing factors among manufacturing workers
- 2020
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Ingår i: Beijing da xue xue bao. Yi xue ban = Journal of Peking University. Health sciences. - : NLM (Medline). - 1671-167X. ; 52:3, s. 535-540
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To explore the occurrence pattern and its influencing factors of multi-site work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) of the main affected body sites among manufacturing workers. METHODS: Musculoskeletal disorders questionnaire was adopted to investigate the prevalence of WMSDs and the influencing factors among workers from four manufacturing factories in China. The case of WMSDs was defined as the one who had symptoms such as pain, numbness, discomfort, or limitation of activities in one or more of the nine body sites, including neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, upper back, lower back, hip/thigh, knee and ankle/foot during the last year, which lasted for more than 24 hours and did not completely relieve after rest. Besides, trauma, disability, other acute injuries or sequelae were excluded. The correlation of WMSDs between different body sites was estimated by the prevalence ratio (PR) calculated by log-binominal model. The influencing factors of multi-site WMSDs of the main affected body sites were analyzed by multinomial logistic regression model. RESULTS: The overall prevalence rate of WMSDs was 79.7% among the manufacturing workers. The main affected body sites were lower back, neck, shoulder and upper back, of which the prevalence rates were 62.3%, 55.7%, 45.6%, and 38.7%, respectively. The PR values of WMSDs among these sites were relatively high. The prevalence of multi-site WMSDs involving these four sites at the same time was 25.2%, and that of three to four sites was 41.4%. Multinomial Logistic regression analysis suggested that influencing factors of multi-site WMSDs in 3-4 sites of neck, shoulder, upper back and lower back involved several aspects. Among these factors, females (OR=2.86, 95%CI 2.38-3.33) and individuals with job tenure of 15-19 years (OR=1.87, 95%CI 1.49-2.34) might have higher risk of disease. Biomechanical factors, such as often bending neck forward or holding neck in a forward position for long periods (OR=2.15, 95%CI 1.86-2.48), often twisting neck or holding neck in a twisted position for long periods (OR=1.64, 95%CI 1.40-1.92) and often twisting trunk heavily (OR=1.40, 95%CI 1.20-1.64) might be risk factors. In the aspect of work organization, doing the same work every day (OR=1.73, 95%CI 1.44-2.08), shortage of workers (OR=1.50, 95%CI 1.31-1.71) and often working overtime (OR=1.38, 95%CI 1.20-1.60) might increase the risk of disease. Factors, such as often standing for long periods at work (OR=0.77, 95%CI 0.65-0.91) and feeling breaks sufficient (OR=0.51, 95%CI 0.44-0.59) were suggested to be protective factors with OR<1. CONCLUSION: The pre-valence rates of WMSDs in neck, shoulder, upper back, and lower back were high among manufacturing workers in this study. The correlation of WMSDs of these four sites was close in this study, and the comorbidity rate of 3-4 sites of these sites was relatively high, suggesting that there might be a multi-site occurrence pattern of WMSDs in "neck-shoulder-upper back-lower back" among manufacturing workers. The main influencing factors of this pattern included individual factors, biomechanical factors and work organization factors.
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
- Yang, Liyun, 1992-, et al.
(författare)
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Comparison of Accuracy of Inertial Measurement Units, Goniometer and Optical Tracking System for Wrist Velocity Assessment
- 2021
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Ingår i: Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems. - Cham : Springer Nature. ; , s. 868-873
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Wrist angular velocity assessment is important for assessing the risks in hand-intensive work. This study compared the measurement accuracy of an inertial measurement unit (IMU)-smartphone system, an electronic goniometer and an optical tracking system (OTS) for measuring wrist flexion velocity. Six participants performed three sets of standard hand/wrist movements and three simulated work tasks. The results showed the IMUs had adequate accuracy comparing to the OTS during standard movements of low to medium pace. The accuracy of the IMUs compared to the OTS was lower during fast pace movements and simulated work tasks. Still, the IMUs had in general small differences compared to the goniometer in flexion/extension and simulated work tasks. Therefore, the IMU system may be used by researchers and practitioners for assessing wrist flexion velocity in hand-intensive work. Future studies need to explore algorithms to improve the IMU-smartphone system and reduce errors.
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| 17. |
- Yang, Liyun, 1992-, et al.
(författare)
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Distance Ergonomics Laboratory Using Flipped Classroom and Smartphone Application as Learning Tools – A Case Study
- 2021
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Ingår i: 21st Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, IEA 2021. - Cham : Springer Nature. ; , s. 130-134
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Distance laboratory training in ergonomics with a flipped-classroom approach and smartphone applications as a tool was designed, implemented, and evaluated at two Swedish universities. Most students (10/13) were satisfied with the laboratory training. In this small-scale study, sufficient preparation time, tailored instructions and timely support during the pre-lab work were identified as factors that may improve students’ learning. This case study points to that distance laboratory training can be a feasible method in future ergonomics education. The findings also contribute to better understanding on the design of distance laboratory training in the future.
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
- Yang, Liyun, 1992-
(författare)
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Ergonomic Risk Assessment and Intervention through Smart Workwear Systems
- 2019
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The rapid development of wearable technology has provided opportunities to ergonomics research and practice with new ways for workload measurements, data analytics, risk assessment and intervention. This thesis aims at developing and evaluating methods using wearable technologies to assess physical risk factors at work, and further to give feedback to employees to improve their work techniques.One smartphone application (ErgoArmMeter) was developed for the assessment of upper arm postures and movements at work. The application uses integrated signals of the embedded accelerometer and gyroscope, and processes and presents the assessment results directly after a measurement. Laboratory validation with 10 participants was performed using an optical tracking system as standard measurement. The results showed that the application had similar accuracy compared to standard inclinometry for static postures and improved accuracy in dynamic conditions. With its convenience and low cost, the application may be used by researchers and practitioners in various scenarios for risk assessment.Three models for assessment of work metabolism (WM) using heart rate (HR) and accelerometers (ACCs) were evaluated during simulated work tasks with 12 participants against indirect calorimetry as standard measurement. The HR + arm-leg ACC model showed best accuracy in most work tasks. The HR-Flex model showed a small bias for the average of all tasks. For estimating WM in the field using wearable technologies, the HR-Flex model or the HR + arm-leg ACC model may be chosen depending on the need for accuracy level and resource availabilities. Further improvement of the classification algorithm in the HR + arm-leg ACC model is needed in order to suit various types of work.Two smart workwear systems were developed and evaluated. Smart workwear system 1.0 consisted of a sensorized vest, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and an Android tablet application. It assessed risks of high physiological workload and prolonged occupational sitting/standing. The results were visualized by color-coded risk levels. The system was evaluated with 8 participants from four occupations in a field study. It was perceived as useful, comfortable and not disturbing by most participants. Further development is required for the system for automated risk assessment of various ergonomic risk factors in real work situations.Smart workwear system 2.0 consisted of an instrumented t-shirt with IMUs, vibration units and an Android smartphone application. It provided vibrotactile feedback to users’ upper arm and trunk when predefined angular thresholds were exceeded. The system was evaluated for work postures intervention in industrial order picking among 15 participants. It showed to be effective in improving the trunk and dominant upper arm postures. The system was perceived as comfortable and useful. The vibrotactile feedback was evaluated as supportive for learning regarding workplace and task design among the participants.In conclusion, the research in this thesis showed that wearable technologies can be used both in the laboratory and field for assessment of physical risk factors at work and intervention in work technique improvement. With further research and development, smart workwear systems may contribute to automated risk assessment, prevention of work-related ill health, and improvement of the design and overall quality of work.
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| 20. |
- Yang, Liyun, 1992-, et al.
(författare)
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Evaluation of physiological workload assessment methods using heart rate and accelerometry for a smart wearable system.
- 2019
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Ingår i: Ergonomics. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0014-0139 .- 1366-5847. ; 62:5, s. 694-705
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Work metabolism (WM) can be accurately estimated by oxygen consumption (VO2), which is commonly assessed by heart rate (HR) in field studies. However, the VO2-HR relationship is influenced by individual capacity and activity characteristics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate three models for estimating WM compared with indirect calorimetry, during simulated work activities. The techniques were: the HR-Flex model; HR branched model, combining HR with hip-worn accelerometers (ACC); and HR + arm-leg ACC model, combining HR with wrist- and thigh-worn ACC. Twelve participants performed five simulated work activities and three submaximal tests. The HR + arm-leg ACC model had the overall best performance with limits of agreement (LoA) of -3.94 and 2.00 mL/min/kg, while the HR-Flex model had -5.01 and 5.36 mL/min/kg and the branched model, -6.71 and 1.52 mL/min/kg. In conclusion, the HR + arm-leg ACC model should, when feasible, be preferred in wearable systems for WM estimation. Practitioner Summary: Work with high energy demand can impair employees' health and life quality. Three models were evaluated for estimating work metabolism during simulated tasks. The model combining heart rate, wrist- and thigh-worn accelerometers showed the best accuracy. This is, when feasible, suggested for wearable systems to assess work metabolism.
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| 21. |
- Yang, Liyun, 1992-, et al.
(författare)
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Impact of Procedure Type, Case Duration, and Adjunctive Equipment on Surgeon Intraoperative Musculoskeletal Discomfort
- 2020
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Ingår i: Journal of the American College of Surgeons. - : ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. - 1072-7515 .- 1879-1190. ; 230:4, s. 554-560
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Surgeons are at high risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. STUDY DESIGN: This study was designed to identify risk factors and assess intraoperative physical stressors using subjective and objective measures, including type of procedure and equipment used. Wearable sensors and pre- and postoperation surveys were analyzed. RESULTS: Data from 116 cases (34 male and 19 female surgeons) were collected across surgical specialties. Surgeons reported increased pain in the neck, upper, and lower back both during and after operations. High-stress intraoperative postures were also revealed by the real-time measurement in the neck and back. Surgical duration also impacted physical pain and fatigue. Open procedures had more stressful physical postures than laparoscopic procedures. Loupe usage negatively impacted neck postures. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the fact that musculoskeletal disorders are common in surgeons and characterizes surgeons' intraoperative posture as well as surgeon pain and fatigue across specialties. Defining intraoperative ((C) 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the American College of Surgeons.
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| 22. |
- Yang, Liyun, 1992-, et al.
(författare)
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Intraoperative musculoskeletal discomfort and risk for surgeons during open and laparoscopic surgery.
- 2020
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Ingår i: Surgical Endoscopy. - : Springer Nature. - 0930-2794 .- 1432-2218.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Surgeon workload is significant both mentally and physically and may differ by procedure type. When comparing laparoscopic surgery and open surgery, studies have reported contrasting results on the physical and mental workload assessed.METHODS: Wearable posture sensors and pre-/post-surgical questionnaires were employed to assess intraoperative workload and to identify risk factors for surgeons using objective and subjective measures.RESULTS: Data from 49 cases (27 open and 22 laparoscopic surgeries performed by 13 male and 11 female surgeons) were assessed. More than half the surgeons reported a clinically relevant post-surgical fatigue score. The surgeons also self-reported a significant increase in pain for the neck, upper back, and lower back during/after surgery. Procedural time had significant impacts on fatigue, body part pain, and subjective (NASA-TLX) workload. The objectively assessed intraoperative work postures using wearable sensors showed a high musculoskeletal risk for neck and lower back based on their posture overall. Open surgeries had significantly larger neck angles (median [IQR]: 40 [28-47]°) compared with laparoscopic surgeries (median [IQR]: 23 [16-29]°), p < 0.001) and torso (median [IQR]: 17 [14-22]° vs. 13 [10-17]°, p = 0.006).CONCLUSION: Surgeons reported significantly higher levels of fatigue and pain in the neck and lower back during or after performing a surgical case. Longer procedural time resulted in more self-rated fatigue, pain, and subjective workload. Open surgery had higher postural risk. Overall, surgeons spent a disturbingly high percentage of time during surgery in high-risk musculoskeletal postures, especially the neck. These results show that intraoperative postural risk is very high and that interventions are necessary to protect surgeon musculoskeletal health for optimal surgeon performance and career longevity.
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| 23. |
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