| 1. |
- Isaksson-Daun, Johan
(författare)
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A Sound Approach Toward a Mobility Aid for Blind and Low-Vision Individuals
- 2023
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Reduced independent mobility of blind and low-vision individuals (BLVIs) cause considerable societal cost, burden on relatives, and reduced quality of life for the individuals, including increased anxiety, depression symptoms, need of assistance, risk of falls, and mortality. Despite the numerous electronic travel aids proposed since at least the 1940’s, along with ever-advancing technology, the mobility issues persist. A substantial reason for this is likely several and severe shortcomings of the field, both in regards to aid design and evaluation.In this work, these shortcomings are addressed with a generic design model called Desire of Use (DoU), which describes the desire of a given user to use an aid for a given activity. It is then applied on mobility of BLVIs (DoU-MoB), to systematically illuminate and structure possibly all related aspects that such an aid needs to aptly deal with, in order for it to become an adequate aid for the objective. These aspects can then both guide user-centered design as well as choice of test methods and measures.One such measure is then demonstrated in the Desire of Use Questionnaire for Mobility of Blind and Low-Vision Individuals (DoUQ-MoB), an aid-agnostic and comprehensive patient-reported outcome measure. The question construction originates from the DoU-MoB to ensure an encompassing focus on mobility of BLVIs, something that has been missing in the field. Since it is aid-agnostic it facilitates aid comparison, which it also actively promotes. To support the reliability of the DoUQ-MoB, it utilizes the best known practices of questionnaire design and has been validated once with eight orientation and mobility professionals, and six BLVIs. Based on this, the questionnaire has also been revised once.To allow for relevant and reproducible methodology, another tool presented herein is a portable virtual reality (VR) system called the Parrot-VR. It uses a hybrid control scheme of absolute rotation by tracking the user’s head in reality, affording intuitive turning; and relative movement where simple button presses on a controller moves the virtual avatar forward and backward, allowing for large-scale traversal while not walking physically. VR provides excellent reproducibility, making various aggregate movement analysis feasible, while it is also inherently safe. Meanwhile, the portability of the system facilitates testing near the participants, substantially increasing the number of potential blind and low-vision recruits for user tests.The thesis also gives a short account on the state of long-term testing in the field; it being short is mainly due to that there is not much to report. It then provides an initial investigation into possible outcome measures for such tests by taking instruments in use by Swedish orientation and mobility professionals as a starting point. Two of these are also piloted in an initial single-session trial with 19 BLVIs, and could plausibly be used for long-term tests after further evaluation.Finally, a discussion is presented regarding the Audomni project — the development of a primary mobility aid for BLVIs. Audomni is a visuo-auditory sensory supplementation device, which aims to take visual information and translate it to sound. A wide field-of-view, 3D-depth camera records the environment, which is then transformed to audio through the sonification algorithms of Audomni, and finally presented in a pair of open-ear headphones that do not block out environmental sounds. The design of Audomni leverages the DoU-MoB to ensure user-centric development and evaluation, in the aim of reaching an aid with such form and function that it grants the users better mobility, while the users still want to use it.Audomni has been evaluated with user tests twice, once in pilot tests with two BLVIs, and once in VR with a heterogenous set of 19 BLVIs, utilizing the Parrot-VR and the DoUQ-MoB. 76 % of responders (13 / 17) answered that it was very or extremely likely that they would want use Audomni along with their current aid. This might be the first result in the field demonstrating a majority of blind and low-vision participants reporting that they actually want to use a new electronic travel aid. This shows promise that eventual long-term tests will demonstrate an increased mobility of blind and low-vision users — the overarching project aim. Such results would ultimately mean that Audomni can become an aid that alleviates societal cost, reduces burden on relatives, and improves users’ quality of life and independence.
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| 2. |
- Abtahi, Farhad, 1981-, et al.
(författare)
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Big Data & Wearable Sensors Ensuring Safety and Health @Work
- 2017
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Ingår i: GLOBAL HEALTH 2017, The Sixth International Conference on Global Health Challenges. - 9781612086040
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- —Work-related injuries and disorders constitute a major burden and cost for employers, society in general and workers in particular. We@Work is a project that aims to develop an integrated solution for promoting and supporting a safe and healthy working life by combining wearable technologies, Big Data analytics, ergonomics, and information and communication technologies. The We@Work solution aims to support the worker and employer to ensure a healthy working life through pervasive monitoring for early warnings, prompt detection of capacity-loss and accurate risk assessments at workplace as well as self-management of a healthy working life. A multiservice platform will allow unobtrusive data collection at workplaces. Big Data analytics will provide real-time information useful to prevent work injuries and support healthy working life
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| 3. |
- 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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| 4. |
- Stenlund, Tobias, et al.
(författare)
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Inter- and intra-tester reliability when measuring seated spinal postures with inertial sensors
- 2014
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Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 44:5, s. 732-738
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Prolonged awkward sitting postures may be associated with neck or back pain, but it is often unclear which specific postures cause most problems and which mechanisms that may underlie the pain. In order to increase the knowledge in this field, it seems crucial first of all to be able to analyse, in depth, different seated spinal postures. A problem is however the lack of reliable and direct measurement methods of the posture, especially for sitting. Recently developed systems with inertial sensor attached along the spine have potential for this purpose. The aim of the present study was therefore to test the reliability of using such a system to assess various seated postures. Inter- and intra-tester as well as intra-subject relative reliability was estimated with intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Absolute reliability was estimated with standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest detectable change (SDC). Ten + ten healthy subjects and four testers participated. Three standardised unsupported seated postures (lumbar lordosis, lumbar kyphosis and neutral posture) and two standing postures (neutral and lumbar kyphosis) were evaluated using five sensors attached to the head, the thorax (high and low), the lumbar spine and the pelvis. The ICC for intra-tester reliability ranged from 0.37 to 0.90, SEM 2.5-12.0 degrees, and SDC 7.1-333 degrees where the largest measurement error was from the head. Intra-tester reliability was higher than inter-tester reliability but not as good as intra-subject reliability. The intra-tester absolute reliability was nevertheless not considered sufficient to distinguish smaller differences. The low reliability may depend on inertial sensor size and attachment but also on the tester's accuracy. This study shows that assessing unsupported seated spinal postures with inertial sensors could be performed with higher reliability if done by the same, rather than different, testers. Relevance to industry: Prolonged awkward seated postures at work may be associated with back and neck pain and should therefore be analysed. Inertial sensor units is a promising tool to measure spinal posture. Smaller sensors attached by one skilled tester directly onto the body will most likely improve assessment in the future. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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| 5. |
- Abtahi, Farhad, 1981-, et al.
(författare)
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Wearable Sensors Enabling Personalized Occupational Healthcare
- 2018
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Ingår i: Intelligent Environments 2018. - Amsterdam : IOS Press. - 9781614998730 - 9781614998747 ; , s. 371-376
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Bokkapitel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- This paper presents needs and potentials for wearable sensors inoccupational healthcare. In addition, it presents ongoing European and Swedishprojects for developing personalized, and pervasive wearable systems for assessingrisks of developing musculoskeletal disorders and cardiovascular diseases at work.Occupational healthcare should benefit in preventing diseases and disorders byproviding the right feedback at the right time to the right person. Collected datafrom workers can provide evidence supporting the ergonomic and industrial tasksof redesigning the working environment to reduce the risks.
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| 6. |
- Alsved, M., et al.
(författare)
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Temperature-controlled airflow ventilation in operating rooms compared with laminar airflow and turbulent mixed airflow
- 2018
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Ingår i: Journal of Hospital Infection. - : W B SAUNDERS CO LTD. - 0195-6701 .- 1532-2939. ; 98:2, s. 181-190
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim: To evaluate three types of ventilation systems for operating rooms with respect to air cleanliness [in colony-forming units (cfu/m(3))], energy consumption and comfort of working environment (noise and draught) as reported by surgical team members. Methods: Two commonly used ventilation systems, vertical laminar airflow (LAF) and turbulent mixed airflow (TMA), were compared with a newly developed ventilation technique, temperature-controlled airflow (T(c)AF). The cfu concentrations were measured at three locations in an operating room during 45 orthopaedic procedures: close to the wound (<40 cm), at the instrument table and peripherally in the room. The operating team evaluated the comfort of the working environment by answering a questionnaire. Findings: LAF and T(c)AF, but not TMA, resulted in less than 10 cfu/m(3) at all measurement locations in the room during surgery. Median values of cfu/m(3) close to the wound (250 samples) were 0 for LAF, 1 for T(c)AF and 10 for TMA. Peripherally in the room, the cfu concentrations were lowest for T(c)AF. The cfu concentrations did not scale proportionally with airflow rates. Compared with LAF, the power consumption of T(c)AF was 28% lower and there was significantly less disturbance from noise and draught. Conclusion: T(c)AF and LAF remove bacteria more efficiently from the air than TMA, especially close to the wound and at the instrument table. Like LAF, the new T(c)AF ventilation system maintained very low levels of cfu in the air, but T(c)AF used substantially less energy and provided a more comfortable working environment than LAF. This enables energy savings with preserved air quality.
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| 7. |
- Aminoff, Hedvig, et al.
(författare)
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Modeling the implementation context of a telemedicine service: Work domain analysis in a surgical setting
- 2021
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Ingår i: JMIR Formative Research. - : JMIR Publications. - 2561-326X. ; 5:6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: A telemedicine service enabling remote surgical consultation had shown promising results. When the service was to be scaled up, it was unclear how contextual variations among different clinical sites could affect the clinical outcomes and implementation of the service. It is generally recognized that contextual factors and work system complexities affect the implementation and outcomes of telemedicine. However, it is methodologically challenging to account for context in complex health care settings. We conducted a work domain analysis (WDA), an engineering method for modeling and analyzing complex work environments, to investigate and represent contextual influences when a telemedicine service was to be scaled up to multiple hospitals.Objective: We wanted to systematically characterize the implementation contexts at the clinics participating in the scale-up process. Conducting a WDA would allow us to identify, in a systematic manner, the functional constraints that shape clinical work at the implementation sites and set the sites apart. The findings could then be valuable for informed implementation and assessment of the telemedicine service.Methods: We conducted observations and semistructured interviews with a variety of stakeholders. Thematic analysis was guided by concepts derived from the WDA framework. We identified objects, functions, priorities, and values that shape clinical procedures. An iterative “discovery and modeling” approach allowed us to first focus on one clinic and then readjust the scope as our understanding of the work systems deepened.Results: We characterized three sets of constraints (ie, facets) in the domain: the treatment facet, administrative facet (providing resources for procedures), and development facet (training, quality improvement, and research). The constraints included medical equipment affecting treatment options; administrative processes affecting access to staff and facilities; values and priorities affecting assessments during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography; and resources for conducting the procedure.Conclusions: The surgical work system is embedded in multiple sets of constraints that can be modeled as facets of the system. We found variations between the implementation sites that might interact negatively with the telemedicine service. However, there may be enough motivation and resources to overcome these initial disruptions given that values and priorities are shared across the sites. Contrasting the development facets at different sites highlighted the differences in resources for training and research. In some cases, this could indicate a risk that organizational demands for efficiency and effectiveness might be prioritized over the long-term outcomes provided by the telemedicine service, or a reduced willingness or ability to accept a service that is not yet fully developed or adapted. WDA proved effective in representing and analyzing these complex clinical contexts in the face of technological change. The models serve as examples of how to analyze and represent a complex sociotechnical context during telemedicine design, implementation, and assessment.
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| 8. |
- Babapour Chafi, Maral, 1983
(författare)
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From fading novelty effects to emergent appreciation of Activity-based Flexible Offices: Comparing the individual, organisational and spatial adaptations in two case organisations
- 2019
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Ingår i: Applied Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0003-6870 .- 1872-9126. ; 81
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Activity-based Flexible Offices (AFOs) are innovations in workspace design that have been increasingly implemented in organisations in recent years. There are conflicting research results on the long-term consequences of implementing AFOs. This paper investigates the changes (if any) that occur over time, in: 1) employee satisfaction with AFO solutions and perceived work support, 2) ways of working and using AFOs and 3) the AFO solution. Two organisations participated in the study. The data collection involved: (i) semi-structured interviews with 26 employees and (ii) process enquiries involving the collection of secondary data and interviews with facility management teams. The findings indicate that limited options for improving an AFO solution lead to lingering work environment problems. By contrast, modifying the solution through systematic processes based on employee feedback helped resolving the initial problems. Over time, this led to an increased appreciation and a sense of collective ownership of the AFO solution.
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| 9. |
- Barisch-Fritz, B., et al.
(författare)
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Evaluation of the rule-of-thumb: calculation of the toe allowance for developing feet
- 2016
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Ingår i: Footwear Science. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1942-4280 .- 1942-4299. ; 8:3, s. 119-127
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The amount of toe allowance (TA, the space in front of the toes) in children's shoes is physiologically important and often estimated by the rule-of-the-parent's-thumb. Besides this, other rules-of-thumb exist mainly based on experiences or footprint analysis. The aim of this study is to scientifically evaluate these rules-of-thumb. TA was calculated as a function of growth rate, foot extension, and walking advance based on three-dimensional (3D) foot scans of 2554 children (6-16 years) during standing and walking. Foot extension was determined as the difference in foot length between static and dynamic weight-bearing, walking advance as movement of the most anterior point of toes, and growth rate as semi-annual foot growth. TA was smaller than all rules-of-thumb and was influenced by gender and foot length. These findings primarily present TA based on 3D foot scans which is important for shoe construction. It is recommended to use 90th percentiles instead of mean values for the construction of TA.
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| 10. |
- Berglund, M., et al.
(författare)
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On Human Terms – A First Evaluation of a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) in Ergonomics
- 2019
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Ingår i: Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing. - Cham : Springer International Publishing. - 2194-5365 .- 2194-5357. - 9783319960791 ; 821, s. 530-538
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) ‘Work and Technology on Human Terms’ (www.onhumanterms.org ) was launched in July 2017 with the aim to contribute to safer and healthier workplaces by increasing the knowledge about how products, systems, and work organizations can be designed on human terms. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a first evaluation of the MOOC. The online course was used in four different university courses in Ergonomics in Sweden, two given at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg and two given at Linköping University. The MOOC material was used in different ways in the courses: (1) suggested voluntary, alternative material for the students’ self-studies, (2) scheduled activity for self-studies with appointed chapters, and (3) mandatory, selected course material being discussed in follow-up seminars. Data for the evaluation was collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with students and teachers. The results showed that the MOOC served as a repetition of lectured material and gave increased understanding of the theories. The recorded interviews with practitioners and researchers in the MOOC highlighted the importance of the subject in real working life. The knowledge tests were appreciated as rehearsal of understanding. However, the MOOC in parallel with the other course material was also considered to be too much work by some students. A recommendation is to carefully consider how to use and integrate the MOOC as a meaningful, individual, theoretical learning activity for the students. Thereby the lectures in classroom could focus more on discussions and problem-solving regarding the topics and less on basic theory.
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| 11. |
- Berlin, Cecilia, 1981, et al.
(författare)
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Fysisk arbetsmiljö för hälsa, välmående och prestation
- 2020
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Denna rapport har till syfte att ge en kunskaps-översikt över tillgänglig forskning på temat ”Fysisk arbetsmiljö för hälsa, välmående och prestation”. Kunskapsöversiktens innehåll fokuserar på hur en frisk och välmående fysisk arbetsplats utformas, för att ge förutsättningar för god arbetsprestation parallellt med hög grad av välmående. Rapporten är avsiktligen vinklad bort från problemfokuserad litteratur om skaderisker, likaså om insatser för hälsopromotion som syftar till att individen tar ett större eget ansvar för att öka sin fysiska aktivitet eller ändring av livsstil. Istället riktas fokus mot friskfaktorer som härrör från en väl genomtänkt och avsiktlig formgivning (design) av arbetsplatsen, både i form av layout och dess ingående tekniska lösningar (exempelvis utrustningar, möbler med mera). Översikten inkluderar till stor del litteratur från ergonomi- och design-fältet, i syfte att betona kunskap om den avsiktligt formgivna arbetsmiljön och dess ingående designparametrar. En systematisk litteratursökning har genomförts med sökning i två databaser, Scopus och Web of Science. Till en början identifierades 4299 sökträffar som uppfyllde sökkriterierna. Efter sållning, granskning av abstracts och kvalitetsutvärdering av 446 fulltexter inkluderades och kategoriserades till slut 317 artiklar i två huvudsakliga kategorier: 196 primär- och litteraturstudier om fysisk belastning på arbetsplatser, samt 121 designprocessorienterade artiklar vars innehåll ger råd om, vägleder och organiserar formgivningen av en hälsosam och välfungerande fysisk arbetsplats. Kvalitetsgranskning genomfördes på samtliga inkluderade artiklar; empiriska primärstudier utvärderades med McGill Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), litteraturstudier med Critical Appraisal Skills programmes (CASP) mall för kunskapsöversikter, och den designprocessorienterade litteraturen genomgick en förenklad kvalitetsgranskning med specialanpassad mall. Den inkluderade kunskapen spänner över många olika studietyper, metodansatser, interventionsavsikter och yrkesgrupper. Inom kategorin primär- och litteraturstudier identifierades fältstudier (134), laboratoriska studier (45), enkätbaserade tvärsnittsstudier (53) och litteraturstudier (14). Ett första resultat var att friskfaktorer av olika slag identifierades; dessa uttrycks oftast i form av önskade utfall som är spridda över ett spektrum mellan välbefinnande å ena sidan och prestation å andra sidan, till exempel välmående, nöjdhet, återhämtning, komfort, engagemang, prestation, produktivitet, effektivitet, kreativitet, problemlösning och samarbete. Vissa ”negativt” formulerade utfall är också indikatorer på fysisk belastningsfriskhet, till exempel minskad stress, fysisk belastning, fysisk skaderisk eller felhandling. Som synes håller sig inte alla dessa utfall strikt till den fysiska arbetsmiljön, utan påverkar även kognitiva och organisatoriska friskfaktorer. Resultaten redovisades även indelat i de yrkeskategorier som kunde betraktas som utmärkande i materialet. Den största proportionen av yrkesrelaterad litteratur om friskfaktorer handlar om kunskapsarbete (som domineras av kontorsstudier), följt av studier från vårdsektorn, därefter från industriella tillämpningar (inklusive byggbranschen) och därefter övriga yrken och studier som inkluderar flera yrkeskategorier samtidigt. Den design-processorienterade litteraturen innehåller mycket vägledning i hur arbetsplatser bör utformas generellt för att förbättra friskhet. De flesta studier om designprocesser som ger processrekommendationer om hur utformningsarbetet bör fortlöpa och organiseras rekommenderar en deltagande (participativ) ansats, för att skapa bättre förståelse för medarbetarnas behov och skapa engagemang under designprocessen både för design av arbetsredskap och av arbetsplatser. Det finns dock en del studier som visar att deltagande processer inte alltid leder till önskade effekter. Andra värdefulla bidrag från denna litteraturkategori berör användandet av olika verktyg för simulering och utvärdering samt metoder för att bedöma lämpligheten av arbetsplatsutformningen för specifika grupper av användare. Både arbetsplatsdesign och tekniska produktlösningar för att stödja friskhet på arbetsplatsen har utvärderats av litteraturen. Ett fåtal studier fokuserade på att utvärdera arbetsredskap för olika yrkeskategorier, ofta med belastningsergonomiska och riskkartläggande perspektiv, men även med hänsyn till aspekter som nöjdhet, preferens och användarvänlighet. Andra specifika spår i litteraturen är artiklar om sittande och stående, särskilda arbetskrav och förutsättningar för äldre arbetskraft, återhämtning. Användning av nya teknikutvecklingar i design- och utvärderingsprocesser är en annan trend som syns i litteraturen. Rapporten lyfter fram tre områden som kan bli allt vanligare: robotar som arbetsredskap inklusive hur arbetsfördelning mellan robotar och människor bör ske, användning av bärbar teknologi (wearables) eller rörelseregistrerande teknik (till exempel sensorer och kameror) för aktivitets- och/eller biometrisk mätning och slutligen ökad användning av simuleringar, exempelvis via så kallade digitala tvillingar, för design och underhåll av arbetsplatser. Enligt en kategori studier framhålls att designmässiga arbetsplatsförändringar bör kombineras med utbildning, träning och kunskapskomplettering för att uppnå beteendeförändringar hos användare av arbetsplatsen eller arbetsredskapen, detta för att erhålla de största och mest varaktiga effekterna på hälsa och välmående. Den designprocessorienterade litteraturen gav en rik och varierad vägledning i olika processer, ansatser, verktyg och metoder för hur en friskhetsfrämjande arbetsplatsdesign kan stödjas. Bidragen kan vara vägledande både för individ- och makroperspektiv, det vill säga systemsynen i artiklarna varierar mellan olika systemnivåer och kan vägleda såväl olika processteg som val och utvärdering av specifika utrustningar och layouter samt ge råd för hur en deltagande process som involverar medarbetarna bör gå till. Bland verktygen som beskrivs för dessa ändamål finns metoder, analytiska modeller, mätutrustningar och simuleringstekniker. Denna översikt hade en bred ansats, vilket har visat sig vara både en styrka och en svaghet. Det är svårt att finna klara, allmänna rekommendationer med hänsyn till så många olika specialsammanhang och skilda arbetssystems syften. Även om renodlade studier om enskilda ”friskhetsfrämjande” faktorer finns, är multi-utfallsinriktade ansatser en mycket mer intressant och relevant väg att gå för framtida forskning och utveckling. För att komma längre och djupare med sådana kombinationer av syften, tror författarna att en framgångsfaktor är att begränsa sig till fördjupade studier inom avgränsade yrkesområden, till exempel industri, vård, kunskapsarbete och andra, mer specifika områden som i denna översikt har sammanförts med andra kategorier. En ytterligare rekommenderad fördjupning skulle vara att fokusera på utvärderingar av belastningsreducerande arbetsredskap, särskilt i syfte att vägleda organisationer, arbetsgivare och formgivare i processen att upphandla, välja, införskaffa och implementera utrustning och arbetsredskap. Något som bör beforskas mer är parallella utvärderingar av fysisk och kognitiv (eller mental) arbetsbelastning från samma arbete. Detta är svårt men mycket viktigt att undersöka. Denna studie har även funnit få bidrag som berör tidsrelaterade faktorer som till exempel schemaläggning, rotation med mera, vilka presenterats som strategier för en hälsosammare grad av fysisk belastning i arbetet. En närbesläktad aspekt som vore intressant att undersöka närmare är hur interaktionen med digitala gränssnitt påverkar den fysiska belastningen, då användningen av fler digitala tjänster leder till mer fysisk interaktion med ”smarta” gränssnitt och handhållna/bärbara tekniker både i våra yrken och privat. Vidare identifierade översikten få studier som beskriver misslyckade designprocesser.
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| 12. |
- Berlin, Cecilia, 1981, et al.
(författare)
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Production Ergonomics: Designing Work Systems to Support Optimal Human Performance
- 2017
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Bok (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Production ergonomics – the science and practice of designing industrial workplaces to optimize human well-being and system performance – is a complex challenge for a designer. Humans are a valuable and flexible resource in any system of creation, and as long as they stay healthy, alert and motivated, they perform well and also become more competent over time, which increases their value as a resource. However, if a system designer is not mindful or aware of the many threats to health and system performance that may emerge, the end result may include inefficiency, productivity losses, low working morale, injuries and sick-leave.To help budding system designers and production engineers tackle these design challenges holistically, this book offers a multi-faceted orientation in the prerequisites for healthy and effective human work. We will cover physical, cognitive and organizational aspects of ergonomics, and provide both the individual human perspective and that of groups and populations, ending up with a look at global challenges that require workplaces to become more socially and economically sustainable. This book is written to give you a warm welcome to the subject, and to provide a solid foundation for improving industrial workplaces to attract and retain healthy and productive staff in the long run.
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| 13. |
- Bligård, Lars-Ola, 1976, et al.
(författare)
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Enhanced Cognitive Walkthrough: Development of the Cognitive Walkthrough Method to Better Predict, Identify, and Present Usability Problems
- 2013
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Ingår i: Advances in Human-Computer Interaction. - : Hindawi Limited. - 1687-5907 .- 1687-5893. ; 2013
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- To avoid use errors when handling medical equipment, it is important to develop products with a high degree of usability. This can be achieved by performing usability evaluations in the product development process to detect and mitigate potential usability problems. A commonly used method is cognitive walkthrough (CW), but this method shows three weaknesses: poor high-level perspective, insufficient categorisation of detected usability problems, and difficulties in overviewing the analytical results. This paper presents a further development of CW with the aim of overcoming its weaknesses. The new method is called enhanced cognitive walkthrough (ECW). ECW is a proactive analytical method for analysis of potential usability problems. The ECW method has been employed to evaluate user interface designs of medical equipment such as home-care ventilators, infusion pumps, dialysis machines, and insulin pumps. The method has proved capable of identifying several potential use problems in designs.
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| 14. |
- Burnett, Wadena D., et al.
(författare)
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The effect of selected rest break activities on reaction time, balance, and perceived discomfort after one hour of simulated occupational whole-body vibration exposure in healthy adults
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Annals of Medicine. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0785-3890 .- 1365-2060. ; 55:2
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background & Objective: Negative health effects from occupational whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure during machinery operation include alterations in proprioception, vestibular function, reaction time, stress, motor response, and decrements in musculoskeletal health. To reduce WBV exposure during machinery operation, it may be possible to incorporate short rest break activities throughout the day. This study aims to determine if there are intervention activities that can minimize decrements in cognitive, proprioceptive, and musculoskeletal effects related to WBV exposure during machine operation. Materials & Methods: Eleven healthy adults participated in four 1-hour sessions of ecologically valid WBV exposure followed by one of four 5-minute activities: sitting, walking, 2 min of gaze stabilization exercise (GSE) coupled with 3 min of trunk mobility exercise (GSE + MOBIL), or 2 min of GSE coupled with a 3-minute walk (GSE + WALK). Baseline and post-activity measurements (rating of perceived discomfort, balance and postural sway measurements, 5-minute psychomotor vigilance task test) were submitted to a paired t-test to determine the effect of WBV exposure and activities on physical, cognitive, and sensorimotor systems and to a repeated measures ANOVA to determine any differences across activities. Results: We observed degradation of the slowest 10% reaction speed outcomes between baseline and post-activity after walking (7.3%, p < 0.05) and sitting (8.6%, p < 0.05) but not after GSE + MOBIL or GSE + WALK activities. Slowest 10% reaction speed after GSE + MOBIL activity was faster than all other activities. The rating of perceived discomfort was higher after SIT and WALK activities. There were no notable differences in balance outcomes. Conclusion: When compared to sitting for 5 min, an activity including GSE and an active component, such as walking or trunk mobility exercises, resulted in maintenance of reaction time after WBV exposure. If confirmed in occupational environments, GSE may provide a simple, rapid, effective, and inexpensive means to protect against decrements in reaction time after WBV exposure.
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| 15. |
- Carter, Jim, et al.
(författare)
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The GOTHI Model of Tactile and Haptic Interaction
- 2005
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The paper presents the GOTHI model of tactile and haptic interaction. The GOTHI-05 workshop (October 2005) brought researchers together to develop a collection of ergonomic guidance and a framework for organizing this guidance. After a number of individual presentations, the participants worked together to develop a model of tactile and haptic interaction. The inaugural meeting of ISO TC159/SC4/WG9 further refined this model and adopted it as the basis for a new standard ISO 9241- 920 Ergonomics of human-system interaction — Guidance on tactile and haptic interactions.
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| 16. |
- Chen, Janice D., et al.
(författare)
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Impact of experience when using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment to assess postural risk in children using information and communication technologies
- 2014
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Ingår i: Applied Ergonomics. - : Elsevier. - 0003-6870 .- 1872-9126. ; 45:3, s. 398-405
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) is an observation-based screening tool that has been used to assess postural risks of children in school settings. Studies using eye-tracking technology suggest that visual search strategies are influenced by experience in the task performed. This study investigated if experience in postural risk assessments contributed to differences in outcome scores on the RULA and the visual search strategies utilized. While wearing an eye-tracker, 16 student occupational therapists and 16 experienced occupational therapists used the RULA to assess 11 video scenarios of a child using different mobile information and communication technologies (ICT) in the home environment. No significant differences in RULA outcome scores, and no conclusive differences in visual search strategies between groups were found. RULA can be used as a screening tool for postural risks following a short training session regardless of the assessors experience in postural risk assessments.
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| 17. |
- Coelho, Denis A., et al.
(författare)
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Dynamics of forearm muscle activity in slanted computer mice use
- 2021
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Ingår i: Work. - : IOS Press. - 1051-9815 .- 1875-9270. ; 68:1, s. 123-135
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Static muscular activity of muscles activated in the use of the conventional PC mouse is believed to represent a higher risk for the musculoskeletal health of the user than dynamic muscular activity.OBJECTIVE: This paper presents a compounded muscular activity dynamics indicator (akin to percent relative range), enabling comparison between computer handheld pointing devices.METHODS: This muscular dynamism approach considers baseline muscular activity (APL, ECR, ECU and ED) relative to the Maximum Voluntary Contraction as well as the dynamics of muscular activation. The latter is computed as the ratio of the difference between APDF90 and APDF10 divided by APDF50 (APDF-Amplitude Probability Distribution Function for the 90th, 50th and 10th percentiles). The paper demonstrates the approach with results of comparative evaluation of a horizontal, a slanted and a vertical PC mouse, through surface EMG monitoring of 20 participants performing standardized graphical task with the devices.RESULTS: Hand size impacts muscular activity dynamics in these four muscles, which supersedes differences in device geometry, across the range of devices tested.CONCLUSION: Smaller devices relative to hand size foster more dynamic muscular activity.
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| 18. |
- Crockett, Katie, et al.
(författare)
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Experiences of Health Care Access Challenges for Back Pain Care Across the Rural-Urban Continuum in Canada: Protocol for Cross-sectional Research
- 2022
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Ingår i: JMIR Research Protocols. - : JMIR Publications Inc.. - 1929-0748. ; 11:12
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Back pain is common and costly, with negative impacts on both individuals and the health care system. Rural, remote, and Indigenous populations are at greater risk of experiencing back pain compared to urban and non-Indigenous populations. Potential barriers to health care access among Canadians with chronic back pain (CBP) have been identified; however, no study has used lived experiences of people with CBP to drive the selection, analysis, and interpretation of variables most meaningful to patients. Objective: The aims of this study are to (1) engage with rural, remote, and urban Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients, health care providers, and health system decision makers to explore lived experiences among people with CBP in Saskatchewan, Canada; (2) cocreate meaningful indicators of CBP care access and effectiveness; and (3) identify program and policy recommendations to overcome access barriers to CBP care. Methods: In phase 1, one-on-one interviews with 30 people with current or past CBP and 10 health care providers residing or practicing in rural, remote, or urban Saskatchewan communities will be conducted. We will recruit Indigenous (n=10) and non-Indigenous (n=20) rural, remote, and urban people. In phase 2, findings from the interviews will inform development of a population-based telephone survey focused on access to health care barriers and facilitators among rural, remote, and urban people; this survey will be administered to 383 residents with CBP across Saskatchewan. In phase 3, phase 1 and 2 findings will be presented to provincial and national policy makers; health system decision makers; health care providers; rural, remote, and urban people with CBP and their communities; and other knowledge users at an interactive end-of-project knowledge translation event. A World Café method will facilitate interactive dialogue designed to catalyze future patient-oriented research and pathways to improve access to CBP care. Patient engagement will be conducted, wherein people with lived experience of CBP, including Indigenous and non-Indigenous people from rural, remote, and urban communities (ie, patient partners), are equal members of the research team. Patient partners are engaged throughout the research process, providing unique knowledge to ensure more comprehensive collection of data while shaping culturally appropriate messages and methods of sharing findings to knowledge users. Results: Participant recruitment began in January 2021. Phase 1 interviews occurred between January 2021 and September 2022. Phase 2 phone survey was administered in May 2022. Final results are anticipated in late 2022. Conclusions: This study will privilege patient experiences to better understand current health care use and potential access challenges and facilitators among rural, remote, and urban people with CBP in Saskatchewan. We aim to inform the development of comprehensive measures that will be sensitive to geographical location and relevant to culturally diverse people with CBP, ultimately leading to enhanced access to more patient-centered care for CBP. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/42484
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| 19. |
- Dahlqvist, Camilla, et al.
(författare)
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Self-recordings of upper arm elevation during cleaning - comparison between analyses using a simplified reference posture and a standard reference posture
- 2018
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Ingår i: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. - : BMC. - 1471-2474. ; 19
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background To reduce ergonomic risk factors in terms of awkward and constrained postures and high velocities, it is important to perform adequate risk assessments. Technical methods provide objective measures of physical workload. These methods have so far mainly been used by researchers. However, if written instructions how to apply the sensors and how to adopt the reference posture are provided, together with triaxial accelerometers, it may be possible for employees to record their own physical workload. The exposure in terms of e.g. upper arm elevations could then easily be assessed for all workers in a workplace. The main aims of this study were: 1) to compare analyses for self-recording of upper arm elevation during work using a simplified reference posture versus using a standard reference posture, and 2) to compare the two reference postures.MethodsTwenty-eight cleaners attached an accelerometer to their dominant upper arm and adopted a simplified reference according to a written instruction. They were thereafter instructed by a researcher to adopt a standard reference. Upper arm elevations were recorded for 2 or 3 days. Each recording was analysed twice; relative to the simplified reference posture and relative to the standard reference posture. The group means of the differences in recorded upper arm elevations between simplified and standard reference analyses were assessed using Wilcoxon signed ranks test. Furthermore, we calculated the group mean of the differences between the simplified reference posture and the standard reference posture.ResultsFor arm elevation during work (50(th) percentile), the group mean of the differences between the two analyses was 0.2 degrees (range-7 - 10 degrees). The group mean of the differences between the two references was 9 degrees (range 1-21 degrees). The subjects were able to follow the instructions in the protocol and performed self-recording of upper arm elevation and velocity.ConclusionsThe small difference between the two analyses indicates that recordings performed by employees themselves are comparable, on a group level, with those performed by researchers. Self-recordings in combination with action levels would provide employers with a method for risk assessment as a solid basis for prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
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| 20. |
- Dellve, Lotta, et al.
(författare)
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Myofeedback training and intensive muscular strength training to improve work ability and decrease pain among female workers on long term sick leave with neck pain : A Randomized Controlled Trial
- 2011
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Ingår i: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0340-0131 .- 1432-1246. ; 84:3, s. 335-346
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The theoretical framework is that muscle tension in the neck is related to insufficient muscular rest and is a risk factor for chronic pain and reduced work ability. Promoting muscle strength and muscle rest may increase work ability and reduce neck pain. To test whether myofeedback training or intensive strength training leads to decreased pain and increased work ability in women on long-term sick leave. This is a randomized controlled trial of two 1-month interventions with myofeedback or muscular strength training in the home environment. Female human service organization workers (n = 60) on long-term (> 60 days) sick leave and with chronic neck pain were followed with self-reported and laboratory-observed data of health, pain, muscular activation, and work ability, at baseline, immediately after the intervention and 3 months after baseline. For both intervention groups, pain was lowered over time compared with the control group. Decreased pain and muscular activity was associated with increased self-rated work ability and with laboratory-observed work ability at 3-month follow-up. Decreased pain was also associated with increased self-rated work ability at 1-month follow-up. Muscular strength training was associated with increased self-rated work ability and mental health. Myofeedback was associated with increased observed work ability and self- rated vitality. The two interventions showed positive results, suggesting that they could be developed for use in health care practice to address pain and work ability. The intensive muscular strength training program, which is both easy to conduct at home and easy to coach, was associated with increased work ability.
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
- Eliasson, Kristina, et al.
(författare)
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A user-centred development process for an equipment vest for the Swedish police force
- 2024
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Ingår i: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS. - : InderScience Publishers. - 2045-7804 .- 2045-7812. ; 11:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of this paper is to describe a user-centred development process for an equipment vest for police officers on active duty. Development and evaluation of the vest were conducted through a multidisciplinary collaboration between the police organisation and external researchers with expertise in ergonomics and biomechanics. The development process was initiated with a user needs analysis, followed by pilot testing of the initial vest prototype. In the extensive usability test, 95 police officers participated. Interviews, focus group discussions, and pressure measurements were conducted to assess the vest's functionality, impact on physical load, safety aspects, and signal value. Throughout the process, several important aspects were identified. Researchers delivered results iteratively to the designers and project manager. The results from the user evaluation guided further development, resulting in an equipment vest tailored to the needs and requirements of Swedish police officers on active duty.
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| 23. |
- Eliasson, Kristina, 1979-, et al.
(författare)
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Factors influencing ergonomists' use of observation-based risk-assessment tools
- 2019
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Ingår i: Work. - : IOS PRESS. - 1051-9815 .- 1875-9270. ; 64:1, s. 93-106
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Several observation-based risk-assessment tools have been developed in recent decades. Studies reporting their use often focus only on the user, the ergonomist. The influence of context and the attributes of the tools may also affect the use but are factors that are seldom considered. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to explore the process of risk-assessment assignments and to identify factors influencing the use of research-based observation-based risk-assessment tools among Swedish ergonomists, with a background as reg. physiotherapists, employed in Occupational Health Services (OHS). METHODS: A web-based questionnaire (n = 70) was combined with semi-structured interviews (n = 12). RESULTS: There was limited use of several observation-based risk-assessment tools. Furthermore, the results showed that ergonomics risk-assessment assignments are most commonly initiated reactively and that interventions were seldom evaluated. Factors that influence use are related both to the ergonomist and to the attributes of the tools as well as to contextual factors assigned to authorities, and internal organisations both within occupational health service companies and client companies. CONCLUSION: There was a lack of systematic approaches in ergonomics risks assessment and low use and knowledge of risk-assessment tools. This indicates that there is a need to support OHS companies in implementing systematic tools in their practice.
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| 24. |
- Elvnäs, Simon, et al.
(författare)
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Assessing and improving supervisory behaviours at standardised meetings using self-recorded video and the operant supervisory taxonomy index
- 2024
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Ingår i: International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics. - : Inderscience Publishers. - 2045-7804 .- 2045-7812. ; 11:2
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aims of this study were to use the operant supervisory taxonomy index (OSTI) with self-recorded videos: 1) to assess three crucial supervisory behaviours at recurrent workplace meetings; 2) to assess an intervention to increase supervisors' use of performance consequences; 3) to demonstrate how using OSTI with video for studying supervisor-employee interactions contributes to the field of human factors and ergonomics. Eight supervisors at a technical company video-recorded themselves at standardised daily staff meetings for ten weeks (360 videos, in total). All supervisors increased their delivery of performance consequences per meeting after participating in weekly sessions focusing on their use of this behaviour. The use of the crucial supervisory behaviours varied within and between supervisors. A combination of self-recorded videos over time and OSTI is a useful method for objectively analysing supervisor performance in detail and can contribute to improving supervisory behaviours and their impact on performance and health.
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| 25. |
- Fridolfsson, Jonatan, 1992, et al.
(författare)
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Measurement of physical activity by shoe-based accelerometers—calibration and free-living validation
- 2021
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Ingår i: Sensors. - : MDPI AG. - 1424-8220. ; 21:7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- There is conflicting evidence regarding the health implications of high occupational physical activity (PA). Shoe-based accelerometers could provide a feasible solution for PA measurement in workplace settings. This study aimed to develop calibration models for estimation of energy expenditure (EE) from shoe-based accelerometers, validate the performance in a workplace setting and compare it to the most commonly used accelerometer positions. Models for EE estimation were calibrated in a laboratory setting for the shoe, hip, thigh and wrist worn accelerometers. These models were validated in a free-living workplace setting. Furthermore, additional models were devel-oped from free-living data. All sensor positions performed well in the laboratory setting. When the calibration models derived from laboratory data were validated in free living, the shoe, hip and thigh sensors displayed higher correlation, but lower agreement, with measured EE compared to the wrist sensor. Using free-living data for calibration improved the agreement of the shoe, hip and thigh sensors. This study suggests that the performance of a shoe-based accelerometer is similar to the most commonly used sensor positions with regard to PA measurement. Furthermore, it high-lights limitations in using the relationship between accelerometer output and EE from a laboratory setting to estimate EE in a free-living setting.
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
- Gao, Chuansi, et al.
(författare)
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Whole body heat balance and local insulation required to prevent extremity cooling in extremely cold environments
- 2016
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Ingår i: 6th International Conference on the Physiology and Pharmacology of Temperature Regulation. ; , s. 165-165
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- IntroductionLocal cooling in winter conditions is a sensitive and early warning of whole body cooling. Previous studies showed that the equilibrium temperature for the 5th finger is strongly affected by both temperature and insulation. The international standard ISO 11079 is used to calculate clothing insulation required for the whole body based on heat balance equations. However, it does not provide possibility to determine required insulation for local protection. The European standard EN 511 has provided a simple example of the thermal insulation level required as a function of ambient air temperature at a wind speed below 0.5 m/s. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between glove insulation and finger temperature in an extremely cold condition.MethodsNine subjects participated in a climatic chamber (Ta -30.6 °C, Va 0.4 m/s). Hestra wind stopper fleece fabric gloves and thicker cross country ski mittens (727 g/m2) with micro fleece lining were used for four and five subjects, respectively. Cold protective clothing (Icl=1.89 clo, standard total insulation: 2.26 clo) was used for subjects walking at 232.8 W/m2 to provide whole body thermal comfort according to ASTM F2732. Results and conclusionsThe rectal temperature was relatively stable (37.4 - 37.7 °C) during walking (90 min). The mean little finger temperature reduced to 7.9 (SD 1.4) °C when wearing Hestra wind stopper fleece fabric gloves (0.95 clo), whereas the finger temperature reached 17.8 (1.2) °C when wearing thicker ski mittens (1.46 clo). The insulation of gloves is required to be approximately about the standard total insulation of the ensemble (2.26 clo) to maintain thermal equilibrium of the finger (33 °C). The relationship (Iglove = 0.0522 * Tfinger + 0.5347) between finger temperature (°C) and glove insulation (clo) is established to estimate glove insulation required in this extremely cold environment.
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| 28. |
- Gatzounis, Rena, et al.
(författare)
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A break from pain! : Interruption management in the context of pain
- 2019
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Ingår i: Pain management. - : Future Medicine Ltd.. - 1758-1869 .- 1758-1877. ; 9:1, s. 81-91
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Activity interruptions, namely temporary suspensions of an ongoing task with the intention to resume it later, are common in pain. First, pain is a threat signal that urges us to interrupt ongoing activities in order to manage the pain and its cause. Second, activity interruptions are used in chronic pain management. However, activity interruptions by pain may carry costs for activity performance. These costs have recently started to be systematically investigated. We review the evidence on the consequences of activity interruptions by pain for the performance of the interrupted activity. Further, inspired by literature on interruptions from other research fields, we suggest ways to improve interruption management in the field of pain, and provide a future research agenda.
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| 29. |
- Grooten, W. J., et al.
(författare)
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Is active sitting as active as we think?
- 2013
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Ingår i: Ergonomics. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0014-0139 .- 1366-5847. ; 56:8, s. 1304-14
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)
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| 30. |
- Gustafsson, Ewa, 1955, et al.
(författare)
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Texting with touchscreen and keypad phones - A comparison of thumb kinematics, upper limb muscle activity, exertion, discomfort, and performance
- 2018
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Ingår i: Applied Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0003-6870. ; 70, s. 232-239
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study aimed to compare thumb kinematics and upper limb muscle activity, and the influence of hand size, when texting on a keypad smartphone and a touchscreen smartphone. Furthermore, the study compared exertion, discomfort, and performance when texting on the two phones. The thumb kinematics were tracked using a 3D motion analysis system and muscle activity was registered in six upper limb muscles using surface electromyography in 19 participants. When texting on the touchscreen phone compared to the keypad phone thumb flexion (p = 0.008) and flexion/extension range of motion were smaller (p = 0.02), the thumb was on average less internally rotated (p = 0.02), and activity (50th and 90th percentile) of the thumb and forearm muscles was lower (p ≤ 0.05). The differences in thumb flexion were found only in the group with shorter hands and the differences in muscle activity was found only in the group with longer hands. These findings suggest there are differences in risks for developing musculoskeletal disorders during smartphone use with different key activation mechanisms and different hand sizes. © 2018 The Authors
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| 31. |
- Heiden, Marina, 1974-, et al.
(författare)
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Validity of a computer-based risk assessment method for visual ergonomics
- 2019
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Ingår i: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 72, s. 180-187
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ObjectiveTo describe the development of a computer-based risk assessment method for visual ergonomics, and assess its face validity, content validity, and internal consistency.MethodsThe risk assessment method contained a questionnaire for the worker, an evaluation form for the evaluator, a section of follow-up questions based on the worker's responses, and a section for recommended changes, including an overall risk assessment with respect to daylight, lighting, illuminance, glare, flicker, work space, work object and work postures, respectively. Forty-eight trained evaluators used the method to perform 224 workplace evaluations. Content validity of the method was assessed by the completeness and distribution of responses, and internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha, Spearman's rank correlation between items and indices, and exploratory factor analysis.ResultsThe proportion of missing values in items was generally low (questionnaire: 0–2.3%; evaluation form: 1.4–4.1%). In the questionnaire, items about double vision, migraine and corrective lenses had limited information content. Cronbach's alpha and item-index correlations for the indices frequency of eyestrain, intensity of eyestrain, visual symptoms, lighting conditions, frequency of musculoskeletal discomfort and intensity of musculoskeletal discomfort were satisfactory. Based on the factor analysis, suggestions for improving some of the indices were made.ConclusionOur findings suggest that this computer-based method is a valid instrument for assessing risks in the visual work environment. By incorporating subjective ratings by the worker as well as objective measurements of the work environment, it provides a good basis for recommendations with respect to daylight, lighting, work surfaces/material, and work object.Relevance to industryVisual environment factors, such as glare, can cause eyestrain, headache and musculoskeletal discomfort. This method satisfies the need of a valid tool for determining risks associated with the visual work environment. It contains both worker's ratings and objective measurements, and is designed to be used in different types of work.
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| 32. |
- Holtermann, Andreas, et al.
(författare)
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A practical guidance for assessments of sedentary behavior at work: A PEROSH initiative
- 2017
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Ingår i: Applied Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0003-6870 .- 1872-9126. ; 63, s. 41-52
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Sedentary behavior is defined as sitting or lying with low energy expenditure. Humans in industrialized societies spend an increasing amount of time in sedentary behaviors every day. This has been associated with detrimental health outcomes. Despite a growing interest in the health effects of sedentary behavior at work, associations remain unclear, plausibly due to poor and diverse methods for assessing sedentary behavior. Thus, good practice guidance for researchers and practitioners on how to assess occupational sedentary behavior are needed. The aim of this paper is to provide a practical guidance for practitioners and researchers on how to assess occupational sedentary behavior. Ambulatory systems for use in field applications (wearables) are a promising approach for sedentary behavior assessment. Many different small-size consumer wearables, with long battery life and high data storage capacity are commercially available today. However, no stand-alone commercial system is able to assess sedentary behavior in accordance with its definition. The present paper offers decision support for practitioners and researchers in selecting wearables and data collection strategies for their purpose of study on sedentary behavior. Valid and reliable assessment of occupational sedentary behavior is currently not easy. Several aspects need to be considered in the decision process on how to assess sedentary behavior. There is a need for development of a cheap and easily useable wearable for assessment of occupational sedentary behavior by researchers and practitioners
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| 33. |
- Hyppönen, Hannele, et al.
(författare)
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eHealth indicators : results of an expert workshop
- 2012
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Ingår i: Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, Volume 180. - : I O S Press. - 9781614991007 ; , s. 328-332
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- eHealth indicators are needed to measure defined aspects of national eHealth implementations. However, until now, eHealth indicators are ambiguous or unclear. Therefore, an expert workshop "Towards an International Minimum Dataset for Monitoring National Health Information System Implementations" was organized. The objective was to develop ideas for a minimum eHealth indicator set. The proposed ideas for indicators were classified based on EUnetHTA and De-Lone & McClean, and classification was compared with health IT evaluation criteria classification by Ammenwerth & Keizer. Analysis of the workshop results emphasized the need for a common methodological framework for defining and classifying eHealth indicators. It also showed the importance of setting the indicators into context. The results will benefit policy makers, developers and researchers in pursuit of provision and use of evidence in management of eHealth systems.
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| 34. |
- Håkansson, Ebba, et al.
(författare)
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Including Human Factors and Ergonomics in Requirements Engineering for Digital Work Environments
- 2020
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Ingår i: Proceedings of 1st IEEE International Workshop on Requirements Engineering for Well-being, Aging and Health (REWBAH). - 9781728183541
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Digital technology plays an important role in our work places, and much time is spent in the virtual environments that technol-ogy provides. However, today’s digital work environments are often cumbersome and hard to use, and contribute to stress and ill-health with subsequent cost to the individual, to their employ-ers and to society. Our long-term aim is to facilitate the develop-ment of IT systems that provide a healthy digital work environ-ment by including a human factors and ergonomics (HFE) per-spective in the requirements engineering (RE) process. IT systems can then be better adapted to professional users, rather than forcing them to adapt work processes to the tools provided. As a first step, we performed an exploratory case study of a recently implemented IT system at a major Nordic bank to identify relevant aspects of HFE to consider within RE. The study consisted of a literature review, observations and interviews. We present eight factors covering user support such as documentation and training, and system characteristics such as understandability, ease of learning, ease of remembering, user satisfaction, system interplay and work-process interplay. These initial results may support non-HFE experts in including these aspects in RE for digital work environments. The results are also a starting point for further research into incorporating HFE in RE.
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| 35. |
- Hägg, Göran M, et al.
(författare)
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Knife force differences when cutting meat at different temperatures
- 2012
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Ingår i: NES2012. - Stockholm : KTH Royal Institute of Technology. - 9789163711497
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- IntroductionMeat cutters in abattoirs is a group with high risks for musculoskeletal disorders. A major reason for this is that they exert high hand forces over a great part of the day when cutting meat. Though meat is refrigerated due to hygienic demands, meat temperature can vary. Meat cutters have claimed that knife forces increase with lower temperatures. This study was performed to find out what effects the meat temperature has on cutting forces. In addition, the same issue was addressed for pure fat.MethodTo be able to do cuts in meat under controlled conditions while measuring cutting forces, a machine, Anago KST Sharpness Analyzer, was used. The machine normally runs a knife at constant speed through a standardized textile ribbon while the force exerted on the ribbon is recorded over time. For this investigation, the ribbon was replaced by a wooden fixture with a 10 mm wide slot where the knife could pass and where meat samples could be fixed.Meat obtained from hind loin and fat tissue of pork was cut into 5 cm long, 4 cm wide and 2 cm thick samples. The meat fibre orientation was aligned with the long axis of the sample. When fixated in the fixture and the machine was started, the knife made a 4 cm long cut through 2 cm thick meat or fat.One hundred and forty four samples of meat and as many of fat were collected and put overnight in one of three refrigerators with temperatures 2, 7 and 12 °C, 48 in each. Well sharpened standard knifes were used for the tests. The knife was changed after 24 cuts. During the procedure samples were taken directly from the refrigerator and put into the fixture and tested immediately. The sample order was generally 2, 7, 12 °C to avoid systematic effects of a gradually blunter knife.ResultsThere were no significant differences in knife forces at the three meat temperatures. The forces for fat were in average about three times higher than the meat forces. There was no significant difference between forces in fat at 7 and 12 °C. However there was a strongly significant difference between these two groups and the 2 °C fat group. The force was about 30% higher compared to the forces at 7 and 12 °C in fat.ConclusionIn the range 2-12 °C there are no differences in meat. For fat there are no differences in the range 7-12 °C while the force increases about 30% when going from 7 to 2 °C.
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| 36. |
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| 37. |
- Jakob, Martina, et al.
(författare)
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Addressing Exoskeleton Implementation Challenges : Case Studies of Non-Acceptance in Agriculture
- 2023
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Ingår i: Journal of Agromedicine. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1059-924X .- 1545-0813. ; 28:4, s. 784-796
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: The objective of this study was to detect success and failure factors for the implementation of passive exoskeletons in agriculture. Exoskeletons have been shown to reduce musculoskeletal loads during lab-based manual tasks, but long-term implementation experiences in agriculture are lacking. Methods: We analyzed four intervention studies in agriculture focusing on methodological and contextual reasons why the trials were successful or unsuccessful. The study context, attempted intervention, and data collection of each field trial is compared. In the absence of long-term studies investigating the implementation and effectiveness of exoskeletons in agriculture, a set of multi-week pilot trials were initiated among German market vegetable farms and French vineyards from 2019 to 2022. Participant ratings, farm characteristics (e.g. employment duration and payment scheme) and intervention implementation characteristics (e.g. participation in implementation or language barriers) were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach to identify success and failure factors. Results: The comparison of the studies showed that despite the organizational issues, there were several practical issues that limit the success of exoskeleton use in agriculture. We observed that participant rejection of the intervention is a major barrier to successfully conducting long-term field trials in agriculture. Factors like pain, discomfort, heat stress, or a lack of perceived benefits have been identified as failure factors but also the implementation process itself. Conclusion: In addition to careful targeting of trial sites and inclusion of participatory elements in the implementation plan, successful implementation of exoskeletons in agriculture requires fundamental human factors development of the exoskeletons themselves. This will require better matching the physical needs of the workers, the production needs of the tasks, and compatibility with the environment.
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| 38. |
- Jonsson, Bertil, et al.
(författare)
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Seat adjustment : capacity and repeatability among occupants in a modern car
- 2008
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Ingår i: Ergonomics. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0014-0139 .- 1366-5847. ; 51:2, s. 232-241
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Families in the Western world have a car and several family members share the same car. In this study, 154 participants have adjusted a driver's seat three times. The primary objective was to study intrapersonal repeatability and intraclass correlation (ICC) on seat; length adjustment, backrest angle, seat front edge and seat rear edge adjustment, related to participant age, sex, stature and weight. Length adjustment has the best intrapersonal repeatability within two repetitions, 49 mm and ICC-value 0.87. Females and younger participants (age < 40 years) adjust seats generally more accurately. Females adjust the seat 41 mm more forward, 120 mm compared to men 79 mm counted from 0-starting position. Females sit with more upright seat backrests, 46 degree compared to 43 degrees for males counted from 0-starting position. Females sit higher than males in both the frontal and rear part of the seat cushion.
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| 39. |
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| 40. |
- Kranz, Courtney, et al.
(författare)
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Kinematic and perceptual responses in heavy lifting and pulling : Are there differences between males and females?
- 2021
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Ingår i: Applied Ergonomics. - : Elsevier. - 0003-6870 .- 1872-9126. ; 90
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study investigated kinematic and perceptual differences between the sexes in a heavy lifting and pulling task. A 20 kg box was lifted from floor to chest height, and a 70 kg mannequin pulled across 20m. The effect of height, mass and average grip strength on kinematics and perceived workload was examined in 42 (19 females, 23 males) healthy individuals. A univariate linear regression analysis found females lifted with greater lumbar extension compared to males (p < 0.001), and adopted more hip (p = 0.006) and knee flexion (p = 0.036) in the pulling task. Females reported a greater perceived workload in both tasks (p < 0.001). After the multivariable analysis, only grip strength remained significant for perceived workload in the lift (p = 0.04), and height for knee flexion in the pull (p = 0.009). This highlights that height and strength are important factors driving kinematics and perceived workload. Clinicians may consider these factors in heavy manual tasks, more so than sex.
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| 41. |
- Larsen, Louise B., et al.
(författare)
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Duty belt or load-bearing vest? Discomfort and pressure distribution for police driving standard fleet vehicles
- 2019
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Ingår i: Applied Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0003-6870 .- 1872-9126. ; 80, s. 146-151
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Police working in active duty have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, with lower back pain being the most frequently reported. As a part of uniform regulations, Swedish police are mandated to wear body armour and duty belts at all times during work. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different load carriage designs on invehicle sitting pressure and self-rated discomfort among police. Results showed less discomfort when wearing the alternate load carriage system incorporating a load-bearing vest and thigh holster compared to the standard load carriage system consisting of a duty belt. Pressures in the lower back were reduced when wearing the load-bearing vest whereas pressures in the upper back region increased. Relocating appointments away from the waist has the potential to improve sitting positions and the ergonomic situation for police when driving fleet vehicles.
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| 42. |
- Li, Xiaogai, et al.
(författare)
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Personalization of human body models and beyond via image registration
- 2023
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2296-4185. ; 11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Finite element human body models (HBMs) are becoming increasingly important numerical tools for traffic safety. Developing a validated and reliable HBM from the start requires integrated efforts and continues to be a challenging task. Mesh morphing is an efficient technique to generate personalized HBMs accounting for individual anatomy once a baseline model has been developed. This study presents a new image registration-based mesh morphing method to generate personalized HBMs. The method is demonstrated by morphing four baseline HBMs (SAFER, THUMS, and VIVA+ in both seated and standing postures) into ten subjects with varying heights, body mass indices (BMIs), and sex. The resulting personalized HBMs show comparable element quality to the baseline models. This method enables the comparison of HBMs by morphing them into the same subject, eliminating geometric differences. The method also shows superior geometry correction capabilities, which facilitates converting a seated HBM to a standing one, combined with additional positioning tools. Furthermore, this method can be extended to personalize other models, and the feasibility of morphing vehicle models has been illustrated. In conclusion, this new image registration-based mesh morphing method allows rapid and robust personalization of HBMs, facilitating personalized simulations.
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| 43. |
- Linder, Astrid, 1959, et al.
(författare)
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Simulations with average male and female dummy models with two seat concepts in the Euro NCAP low severity rear impact test configuration
- 2016
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Ingår i: 17th International Conference Road Safety On Five Continents (RS5C 2016), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 17-19 May 2016. - Linköping : Statens väg- och transportforskningsinstitut.
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Soft tissue neck injuries, also referred to as whiplash injuries, which can lead to long term suffering are most common in rear impacts. These injuries account for more than 60% of the cost of all injuries leading to permanent medical impairment for the insurance companies with respect to injuries sustained in vehicle crashes. Injury statistics have since the mid-1960s consistently shown that females are subject to a higher risk of sustaining this type of injury than males, on average twice the risk of injury. Furthermore, recently developed anti-whiplash systems have shown to protect females less than males. The diversity of males and females should be addresses when designing and evaluating vehicle safety systems to ensure maximum safety for everyone. This is currently not the case. The norm for crash test dummies representing humans in crash test laboratories is an average male. The female part of the population is not represented in tests performed by consumer information organisations such as NCAP due to the absence of a physical dummy representing an average female. Recently, the world first virtual model of an average female crash test dummy was developed. In this study, simulations were run with both an average male, and the recently developed average female dummy model, seated in a laboratory vehicle seat. The results of the simulations were compared to earlier published results from the same test set-up with a vehicle concepts seat. The three crash pulse severities of the Euro NCAP low severity rear impact test were applied. The motion of the neck, head and upper torso were analysed in addition to the accelerations and the Neck Injury Criterion (NIC). Furthermore, the response of the virtual models was compared to that volunteers and for the average male model, to that of the response of a physical dummy model. Simulations with the male and the female dummy models revealed differences related to the crash severity, as well as between the two dummies in different crash severities in two different seats. For the comparison of the response of the virtual models to the response of the volunteers and the physical dummy model, the peak angular motion of first thoracic vertebra as found in the volunteer tests and mimicked by the physical dummy were not of the same magnitude in the virtual models.
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| 44. |
- Lindner, Helen Y, 1967-, et al.
(författare)
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Cognitive load and compensatory movement in learning to use a multi-function hand
- 2019
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Ingår i: Prosthetics and Orthotics International. - : Sage Publications. - 0309-3646 .- 1746-1553. ; 43:1 suppl. 1, s. 52-52
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Recent technology provides increased dexterity in multi-function hands with the potential to reduce compensatory body movements. However, it is challenging to learn how to operate a hand that has up to 36 grips. While the cognitive load required to use these hands is unknown, it is clear that if the cognitive load is too high, the user may stop using the multi-functional hand or may not take full advantage of its advanced features.AIM: The aim of this project was to compare cognitive load and compensatory movement in using a multi-function hand versus a conventional myo hand.METHOD: An experienced prosthesis user was assessed using his conventional myo hand and an unfamiliar iLimb Ultra hand, with two-site control and the same wrist for both prostheses. He was trained to use power grip, lateral grip and pinch grip and then completed the SHAP test while wearing the Tobii Pro 2 eye-tracking glasses. Pupil diameter (normal range: 2-4mm during normal light) was used to indicate the amount of cognitive load.[1] The number of eye fixations on the prosthesis indicate the need of visual feedback during operation. Dartfish motion capture was used to track the maximum angles for shoulder abduction and elbow flexion.RESULTS: Larger pupils were found in the use of Ilimb ultra (2.6-5.6mm) than in the use of conventional myo hand (2.4-3.5mm) during the SHAP abstract light tests. The pupils dilated most often during changing grips, e.g. switching to pinch grip for the tripod task (from 2.7 to 5.6mm). After training of using power grip and pinch grip repeatedly, the maximum pupil diameter decreased from 5.6 to 3.3mm. The number of eye fixations on the I-limb ultra (295 fixations) were also higher than on the conventional myo-hand (139 fixations). Smaller shoulder abduction and elbow flexion were observed in the use of I-limb ultra (16.6°, 36.1°) than in the use of conventional myo hand (57°, 52.7°).DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Although it is cognitively demanding to learn to use a multi-function hand, it is possible to decrease this demand with adequate prosthetic training. Our results suggest that using a multi-function hand enables reduction of body compensatory movement, however at the cost of a higher cognitive load. Further research with more prosthesis users and other multi-function hands is needed to confirm the study findings.REFERENCES [1] van der Wel P, van Steenbergen H. Psychon Bull Rev 2018; 25(6):2005-15.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: This project was supported financially by Norrbacka-Eugenia Foundation, Promobilia Foundation and Örebro University.
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| 45. |
- Lindner, Helen Y, 1967-, et al.
(författare)
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Compensatory Movement in Upper Limb Prosthesis Users during Activity Performance
- 2019
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Ingår i: Prosthetics and Orthotics International. - : Sage Publications. - 0309-3646 .- 1746-1553. ; 43:1 suppl., s. 512-512
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Low dexterity of conventional two-function (open, close) myoelectric hand prostheses with limited wrist movement often leads to compensatory shoulder and elbow movements, e.g. excess shoulder abduction and elbow flexion. Compensatory movements may lead to musculoskeletal pain [1] and it is thus important to identify prosthesis users with compensatory movements and to develop preventive treatments for musculoskeletal pain.AIM: The study aim was to measure and compare compensatory movements during activity performance among upper limb prosthesis users with different levels of myoelectric control.METHOD: Twenty-seven users of conventional myoelectric hand prosthesis performed the Assessment of Capacity for Myoelectric Control (ACMC) at the Örebro Limb Deficiency and Arm Prosthesis Centre. The performances were recorded and analyzed with Dartfish motion capture video analysis software. The software was used to track and measure the maximum angles for shoulder abduction and elbow flexion at the non-prosthetic and prosthetic sides during the activity performance. Two independent raters used Dartfish to analyze 10 videos and Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was used to calculate inter-rater reliability. The ability to control a myoelectric prosthetic hand was assessed by the ACMC.RESULTS: The within-individual differences for shoulder abduction ranged from 2° to 52° and for elbow flexion from 1° to 66°. When compared between prosthetic and non-prosthetic side, larger differences in shoulder abduction and elbow flexion were found among the users with ACMC ≤ 0 than users with ACMC > 0 (Fig.1a). When comparing the within-individual side differences between prosthesis users with ACMC ≤0 and users with ACMC >0, a significant angle difference was found in the elbows (p=0.03) but not in the shoulders (p=0.34) (Fig.1b). Inter-rater reliability between the two independent raters was excellent (ICC 0.91).DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Compensatory elbow movements during activity performance are higher in upper limb prosthesis users with low level of myoelectric control. Prevention for musculoskeletal pain should consist of both training for improved prosthetic control and improved prosthetic use in activity performance. Measurement of compensatory movements can help to identify amputees with frequent compensatory movements. Future studies are needed to investigate the effect of ability to control myoelectric prosthesis on musculoskeletal pain.REFERENCES [1] Jones LE, Davidson JH. Prosthet Orthot Int 1999; 23(1):55-8.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This study was supported financially by the Norrbacka-Eugenia Foundation.
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| 46. |
- Lindroos, Ola, et al.
(författare)
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Accident rates and types among self-employed private forest owners
- 2010
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Ingår i: Accident Analysis and Prevention. - : Elsevier BV. - 0001-4575 .- 1879-2057. ; 42, s. 1729-1735
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Half of all Swedish forests are owned by private individuals, and at least 215,000 people work in these privately owned forest holdings. However, only lethal accidents are systematically monitored among self-employed forest workers. Therefore, data from the registries of the Swedish Work Environment Authority, the Labor Insurance Organization and the regional University Hospital in Umea were gathered to allow us to perform a more in-depth assessment of the rate and types of accidents that occurred among private forest owners.We found large differences between the registries in the type and number of accidents that were reported. We encountered difficulties in defining "self-employed forest worker" and also in determining whether the accidents that did occur happened during work or leisure time. Consequently, the estimates for the accident rate that we obtained varied from 32 to >= 4300 injured persons per year in Sweden, depending on the registry that was consulted, the definition of the sample population that was used, and the accident severity definition that was employed. Nevertheless, the different registries gave a consistent picture of the types of accidents that occur while individuals are participating in self-employed forestry work. Severe accidents were relatively common, as self-employed forestry work fatalities constituted 7% of the total number of fatalities in the work authority registry. Falling trees were associated with many of these fatal accidents as well as with accidents that resulted in severe non-fatal injuries. Thus, unsafe work methods appeared more related to the occurrence of an accident than the equipment that was being used at the time of the accident (e.g., a chainsaw). Improvement of the workers' skills should therefore be considered to be an important prevention measure that should be undertaken in this field.The challenges in improving the safety in these smallest of companies, which fall somewhere between the purview of occupational and consumer safety, are exemplified and discussed. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 47. |
- Lindström, Fredric, et al.
(författare)
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Comparison of two methods of voice activity detection in field studies
- 2009
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Ingår i: Journal of Speech, Language and Hearing Research. - Rockville : American speech-language-hearing association. - 1092-4388 .- 1558-9102. ; 52:6, s. 1658-1663
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: To evaluate and compare the performance of 2 methods of voice activity detection (neck-attached accelerometer vs. binaural recordings) in field studies in environments where voice activity normally occurs.Method: A group of 11 healthy adults wore recording equipment during their lunch break. We used binary classification to analyze the results from the 2 methods. The output was compared to a gold standard, obtained through listening tests, and the probability for sensitivity (Ps) and false positive (Pf) was rated. The binary classifiers were set for consistent sensitivity of 99%; thus, the lower false positive rate would indicate the method with the better performance.Results: The neck-attached accelerometer (Pf = 0.5%) performed significantly (p < .001) better than the binaural method (Pf = 7%).Conclusion: The neck-attached accelerometer is more suitable than the binaural method for voice assessments in environments where people are speaking in close proximity to each other and where the signal-to-noise ratio is moderate to low.
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| 48. |
- Löfqvist, Lotta, et al.
(författare)
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An analytical ergonomic risk evaluation of body postures during daily cleaning tasks in horse stables
- 2015
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Ingår i: Work. - 1051-9815 .- 1875-9270. ; 51:4, s. 667-682
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a common reason for health problems and sick leave in many professions. A work arena where MSDs have not been sufficiently studied is stable work. Here many heavy and repetitive work tasks are performed manually with old-fashioned working tools.OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to use an analytical approach to identify, evaluate and grade ergonomic problems in physical work performed during daily activities in horse stables and relate these to MSDs among the workers and to the design of the tools.METHODS: Three common work tasks were studied to identify, evaluate and grade ergonomic problems; mucking out, sweeping and bedding replacement. Used methods were Hierarchical Task Analysis, Heuristic Evaluation and Rapid Entire Body Assessment.RESULTS: Several high-risk operations were found in mucking out boxes and disposal of bedding material. The problems consisted of awkward working postures such as a twisted and bent back, arms in an elevated position, wrists in extreme joint positions and handling of heavy loads.CONCLUSIONS: By using an analytical approach it is possible to identify presumptive ergonomic problems without extensive empirical research. In most high-risk operations, long-shafted tools or a wheelbarrow were used, which emphasize a need to develop tools with better ergonomic design to improve the working situation. The limitation is that the ergonomics problems found are not finally validated. The results show where deeper empirical research is needed, both regarding how MSDs occur and how tools and environment contribute to physical problems.
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| 49. |
- 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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| 50. |
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