1.
Kadefors, Roland, 1939, et al.
(author)
Ergonomics in Parallelized Car Assembly: A Case Study with References Also to Productivity Aspects
1996
In: Applied Ergonomics. - 0003-6870 .- 1872-9126. ; 27:2, s. 101 - 110
Journal article (peer-reviewed) abstract
This publication was gaining data at the very early phase of the Volvo Uddevalla plant projection process (it required a extensive time to complete and to finally publish). (That is, long before the authors became engaged in an extensive research programme financed by the National Institute for Working Life in Solna) (Cooperative for Optimisation of industrial production systems regarding Productivity and Ergonomics COPE). It deals with e.g. efficiency aspects and ergonomics of this (very) plant and the more embryonic aspects of the so-called tilting devices are evaluated in this publication (a controversial equipment at the early period of time). As was developed by the Volvo personnels and the authors (ergonomic aspects was an accepted way for us to gain access to this plant, to deal with the assembly system design process was from the beginning not accepted (since this was a work task assigned only to the Volvo professionals). But this situation changed after some years (development of the assembly work instructions were a also an accepted work task for us scientist) (see other publications registered in Chalmers Public Library).
2.
Cyrén, Henrik, et al.
(author)
Task Specific Exposure Information as a Basis for Production System Design
1998
Conference paper (other academic/artistic) abstract
This publication was written during a period of time when the authors were engaged in an extensive research programme financed by the National Institute for Working Life in Solna (Cooperative for Optimisation of industrial production systems regarding Productivity and Ergonomics COPE).
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5.
Engström, Tomas, 1950, et al.
(author)
Musculoskeletal symptoms due to technical preconditions in long cycle time work in an automobile assembly plant - a study of prevalence and relation to psychosocial factors and physical exposure
1999
In: Applied Ergonomics. - 0003-6870. ; 30, s. 443-453
Journal article (peer-reviewed) abstract
The aim was to evaluate the prevailing ergonomic conditions in a parallelized flow, long cycle time, assembly system. The evaluation focused on physical exposure, psychosocial factors and work-related musculoskeletal symptoms. A random sample of 67 assembly operators was included in a cross-sectional study mainly based on questionnaires. Hand/wrist symptoms were common and related to work exposure with hand-held powered tools. In general, the self-reported physical exposure showed only a few significant associations with musculoskeletal symptoms. This may in part be explained by the ergonomic conditions generally being good, with a relatively low duration of combined extreme work postures. Significant associations were found between the psychosocial work environment and musculoskeletal symptoms.
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7.
Hanson, Lars, et al.
(author)
Mannequin Properties Desired for Ergonomic Evaluation of Car Interiors
1998
In: ; , s. 43-48
Conference paper (peer-reviewed) abstract
Mannequin properties desired for ergonomic evaluation of car interiors Lars Hansson, Kenneth Holmqvist, Simon Sjölander, Giovanni Distante, Guiseppe Andreoni, Nicholas Colford, Tomas Engström, Gert-Åke Hansson, Roland Kadefors, Patric Petersson, Camilla Rigotti, Lena Sperling, Anders Sundin, Per Östman, Roland Akselsson The aim of this study was to simulate a future mannequin with real people in order to find characteristics necessary for ergonomic evaluation of comfort in car interiors. We argue that the mannequin should ideally perform natural movements, collision detection, a biomechanical model, and eyes. Optional improvements to the mannequin involve muscles and a heart. We also discuss the user interface to the mannequin and means to present mannequin data.
8.
Kadefors, Roland, et al.
(author)
Recruitment of low threshold motor-units in the trapezius muscle in different static arm positions
1999
In: Ergonomics. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0014-0139 .- 1366-5847. ; 42:2, s. 359-375
Journal article (peer-reviewed) abstract
A prevailing hypothesis for development of myalgia symptoms in the trapezius muscle is based on observations that in stereotypic activation of muscle the same low-threshold motor-units are the first ones to be recruited, and that these units are active throughout the contraction, until total relaxation. The theory suggests that these units are the first ones in monotonous repetitive work to be subject to degenerative processes, causing pain. The present project was undertaken to evaluate to what extent recruitment of motor-units in the trapezius muscle is position-specific, i.e. if there are motor-units that are recruited over a wide range of arm postures. Fine wire electrode pairs, inserted 2 cm lateral to the midpoint between the acromion and the C7 spinous processus, were used for signal acquisition. Methods for decomposition of the interference patterns were developed, allowing identification of single motor-units in signals registered in different arm positions. Voluntary recruitment of motor-units in the descending portion of the trapezius muscle was studied in 24 different arm positions (0–90 shoulder flexion, 0–45 humeral abduction, and 45–135 elbow flexion) in three subjects. The results showed that the wire electrode technique and the signal processing algorithm employed allowed motor-unit identification in nonisometric conditions. It was found that low threshold motor-units in the trapezius muscle, active over a wide range of arm positions, could be identified in all three subjects. We refer to those as Cinderella, or C, units. These results support the research hypothesis addressed.
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