Changes in physical workload with implementation of mouse-based information technology in air traffic control

Arvidsson, IngerLund University,Lunds universitet,Avdelningen för arbets- och miljömedicin,Institutionen för laboratoriemedicin,Medicinska fakulteten,Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University,Department of Laboratory Medicine,Faculty of Medicine,Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden (author)

Effects on physical workload were quantified when introducing new information technology in air traffic control. Seven female and 7 male air traffic controllers were studied in an old control system, and during simulated-but similar-work in a new, mouse-based system. Postures, movements and muscular load were recorded (inclinometry for head, neck, back and upper arms; goniometry for wrists; elect romyography for the trapezius and forearm extensor muscles). The new system was associated with lower movement velocities than the old one (examples: [50th percentiles] head flexion: 2 vs. 5 degrees/s, P < 0.01; right arm elevation: 3 vs. 6 degrees/s; P < 0.01; [90th percentile] wrist flexion: 19 vs. 50 degrees/s, P < 0.01), less varying postures (head: 95th-5th percentile range 17 degrees vs. 34 degrees; P < 0.01), and less muscular rest in the right forearm extensors (3.5% vs. 9% of time; P < 0.05). The old/new system differences were amplified at high work intensities. The new air traffic control system caused a major change of physical exposures, probably associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders in arms and hands. Relevance to industry While this study concerned the specific changes in the introduction of a new air traffic control system, we believe that the findings are applicable to similar technological developments in other settings. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hansson, Gert-ÅkeLund University,Lunds universitet,Avdelningen för arbets- och miljömedicin,Institutionen för laboratoriemedicin,Medicinska fakulteten,Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University,Department of Laboratory Medicine,Faculty of Medicine,Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden(Swepub:lu)ymed-gah (author)
Mathiassen, Svend ErikHögskolan i Gävle,Arbetshälsovetenskap,Centrum för belastningsskadeforskning(Swepub:hig)smn (author)
Skerfving, StaffanLund University,Lunds universitet,Avdelningen för arbets- och miljömedicin,Institutionen för laboratoriemedicin,Medicinska fakulteten,Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University,Department of Laboratory Medicine,Faculty of Medicine,Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden(Swepub:lu)ymed-ssk (author)
Avdelningen för arbets- och miljömedicinInstitutionen för laboratoriemedicin (creator_code:org_t)

In:International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics: Elsevier BV36:7, s. 613-6220169-81411872-8219

By the author/editor: Arvidsson, Inger; Hansson, Gert-Åk ...; Mathiassen, Sven ...; Skerfving, Staff ...

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