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Hwang S, Chang D, Saxena A, Oleen E, Lin Paing S, Atkins J, Lee H. Characterization of Human Shoulder Joint Stiffness Across 3D Arm Postures and Its Sex Differences. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2024; 71:2833-2841. [PMID: 38691430 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2024.3395587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the characteristics of shoulder joint stiffness can offer insights into how the shoulder joint contributes to arm stability and assists in various arm postures and movements. This study aims to characterize posture-dependent shoulder stiffness in a three-dimensional (3D) space and investigate its potential sex differences. A multi-degree-of-freedom, parallel-actuated shoulder exoskeleton robot was used' to perturb the participant's shoulder joint and measure the resulting torque responses while participants relaxed their shoulder muscles. The group average results of 40 healthy individuals (20 males and 20 females) revealed that arm postures significantly affect shoulder stiffness, particularly in postures involving shoulder flexion/extension and horizontal flexion/extension. Shoulder stiffness consistently increased as the shoulder flexion angle decreased and the shoulder horizontal flexion/extension approached the limit of its range of motion. The comparative group results between males and females indicated that shoulder stiffness in males was greater than that in females across all 15 arm postures measured in this study. Even after normalizing the data by subject body mass, the female group showed significantly lower stiffness than the male group in 12 out of the 15 arm postures. The results highlight that 3D arm postures and sex significantly affect shoulder stiffness even under relaxed muscles. This study provides valuable foundations for future studies aimed at characterizing shoulder stiffness in the context of active muscles and dynamic movement tasks, evaluating changes in shoulder stiffness following neuromuscular injuries, and formulating rehabilitative training protocols for individuals suffering from shoulder problems.
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Zimmerman M, Nilsson P, Rydberg M, Dahlin L. Risk of hand and forearm conditions due to vibrating hand-held tools exposure: a retrospective cohort study from Sweden. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e080777. [PMID: 38890140 PMCID: PMC11191761 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The occurrence of hand and forearm disorders related to vibration exposure, adjusted for relevant background factors, is scarcely reported. We analysed the prevalence of such conditions in a large population cohort, stratified by sex, and associations with exposure to vibrating hand-held tools. DESIGN This is a retrospective cohort study. SETTING Individuals in the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study cohort (MDCS; inclusion 1991-1996; followed until 2018) were asked, 'does your work involve working with vibrating hand-held tools?' (response: 'not at all', 'some' and 'much'). Data were cross-linked with national registers to identify treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), ulnar nerve entrapment (UNE), Dupuytren's disease, trigger finger or first carpometacarpal joint (CMC-1) osteoarthritis (OA). Cox regression models, unadjusted and adjusted (age, sex, prevalent diabetes, smoking, hypertension and alcohol consumption), were performed to analyse the effects of reported vibration exposure. PARTICIPANTS Individuals in the MDCS who had answered the questionnaire on vibration exposure (14 342 out of the originally 30 446 individuals in MDCS) were included in the study. RESULTS In total, 12 220/14 342 individuals (76%) reported 'no' exposure, 1392/14 342 (9%) 'some' and 730/14 342 (5%) 'much' exposure to vibrating hand-held tools. In men, 'much' exposure was independently associated with CTS (HR 1.71 (95% CI 1.11 to 2.62)) and UNE (HR 2.42 (95% CI 1.15 to 5.07)). 'Some' exposure was independently associated with UNE in men (HR 2.10 (95% CI 1.12 to 3.95)). 'Much' exposure was independently associated with trigger finger in women (HR 2.73 (95% CI 1.49 to 4.99)). We found no effect of vibration exposure on Dupuytren's disease or CMC-1 OA. 'Much' vibration exposure predicted any hand and forearm diagnosis in men (HR 1.44 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.80)), but not in women. CONCLUSIONS Vibration exposure by hand-held tools increases the risk of developing CTS and UNE and any common hand and forearm conditions in men, whereas women only risk trigger finger and CMC-1 OA. Adjustment for relevant confounders in vibration exposure is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malin Zimmerman
- Department of Translational Medicine-Hand Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Orthopedics, Helsingborgs lasarett, Helsingborg, Sweden
| | | | - Mattias Rydberg
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Hand Surgery, Skånes universitetssjukhus Malmö, Malmo, Sweden
| | - Lars Dahlin
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Hand Surgery, Skånes universitetssjukhus Malmö, Malmo, Sweden
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Kritzer TD, Lang CJ, Holmes MWR, Cudlip AC. Sex differences in strength at the shoulder: a systematic review. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16968. [PMID: 38525275 PMCID: PMC10960529 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding differential strength capability between sexes is critical in ergonomics and task design. Variations in study designs and outcome measures generates challenges in establishing workplace guidelines for strength requirements to minimize upper extremity risk for workers. The purpose of this systematic review was to collate and summarize sex differences in strength at the shoulder across movement directions and contraction types. Methods A total of 3,294 articles were screened from four databases (Embase, Medline, SCOPUS, and Web of Science). Eligibility criteria included observational studies, direct measurement of muscular joint, and healthy adult participants (18-65 years old). Strength outcome measures were normalized to percentages of male outputs to allow comparisons across articles. Results A total of 63 studies were included within the final review. Majority of articles observed increased strength in males; the gap between male-female strength was greater in flexion and internal/external rotation, with females generating ~30% of male strength; scaption strength ratios were most consistent of the movement groups, with females generating 55-62% of male strength. Conclusion Sex strength differences should be considered as an important factor for workplace task design as women are more at risk for occupational-related injuries than men in equivalent strength requirements. Differences in strength were not synonymous across motions; females demonstrated increased disparity relative to male strength in horizontal flexion/extension, forward flexion and internal/external rotation. Some movements had an extremely limited pool of available studies for examination which identified critical research gaps within the literature. Collating and quantifying strength differences is critical for effective workstation design with a range of users to mitigate potential overexertion risk and musculoskeletal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar D. Kritzer
- Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Cameron J. Lang
- Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | | | - Alan C. Cudlip
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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Serna Arnau S, Asensio-Cuesta S, Porcar Seder R. Musculoskeletal disorders risk assessment methods: a scoping review from a sex perspective. ERGONOMICS 2023; 66:1892-1908. [PMID: 36636799 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2023.2168767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The evidence points to differences in the impact of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in males and females due to different exposure to risk factors and inherent characteristics. To identify risks associated with MSDs, ergonomic assessment is carried out by applying various methods. The aim of this scoping review was to determine to what extent ergonomic assessment methods consider sex-related factors and if they were found to do so, to determine the extent of this consideration. A total of 31 papers on 32 ergonomic assessment methods were analysed in the review. Of these 32 methods, only 6 considered sex as an assessment parameter or when interpreting the results. The results revealed that the limited consideration given to the sex factor in ergonomic methods, together with the different impacts of MSDs and their consequences according to a person's sex, supports the importance of including sex factors in ergonomic assessment methods. Practitioner summary: This scoping review determined to what extent ergonomic assessment methods consider sex-related factors and if they do so, to establish the extent of such consideration. Of the 32 methods analysed, only 6 considered a person's sex. The results revealed that only a limited consideration is given to the sex factor in ergonomic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Serna Arnau
- Instituto de Biomecánica de Valencia (IBV), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sabina Asensio-Cuesta
- Instituto de Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicaciones (ITACA), Valencia, Spain
| | - Rosa Porcar Seder
- Instituto de Biomecánica de Valencia (IBV), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
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Cruz-Montecinos C, Antúnez-Riveros MA, Tapia C, Díaz F, Paulsen-Donoso T, Zunino-Gomez JP, Núñez-Cortés R, Andersen LL, Mendez-Rebolledo G, Calatayud J. Gender differences on effects of forearm rotation on compressive stiffness of flexor carpi ulnaris during submaximal handgrip contractions. J Anat 2023; 243:886-891. [PMID: 37350256 PMCID: PMC10557386 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Little is known about gender differences in stiffness of forearm muscles during voluntary actions. This study aimed to investigate the effect of forearm rotation on flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) stiffness in men and women during submaximal handgrip contractions. During a single session, measurements were made on 20 young participants (9 females). Two positions of the forearm were compared in random order with the elbow flexed 90 degrees: (i) neutral position and (ii) maximal supination. In each position, participants performed two submaximal handgrip contractions at 25% and 50% of maximal voluntary contraction, while compressive stiffness was collected using a hand myometer (MyotonPRO). A mixed repeated measurement ANOVA was applied to assess the interaction between gender, forearm position, and contraction intensity. The FCU stiffness is affected by handgrip contraction intensity (p < 0.001), gender (p < 0.001), BMI (p = 0.009), and forearm rotation (p = 0.007). Only the gender factor was found to have significant interaction with forearm rotation (p = 0.037). Men's FCU was stiffer than women's in both positions and contraction intensities (p < 0.05). Only in men a significant increase in FCU stiffness was observed when comparing contraction intensities at both forearm positions (p < 0.05), as well as when the forearm was rotated from neutral to supine at both intensities (p < 0.05). In conclusion, FCU stiffness during handgrip contraction differed significantly between men and women. Women have fewer stiffness changes in FCU when performing different levels of handgrip contraction. We also observed that only men increased FCU stiffness by changing the forearm position from neutral to supine position for both handgrip intensities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Cruz-Montecinos
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Division of Research, Devolvement and Innovation in Kinesiology, Kinesiology Unit, San José Hospital, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Claudio Tapia
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Physical Therapy, Catholic University of Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Fernando Díaz
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Tomás Paulsen-Donoso
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Rodrigo Núñez-Cortés
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Guillermo Mendez-Rebolledo
- Laboratorio de Investigación Somatosensorial y Motora, Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomás, Talca, Chile
| | - Joaquín Calatayud
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Physiotherapy, Exercise Intervention for Health Research Group (EXINH-RG), University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Cillekens B, van Eeghen E, Oude Hengel KM, Coenen P. Within-individual changes in physical work demands associated with self-reported health and musculoskeletal symptoms: a cohort study among Dutch workers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2023; 96:1301-1311. [PMID: 37743372 PMCID: PMC10560189 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-023-02008-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate changes in physical work demands in association with self-rated health and musculoskeletal symptoms. METHODS Data from five waves over the period 2019-2021 of the Netherlands Working Conditions Survey COVID-19 were available for 7191 participants aged 19-64 years who worked (partly) on-site during at least two consecutive waves. Logistic generalized estimated equations (GEE) were used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for changes (increase or decrease compared to no change) in physical work demands between two waves and poor self-rated health and musculoskeletal symptoms in the following wave, adjusted for the health outcome at the first wave, age, educational level, working hours and hours worked from home. RESULTS In females, a statistically significant association was found between an increase in physical work demands compared to no change and musculoskeletal symptoms (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.17-1.65). A decrease in physical work demands in females was not statistically significantly associated with musculoskeletal symptoms (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.80-1.08). Similar trends were found for poor self-rated health, although non-statistically significant. For males, comparable but attenuated associations were found. CONCLUSION While our study showed that increasing physical work demands are associated with adverse health (self-reported and musculoskeletal), it did not appear to benefit worker's health to reduce work demands. Future research with multiple measurements in a shorter period and additionally using devices to measure physical work demands will be needed to confirm our study results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Cillekens
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Societal Participation & Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Emma van Eeghen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karen M Oude Hengel
- Department of Work Health Technology, TNO, Sylviusweg 71, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter Coenen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Societal Participation & Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Ding X, Guan Z, Liu N, Bi M, Ji F, Wang H, Zhang X, Liu B, Niu D, Lan T, Xie T, Li J, Yan T. Prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing, China. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1289046. [PMID: 37901405 PMCID: PMC10602678 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1289046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The workers in emerging manufacturing are at decreased risk of traditional occupational diseases, while probably at increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of WMSDs among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing. Methods A total of 3,359 valid questionnaires were collected from 10 enterprises in the electronics, pharmaceutical, and motor manufacturing industries. The prevalence of WMSDs was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The work posture load was evaluated through a questionnaire. Results The results showed that the highest prevalence of WMSDs was observed in part of the neck (15.0%), followed by the lower back (12.5%), shoulders (11.2%), and upper back (7.1%). Female workers, workers aged older than 35 years, workers with a BMI of ≥28 kg/m2, longer working experience, never exercised had a higher prevalence of WMSDs. Logistic regression analysis showed that female workers, workers aged older than 35 years, with a middle school education and college degree, and workers who never exercised had a higher risk of WMSDs. In addition, workers who sat for long during work, worked hard with upper limbs or hands, worked in uncomfortable postures, and performed repetitive operations were positively related with the increased risk of WMSDs. Conclusion These findings suggested that WMSDs were prevalent among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing, China, while efforts should be made to reshape the risk factors associated with WMSDs, such as prolonged sitting, uncomfortable positions, and repetitive operations. Encouraging exercise and promoting ergonomic interventions probably be also benefit to induce the risk of WMSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Ding
- Beijing Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyi Guan
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Nan Liu
- Tianjin Navigation Instruments Research Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingli Bi
- Beijing Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Ji
- Beijing Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Beijing, China
| | - Huining Wang
- Beijing Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Beijing, China
| | - Xueyan Zhang
- School of Urban Economics and Public Administration, Capital University of Economics and Business, Beijing, China
| | - Baolong Liu
- Beijing Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Beijing, China
| | - Dongsheng Niu
- Beijing Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Beijing, China
| | - Tian Lan
- Beijing Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Xie
- Beijing Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Beijing, China
| | - Jue Li
- Beijing Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Beijing, China
| | - Tenglong Yan
- Beijing Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Beijing, China
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Dahlgren G, Liv P, Öhberg F, Slunga Järvholm L, Forsman M, Rehn B. Correlations between Ratings and Technical Measurements in Hand-Intensive Work. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:867. [PMID: 37508893 PMCID: PMC10376394 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10070867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
An accurate rating of hand activity and force is essential in risk assessment and for the effective prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. However, it is unclear whether the subjective ratings of workers and observers correlate to corresponding objective technical measures of exposure. Fifty-nine workers were video recorded while performing a hand-intensive work task at their workplace. Self-ratings of hand activity level (HAL) and force (Borg CR10) using the Hand Activity Threshold Limit Value® were assessed. Four ergonomist observers, in two pairs, also rated the hand activity and force level for each worker from video recordings. Wrist angular velocity was measured using inertial movement units. Muscle activity in the forearm muscles flexor carpi radialis (FCR) and extensor carpi radialis (ECR) was measured with electromyography root mean square values (RMS) and normalized to maximal voluntary electrical activation (MVE). Kendall's tau-b correlations were statistically significant between self-rated hand activity and wrist angular velocity at the 10th, 50th, and 90th percentiles (0.26, 0.31, and 0.23) and for the ratings of observers (0.32, 0.41, and 0.34). Significant correlations for force measures were found only for observer-ratings in five of eight measures (FCR 50th percentile 0.29, time > 10%MVE 0.43, time > 30%MVE 0.44, time < 5% -0.47) and ECR (time > 30%MVE 0.26). The higher magnitude of correlation for observer-ratings suggests that they may be preferred to the self-ratings of workers. When possible, objective technical measures of wrist angular velocity and muscle activity should be preferred to subjective ratings when assessing risks of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunilla Dahlgren
- Section of Sustainable Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, S-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Per Liv
- Section of Sustainable Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, S-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Öhberg
- Radiation Physics, Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, S-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Lisbeth Slunga Järvholm
- Section of Sustainable Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, S-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mikael Forsman
- IMM Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11C, S-141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Börje Rehn
- Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy, Umeå University, S-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
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Lind CM, Abtahi F, Forsman M. Wearable Motion Capture Devices for the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Ergonomics-An Overview of Current Applications, Challenges, and Future Opportunities. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:s23094259. [PMID: 37177463 PMCID: PMC10181376 DOI: 10.3390/s23094259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major contributor to disability worldwide and substantial societal costs. The use of wearable motion capture instruments has a role in preventing WMSDs by contributing to improvements in exposure and risk assessment and potentially improved effectiveness in work technique training. Given the versatile potential for wearables, this article aims to provide an overview of their application related to the prevention of WMSDs of the trunk and upper limbs and discusses challenges for the technology to support prevention measures and future opportunities, including future research needs. The relevant literature was identified from a screening of recent systematic literature reviews and overviews, and more recent studies were identified by a literature search using the Web of Science platform. Wearable technology enables continuous measurements of multiple body segments of superior accuracy and precision compared to observational tools. The technology also enables real-time visualization of exposures, automatic analyses, and real-time feedback to the user. While miniaturization and improved usability and wearability can expand the use also to more occupational settings and increase use among occupational safety and health practitioners, several fundamental challenges remain to be resolved. The future opportunities of increased usage of wearable motion capture devices for the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders may require more international collaborations for creating common standards for measurements, analyses, and exposure metrics, which can be related to epidemiologically based risk categories for work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Mikael Lind
- IMM Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Farhad Abtahi
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Mikael Forsman
- IMM Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, 113 65 Stockholm, Sweden
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Shi X, Zhang F. Analysis of the Hanging Actions and Operating Heights of Storage Furniture Suitable for the Elderly. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:3850. [PMID: 37112191 PMCID: PMC10145950 DOI: 10.3390/s23083850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The current functional scale design of storage furniture which the elderly use does not meet their needs, and unsuitable storage furniture may bring many physiological and psychological problems to their daily lives. The purpose of this study is to start with the hanging operation, to study the factors influencing the hanging operation heights of elderly people undergoing self-care in a standing posture and to determine the research methods to be used to study the appropriate hanging operation height of the elderly so as to provide data and theoretical support for the functional design scale of storage furniture suitable for the elderly. This study quantifies the situations of elderly people's hanging operation through an sEMG test performed on 18 elderly people at different hanging heights combined with a subjective evaluation before and after the operation and a curve fitting between the integrated sEMG indexes and the test heights. The test results show that the height of the elderly subjects had a significant effect on the hanging operation, and the main power muscles of the suspension operation were the anterior deltoid, upper trapezius and brachioradialis. Elderly people in different height groups had their own performance of the most comfortable hanging operation ranges. The suitable range for the hanging operation was 1536-1728 mm for seniors aged 60 or above whose heights were within the range of 1500-1799 mm, which could obtain a better action view and ensure the comfort of the operation. External hanging products, such as wardrobe hangers and hanging hooks, could also be determined according to this result.
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Dockrell S, Culleton-Quinn E. Remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic: Computer-related musculoskeletal symptoms in university staff. Work 2023; 74:11-20. [PMID: 36189523 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in mandatory remote working for workers in many sectors, including education. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the physical characteristics of workspaces, computer use, and prevalence, associated factors, and reported impact of computer-related musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) among university staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A cross-sectional study of staff in a university in Ireland was conducted in March 2021. An anonymous online survey of computer use, work practices and 3-month prevalence and the reported impact of computer-related MSS (modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire) was conducted. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and relationships were tested using chi-squared analysis. RESULTS The analysis included 1045 responses. The majority (63%) worked solely from home, used a laptop more frequently than a desktop computer, and worked a greater number of hours. Almost half (48%) did not have a dedicated home workspace. More respondents reported their university workspace (72%) was more comfortable than their home workspace (51.2%) (p < 0.0001). Prevalence of computer-related MSS was 83% : neck (62%), shoulder (57%), lower back (47%). Laptop-related MSS was reported more frequently (82%) than desktop-related MSS (65%) (p < 0.05). Computer-related MSS was associated with workspace, equipment at home, laptop use, female gender, and righthandedness (p < 0.05). A reduction in non-work-related activities (35%), work activities (18%) and seeking medical attention (24%) was reported. CONCLUSION The prevalence of computer-related MSS was high and associated with remote working. Further studies that aim to mitigate the risks of computer-related MSS in those working remotely or in hybrid models are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Dockrell
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elizabeth Culleton-Quinn
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin, Ireland
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Alacahan ÖF, Güllüoğlu AN, Karagöz N. Occupational safety perceptions of prehospital emergency health services employees: A sample of Sivas central district. Work 2023; 76:1441-1453. [PMID: 37393470 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prehospital emergency health services ambulance workers are in the risky class in terms of occupational health and safety, and they are faced with more risks due to the fact that they are the first responders to the events, especially regarding COVID-19. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study is to determine the occupational risk perceptions of health care workers and their relations with demographic variables. METHODS A literature review was performed to develop a questionnaire. This questionnaire was used in a survey with 250 respondents. The collected data was analysed through factor analysis. Cronbach's Alpha was calculated to verify the reliability of the data. RESULTS The risk perceptions of the employees (Factor 1 and Factor 3) differ significantly according to gender. Another important point is that 60.3% of the participants stated that they "agree" with the statement that health workers "experience violence" during work. CONCLUSION The risk perception of women was found to be higher, and the reason for this is that women are less physically strong than men along with social gender roles and gender discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arif Nihat Güllüoğlu
- Metallurgy and Materials Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Naim Karagöz
- Public Health Department, School of Medicine, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
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13
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Nona RJ, Xu Z, Robinson GA, Henderson RD, McCombe PA. Age of Onset and Length of Survival of Queensland Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Details of Subjects with Early Onset and Subjects with Long Survival. NEURODEGENER DIS 2022; 22:104-121. [PMID: 36587610 PMCID: PMC10627495 DOI: 10.1159/000528875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aims of the study were to document the characteristics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients in Queensland, to examine factors influencing age of onset, and survival, and to study those with early-onset (<45 years) disease and those with long (>5 years) survival. METHODS We studied subjects seen at the ALS Clinic at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital. We recorded sex, age of onset, region of onset, length of survival, presence of family history, type of disease, and evidence of cognitive involvement. We analysed the influence of these features on age of onset and survival. We analysed the features of patients with early onset of disease and patients with long survival. RESULTS There were 855 ALS patients (505 males) in the cohort. The age of onset was lower in males than females, in patients with a family history of ALS compared to those without, and in patients with spinal onset compared to bulbar onset. Early-onset disease was seen in 10% of patients, and had a greater proportion of males, spinal onset, and classical ALS phenotype compared to late-onset disease. Survival was shorter in females, in patients with bulbar onset, and in patients with classical ALS. Long survival was seen in 18% of patients. Patients with long survival had younger age of onset, greater proportion of males, spinal onset, and fewer patients with classical ALS. CONCLUSION Our study confirms that ALS is more prevalent in males and that spinal onset is more common than bulbar onset. Males have earlier onset but longer survival. We found that overall, patients with classical ALS have worse survival than ALS variants, but some patients who were considered to have classical ALS had long survival. This study confirms the similarity of ALS in our region to ALS in other geographical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J. Nona
- Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Zhouwei Xu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Gail A. Robinson
- Queensland Brain Institute and School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robert D. Henderson
- Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Pamela A. McCombe
- Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia
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14
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Dahlgren G, Liv P, Öhberg F, Slunga Järvholm L, Forsman M, Rehn B. Ratings of Hand Activity and Force Levels among Women and Men Who Perform Identical Hand-Intensive Work Tasks. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16706. [PMID: 36554587 PMCID: PMC9779452 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
We compared hand activity and force ratings in women and men doing identical hand-intensive work tasks. Musculoskeletal disorders are more common in women and hand-intensive work leads to an increased risk of these disorders. Knowledge of the gender influence in the rating of work exposure is lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate whether women and men performing identical hand-intensive work tasks were equally rated using hand activity and normalized peak force levels with the Hand Activity Threshold Limit Value®. Fifty-six workers participated, comprising 28 women-men pairs. Four observers-two woman-man pairs-were also involved. Self-ratings and observers' ratings of hand activity and force level were collected. The results of these ratings showed no significant gender differences in self-rated hand activity and force, as well as observer-rated hand activity. However, there was a significant gender difference in the observer-rated force, where the women were rated higher (mean (SD): women 3.9 (2.7), men 3.1 (1.8) (p = 0.01)). This difference remained significant in the adjusted model (p = 0.04) with grip strength and forearm-finger anthropometrics. The results provide new insights that observers' estimates of force can be higher in women compared with men in the same work tasks. Force should be further investigated and preferably compared to objective measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunilla Dahlgren
- Section of Sustainable Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, S-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Per Liv
- Section of Sustainable Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, S-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Öhberg
- Radiation Physics, Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, S-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Lisbeth Slunga Järvholm
- Section of Sustainable Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, S-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mikael Forsman
- IMM Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11C, S-141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Börje Rehn
- Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy, Umeå University, S-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
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15
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Assessing the relationship between domestic work experience and musculoskeletal health among rural Nigerian women. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276380. [PMID: 36512538 PMCID: PMC9747006 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women performing strenuous domestic tasks (especially those in developing countries) are at risk of experiencing musculoskeletal pain (MSP). Physical, psychosocial, and social conditions of work in rural environments contribute to women's domestic work experiences (DWEs) and the risk of MSP. The impact of DWEs on women's health is especially severe in water-insecure countries like Nigeria. This study examines the relationship between a recently developed measure of DWEs and self-reported pain in the lower back (LBP), neck/shoulder (NSP), and elbow/hand/wrist regions (EHWP) among rural Nigerian women. METHODS Interviewer-administered survey data were collected from 356 women in four rural communities of Ibadan, Nigeria. Binary and ordinal logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between DWE factor scores, sociodemographic characteristics, and musculoskeletal pain symptoms and severity after controlling for sociodemographic covariates. Effect estimates of association were presented using the odds ratio (OR), and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) at p-value of 0.05. FINDINGS Among 356 participants, the 2-month prevalence of LBP was 58%, NSP was 30%, and EWHP 30%. High DWE scores were significantly associated with higher odds of experiencing and having more severe LBP, NSP, and EHWP. Specifically, the odds of LBP [(OR = 2.88; 95% CI = 1.64-5.11), NSP (OR = 4.58; 95% CI = 2.29-9.40) and EHWP (OR = 1.88; 95% CI = 1.26-3.77)] were significantly higher among women who perceived their domestic work responsibilities as very stressful (i.e., 'high stress appraisal') compared to those with lower stress appraisal scores. Those who were time-pressured and had less autonomy over familial duties (i.e., 'high demand/low control') had significantly higher odds of LBP [(OR = 2.58; 95% CI = 1.64-4.09) and NSP (OR = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.24-2.58)]. Frequently fetching and carrying water over long distances and time (i.e., 'high water sourcing and carriage') was also associated with higher odds of LBP [(OR = 1.31; 95% CI = 1.09-1.79) and NSP (OR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.08-1.76). CONCLUSION Strenuous and stressful DWEs were associated with MSP among rural Nigerian women. This study provides new evidence on how the physical, social, and psychosocial factors of domestic work can increase women's risk of MSP.
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16
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Silva OFD, da Silva JMN, Silva LKD, Lima TDFM, Bornia AC, Souza LAHD, Leite WKDS, Vieira EMDA. Do men and women have different musculoskeletal symptoms at the same musculoskeletal discomfort level? ERGONOMICS 2022; 65:1486-1508. [PMID: 35695086 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2022.2088854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Owing to biological and social factors, illness-related musculoskeletal symptoms tend to vary between men and women. However, in the past, conceptualised discomfort metrics were applied uniformly to both genders. This study aimed to develop a scale to measure musculoskeletal discomfort that compares the symptoms between men and women. The scale aimed to determine the gender-based response patterns related to symptoms. A total of 707 men and 1302 women reported their symptoms on a body map. Factor analysis and item response theory were used to differentiate the identified symptoms in the construction of a musculoskeletal discomfort scale. Differences in work exposure appeared to explain the symptom patterns between men and women. The scale had eight levels, and it was found that at the same level of discomfort, men and women reported symptoms in different body regions.Practitioner summary: On this discomfort scale, the response patterns of men and women were categorised into eight levels. Symptoms differed by gender at the same musculoskeletal discomfort level. This is in contrast to previous studies in which scales were devised without considering differences between the genders.Abbreviations: WMSDs: work-related musculoskeletal disorders; BMI: body mass index; FA: factor analysis; IRT: item response theory; KMO: Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin; BST: Bartlett's test of sphericity; F: factor loading; h2: communality; α: Cronbach's alpha; ωt: McDonald's omega; ai: parameters of discrimination of the items; bik: parameters of difficulty of response categories; θj: latent trait; RMSEA: root mean square error of approximation; CFI: comparative fit index; TLI: Tucker-Lewis index; odu: musculoskeletal discomfort units; RA: rarely; OF: often; AL: always.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Antonio Cezar Bornia
- Federal University of Santa Catarina, St. Engenheiro Agronômico Andrei Cristian Ferreira, Santa Catarina, Brazil
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17
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Forsman M, Fan X, Rhen IM, Lind CM. Mind the gap - development of conversion models between accelerometer- and IMU-based measurements of arm and trunk postures and movements in warehouse work. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2022; 105:103841. [PMID: 35917697 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Sensor type (accelerometers only versus inertial measurement units, IMUs) and angular velocity computational method (inclination versus generalized velocity) have been shown to affect the measurements of arm and trunk movements. This study developed models for conversions between accelerometer and IMU measurements of arm and trunk inclination and between accelerometer and IMU measurements of inclination and generalized (arm) velocities. Full-workday recordings from accelerometers and IMUs of arm and trunk postures and movements from 38 warehouse workers were used to develop 4 angular (posture) and 24 angular velocity (movement) conversion models for the distributions of the data. A power function with one coefficient and one exponent was used, and it correlated well (r2 > 0.999) in all cases to the average curves comparing one measurement with another. These conversion models facilitate the comparison and merging of measurements of arm and trunk movements collected using the two sensor types and the two computational methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikael Forsman
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-141 57, Huddinge, Sweden; IMM Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden; Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, SE-113 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xuelong Fan
- IMM Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Ida-Märta Rhen
- IMM Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden; Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, SE-113 65, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Industrial and Materials Science, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carl Mikael Lind
- IMM Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
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18
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Clusiault D, Davidson JB, Armstrong DP, Fischer SL. The influence of sex and strength capacity on normalized low-back exposure during lifting: Insights from a joint power analysis. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2022; 102:103756. [PMID: 35413576 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Investigate the influence of sex, strength capacity, and relative load mass on low-back exposure and lower extremity joint power generation in backboard lifting. BACKGROUND Sex and strength have been shown to influence lifting strategy, but without load mass being scaled to strength it is unknown which factor influences low-back exposures, and whether there are interactions with load mass. METHODS Motion capture and force plate data from 28 participants were collected during backboard lifting at load masses scaled to strength capacity. Differences in normalized peak low-back moment, peak knee-to-hip power magnitude ratio and timing were tested as a function of sex, strength, and load mass. RESULTS Stronger participants had lower normalized peak low-back moments (average 32% change from low-capacity across all load masses), with no significant sex effect (p = 0.582). As load mass increased, normalized peak low-back moment, peak knee-to-hip power magnitude and synchronicity decreased. CONCLUSION Training to both increase strength capacity and hip-joint power generation may be a strategy to reduce low-back exposure in backboard lifting.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Clusiault
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Justin B Davidson
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | | | - Steven L Fischer
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
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19
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Yoon S, Bailey CA, Côté JN. Sex-specific muscle activation and oxygenation kinetics during a repetitive forward pointing task. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2022; 47:502-516. [PMID: 35050824 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2021-0664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We compared the minute-by-minute muscle activity and oxygenation responses to a repetitive arm motion-induced fatiguing task between the sexes in order to address the literature gap on these time-dependent fatigue responses. Twenty-six (13 females) healthy adults performed a repetitive pointing task (RPT) with the arm moving forward/backward at shoulder height until reaching 8/10 (Borg CR10) for neck/shoulder perceived exertion (RPE). Neck/shoulder RPE, oxygenation and electromyography were recorded every minute and compared between first and second half of the task and between the sexes. Greater changes in oxygen supply and activation amplitude occurred during the second half of the task. Despite similar time to fatigue-terminal (p > 0.05), females showed greater anterior deltoid activation amplitude at all time points than males, and only the males showed increases in anterior and posterior deltoid activation amplitudes. In females, middle (ρ = -0.34, p = 0.04) and posterior (ρ = -0.44, p = 0.01) deltoid amplitudes were negatively correlated with perceived exertion during the first half of the task. Results suggest that reduced modulation of anterior deltoid activation amplitude in females may reflect a sub-optimal fatigue-mitigation mechanism compared with males and may help explain their greater susceptibility to neck/shoulder musculoskeletal disorders. Novelty: Despite similar fatigability and trapezius oxygenation, females showed greater deltoid activation throughout the task. Deltoid activation increased in males but not in females. The results support the important role of the deltoid in sex-specific neck/shoulder injury mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- SangHoon Yoon
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montréal, QC H2W 1S4, Canada.,Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montréal, QC H2W 1S4, Canada
| | - Christopher A Bailey
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montréal, QC H2W 1S4, Canada.,Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montréal, QC H2W 1S4, Canada
| | - Julie N Côté
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montréal, QC H2W 1S4, Canada.,Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montréal, QC H2W 1S4, Canada
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20
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Barnard E, Sheaffer K, Hampton S, Measel ML, Farag A, Shaw C. Ergonomics and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: Characteristics Among Female Interventionists. Cureus 2021; 13:e18226. [PMID: 34722032 PMCID: PMC8544652 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Interventional radiology is a procedural specialty that performs minimally invasive operations under image guidance. Currently, there are inadequate ergonomic protocols for work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) prevention in interventional radiology (IR), and there is a paucity of information discerning gender differences in WMSDs. This article reviews current literature that addresses WMSDs in female physicians practicing interventional and fluoroscopic procedures, including interventional radiology, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, vascular surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and gastroenterology. We searched PubMed and EBSCOhost databases for ergonomic studies that reported female physician WMSDs in the specialties listed above. After a thorough evaluation for inclusion based on eligibility criteria, 11 studies were included. From this search, there was poor female representation, averaging 25.7% of respondents. Several characteristics identified across the studies were that women were generally shorter, wore smaller glove sizes, and were younger than their male colleagues. Seventy-two percent of female proceduralists reported WMSDs versus 46.6% of their male colleagues. Additionally, women may experience more upper extremity pain than lumbar pain, which men commonly reported. Potential contributing factors to WMSDs are the size and design of procedural tools and the possible predisposition of female physicians to experience upper extremity WMSDs while performing the same operations as men. As more women enter medicine and pursue careers in procedural fields like interventional radiology, it is essential to address these discrepancies and develop ergonomically sound solutions for women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Barnard
- Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, USA
| | | | - Sarah Hampton
- Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, USA
| | - Megan L Measel
- Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, USA
| | - Ahmed Farag
- Interventional Radiology, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, USA
| | - Cathyrn Shaw
- Interventional Radiology, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, USA
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21
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Govaerts R, Tassignon B, Ghillebert J, Serrien B, De Bock S, Ampe T, El Makrini I, Vanderborght B, Meeusen R, De Pauw K. Prevalence and incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in secondary industries of 21st century Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2021; 22:751. [PMID: 34465326 PMCID: PMC8408961 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-021-04615-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Over the course of the twenty-first century, work-related musculoskeletal disorders are still persisting among blue collar workers. At present, no epidemiological overview exists. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed on the epidemiology of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) within Europe's secondary industries. METHODS Five databases were screened, yielding 34 studies for the qualitative analysis and 17 for the quantitative analysis. Twelve subgroups of WMSDs were obtained for the meta-analysis by means of predefined inclusion criteria: back (overall), upper back, lower back, neck, shoulder, neck/shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, leg (overall), hip, knee, and ankle/feet. RESULTS The most prevalent WMSDs were located at the back (overall), shoulder/neck, neck, shoulder, lower back and wrist WMSDs with mean 12-month prevalence values of 60, 54, 51, 50, 47, and 42%, respectively. The food industry was in the majority of subgroups the most prominent researched sector and was frequently associated with high prevalence values of WMSDs. Incidence ratios of upper limb WMSDs ranged between 0.04 and 0.26. Incidence ratios could not be calculated for other anatomical regions due to the lack of sufficient articles. CONCLUSION WMSDs are still highly present among blue collar workers. Relatively high prevalence values and low incidence ratios indicate a limited onset of WMSDs with however long-term complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée Govaerts
- BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Strategic Research Program 'Exercise and the Brain in Health & Disease: the added value of Human-centered Robotics', Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bruno Tassignon
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jo Ghillebert
- BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Strategic Research Program 'Exercise and the Brain in Health & Disease: the added value of Human-centered Robotics', Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ben Serrien
- Sciensano Research Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sander De Bock
- BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Strategic Research Program 'Exercise and the Brain in Health & Disease: the added value of Human-centered Robotics', Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Toon Ampe
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ilias El Makrini
- BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Robotics research group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bram Vanderborght
- BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Robotics research group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and IMEC, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Romain Meeusen
- BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Strategic Research Program 'Exercise and the Brain in Health & Disease: the added value of Human-centered Robotics', Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin De Pauw
- BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium. .,Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium. .,Strategic Research Program 'Exercise and the Brain in Health & Disease: the added value of Human-centered Robotics', Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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22
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Fan X, Lind CM, Rhen IM, Forsman M. Effects of Sensor Types and Angular Velocity Computational Methods in Field Measurements of Occupational Upper Arm and Trunk Postures and Movements. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21165527. [PMID: 34450967 PMCID: PMC8401405 DOI: 10.3390/s21165527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Accelerometer-based inclinometers have dominated kinematic measurements in previous field studies, while the use of inertial measurement units that additionally include gyroscopes is rapidly increasing. Recent laboratory studies suggest that these two sensor types and the two commonly used angular velocity computational methods may produce substantially different results. The aim of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the effects of sensor types and angular velocity computational methods on the measures of work postures and movements in a real occupational setting. Half-workday recordings of arm and trunk postures, and movements from 38 warehouse workers were compared using two sensor types: accelerometers versus accelerometers with gyroscopes-and using two angular velocity computational methods, i.e., inclination velocity versus generalized velocity. The results showed an overall small difference (<2° and value independent) for posture percentiles between the two sensor types, but substantial differences in movement percentiles both between the sensor types and between the angular computational methods. For example, the group mean of the 50th percentiles were for accelerometers: 71°/s (generalized velocity) and 33°/s (inclination velocity)-and for accelerometers with gyroscopes: 31°/s (generalized velocity) and 16°/s (inclination velocity). The significant effects of sensor types and angular computational methods on angular velocity measures in field work are important in inter-study comparisons and in comparisons to recommended threshold limit values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelong Fan
- IMM Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; (X.F.); (I.-M.R.); (M.F.)
| | - Carl Mikael Lind
- IMM Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; (X.F.); (I.-M.R.); (M.F.)
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11C, SE-141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
- Correspondence:
| | - Ida-Märta Rhen
- IMM Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; (X.F.); (I.-M.R.); (M.F.)
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, SE-113 65 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Industrial and Materials Science, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mikael Forsman
- IMM Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; (X.F.); (I.-M.R.); (M.F.)
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11C, SE-141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, SE-113 65 Stockholm, Sweden
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Moreira S, Ferreira MS, Criado MB, Machado J, Mesquita C, Lopes S, Santos PC. Occupational Health: Does Compliance with Physical Activity Recommendations Have a Preventive Effect on Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Computer Workers? A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18147604. [PMID: 34300055 PMCID: PMC8307835 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A lack of physical activity in computer workers (CW) can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS). Aim: (i) Evaluate MSS over a 12 month and 7 days period, (ii) determine physical activity (PA) levels and compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) PA recommendations, and (iii) assess the relationship between compliance with WHO PA recommendations and MSS. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study comprising 119 computer workers. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to evaluate the MSS and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to analyse the perception of the level of PA. Results: MSS occurred in the lumbar region (56.3%), neck (43.7%), and shoulders (39.5%). 44.7% of the participants reported a low level of PA. The percentage of compliance was similar among women and men (62.2% vs. 58.5%, respectively). Negative correlations were found between pain intensity and metabolic equivalent values. The participants who followed the WHO PA recommendations reported a lower frequency of MSS compared to those who did not, but the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: It was possible to conclude that computer workers presented a higher frequency of MSS in the lower back, neck, and shoulders. Regarding the level of PA, participants were mostly classified as low. Participants who followed the WHO PA recommendations reported lower MSS than those who did not. This finding could be important in obtaining successful programs that promote health-oriented physical activity in this group of workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Moreira
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- ESS|IPVC—Escola Superior de Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-314 Viana do Castelo, Portugal;
- CBSin—Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4000-105 Porto, Portugal;
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +351-914796967
| | - Maria Salomé Ferreira
- ESS|IPVC—Escola Superior de Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-314 Viana do Castelo, Portugal;
- UICISA: E—Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing, Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC), Portugal School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, 4900-314 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
| | - Maria Begoña Criado
- CBSin—Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4000-105 Porto, Portugal;
- IINFACTS—Institute of Research and Advance Formation in Health Sciences and Technology, 4585-116 Paredes, Portugal
- CESPU—Departamento de Tecnologias de Diagnóstico e Terapêutica, Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Sousa, Instituto Politécnico de Saúde do Norte (IPSN), 4585-116 Paredes, Portugal;
| | - Jorge Machado
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- CBSin—Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4000-105 Porto, Portugal;
- LABIOMEP, Laboratório de Biomecânica do Porto, Universidade do Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Mesquita
- ESS|PPorto—Departamento de Fisioterapia, Escola Superior de Saúde, Politécnico do Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (C.M.); (P.C.S.)
- CIR—Centro de Investigação e Reabilitação, ESS|P, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia Lopes
- CESPU—Departamento de Tecnologias de Diagnóstico e Terapêutica, Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Sousa, Instituto Politécnico de Saúde do Norte (IPSN), 4585-116 Paredes, Portugal;
- ESS|PPorto—Departamento de Fisioterapia, Escola Superior de Saúde, Politécnico do Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (C.M.); (P.C.S.)
- CIR—Centro de Investigação e Reabilitação, ESS|P, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Clara Santos
- ESS|PPorto—Departamento de Fisioterapia, Escola Superior de Saúde, Politécnico do Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (C.M.); (P.C.S.)
- CIR—Centro de Investigação e Reabilitação, ESS|P, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- CIAFEL—Centro de Investigação em Atividade Física, Saúde e Lazer, Faculdade de Desporto, Universidade do Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
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Andersen LL, Jensen PH, Sundstrup E. Barriers and opportunities for prolonging working life across different occupational groups: the SeniorWorkingLife study. Eur J Public Health 2021; 30:241-246. [PMID: 31504459 PMCID: PMC7183363 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Increasing retirement age is a pivotal issue in labour market reforms. This study analyses factors conditioning retirement intentions. Methods In SeniorWorkingLife, 11 444 employed workers ≥50 years replied to questions in random order about expected reasons for leaving and potential reasons for staying longer at the labour market. Respondents were stratified based on the Danish version of International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO). Representative estimates were produced using the SurveyFreq and SurveyLogistic procedures of SAS combined with model-assisted weights based on national registers. Results For ISCO groups 1–4 (seated work) main expected reasons for retiring were freedom to choose and desire for more leisure time, but many would consider staying longer if there were better possibilities for additional senior days, longer vacations and flexible working hours. For ISCO groups 5–9 (physical work), poor physical health and not being capable of doing the job were common expected reasons for retiring, but many would consider staying longer if the work were less physically demanding and there were more senior days. Possibility for pension was a general expected reason for retiring. Expected reasons differed to a less extent between genders than between ISCO groups, e.g. economic factors were more important for men and high work demands more important for women. Conclusion Different barriers and opportunities for prolonging working life exist across different occupational groups of the labour market—with most consistent differences between those with seated and physical work. Targeting these specifically seems opportune for policy makers and future interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars L Andersen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Per H Jensen
- Centre for Comparative Welfare Studies, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Emil Sundstrup
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Motabar H, Nimbarte AD. Sex Differences in Rotator Cuff Muscles' Response to Various Work-Related Factors. IISE Trans Occup Ergon Hum Factors 2021; 9:1-12. [PMID: 34011247 DOI: 10.1080/24725838.2021.1931562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Occupational ApplicationsDespite the frequency and cost of rotator cuff injuries among male and female workers, very little is known about the strength, endurance, and perceived exertion and electromyographic response of rotator cuff muscles to different exertion levels. In this study, sex differences were studied using muscle-specific maximal and submaximal exertions of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor muscles. Females showed lower strength and endurance, but higher muscle activity and perceived exertion compared to males. The baseline data presented in this paper can assist ergonomic practitioners in determining the worker capacity to ensure that physically-demanding shoulder exertions can be performed without incurring injurious stress. Such data is also essential to establish population norms for the better design of workplace tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Motabar
- Industrial and Management Systems Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Ashish D Nimbarte
- Industrial and Management Systems Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
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26
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Changes in muscle activation, oxygenation, and morphology following a fatiguing repetitive forward reaching task in young adult males and females. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2021; 59:102564. [PMID: 34102382 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2021.102564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We sought to evaluate sex-specific 1) muscle activation patterns, hemodynamics, and swelling responses to short-cycle repetitive fatigue; 2) relationships between muscular responses and perceived fatigability. Asymptomatic participants (N = 26, 13 females) completed a repetitive pointing task until 8/10 on the Borg CR10 scale. Upper trapezius (UT), supraspinatus (SUPRA), and biceps brachii (BIC) muscle activation, activation variability (CV), median power frequency (MdPF) and thickness, and UT oxygenation were recorded. Males had higher BIC CV, UT and SUPRA MdPF, and UT and BIC thickness. Longer time to fatigue-terminal was correlated to greater SUPRA activation increase (ρ = 0.624) and BIC MdPF decrease (ρ = -0.674) in males, while in females it was correlated to greater (ρ = -0.657) and lower (ρ = 0.683) decrease of SUPRA and BIC CV, respectively. Male's greater increase in SUPRA thickness correlated to greater increase in UT thickness and tissue oxygenation index, and to lower increase of UT deoxyhemoglobin. Females' greater decrease of SUPRA MdPF correlated to greater decrease of UT MdPF, while greater UT activation increase was related to lower UT thickness increase. Results suggest that despite comparable time to fatigue-terminal, males have greater force-generating capacity and neuromuscular reliance on recruitment and excitation rates, while females have greater reliance on activation variability. Further, there are relationships between hemodynamic and swelling patterns in males, while there are relationships between activation and swelling patterns in females. Although there were no differences in experimental task-induced changes, there are sex-specific relationships between muscular patterns and perceived fatigability, which may help explain sex-specific mechanisms of musculoskeletal disorders.
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Reist RM, Bath BL, Jelinski MD, Erickson NEN, Clark CR, Trask CM. Ergonomic assessment of veterinarians during performance of bovine reproductive examinations. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2021; 258:1243-1253. [PMID: 33978445 DOI: 10.2460/javma.258.11.1243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify and quantify potential ergonomic hazards associated with routine reproductive examinations of cattle. SAMPLE 7 bovine veterinarians. PROCEDURES Each veterinarian was observed and videotaped during 2 bovine reproductive examination appointments. During each appointment, a force-matching protocol was used to estimate the entry force used by the veterinarian to insert an arm into a cow's rectum. Veterinarian posture and repetitive movements and the work environment were assessed and quantified during review of the video recordings. Descriptive data were generated. RESULTS Of the 14 appointments observed, 9 and 5 involved examination of beef and dairy cows, respectively. For all veterinarians, an arm inclination ≥ 60° was observed during most reproductive examinations. The number of examinations performed per hour ranged from 19.1 to 116.8. The estimated entry force ranged from 121 to 349 N. During all 9 appointments involving beef cows, the veterinarian participated in other tasks (eg, operating overhead levers, opening gates, or assisting with cattle handling) that represented ergonomic hazards. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results confirmed that reproductive examination of cattle exposes veterinarians to various ergonomic hazards involving awkward positions and repetitive and forceful exertions that can contribute to musculoskeletal discomfort and injury, particularly of the upper extremities (neck, shoulders, upper back, arms, elbows, wrists, and hands). Veterinarians frequently participated in other tasks during reproductive examination appointments that exposed them to additional ergonomic hazards. Risk mitigation strategies should prioritize minimizing exposure of veterinarians to tasks not directly associated with the reproductive examination procedure to decrease their overall ergonomic hazard burden.
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Reist RM, Bath BL, Jelinski MD, Erickson NEN, Clark CR, Trask CM. Risk factors associated with work-preventing musculoskeletal discomfort in the upper extremities of bovine practitioners. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2021; 257:410-416. [PMID: 32715890 DOI: 10.2460/javma.257.4.410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify risk factors associated with work-preventing musculoskeletal discomfort (MSKD) in the upper extremities (defined as neck, shoulders, upper back, arms, elbows, wrists, and hands) of bovine practitioners. SAMPLE 116 members of the Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners. PROCEDURES Data from a previously described cross-sectional survey of western Canadian bovine practitioners underwent further analysis. The survey, developed to glean information about MSKD in bovine practitioners, was a modified standardized Nordic questionnaire that included questions regarding personal and work characteristics and incidence and location of MSKD during the preceding 12 months along with perceptions about most physically demanding tasks. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with work-preventing upper extremity MSKD. RESULTS 18 of 116 (15.5%) respondents indicated they had experienced work-preventing upper extremity MSKD during the preceding 12 months. The final multivariable regression model indicated that practice type (mixed animal vs primarily [> 50%] bovine; OR, 3.20; 95% CI, 0.96 to 10.67), practitioner height (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.99), and number of veterinarians in the practice (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.66) were significantly associated with the odds of work-preventing upper extremity MSKD. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that reproductive examination of cattle was not a significant risk factor for upper extremity MSKD in bovine practitioners. Further research into the effects of biomechanical, organizational, and psychosocial workplace factors on the development of MSKD in bovine practitioners is necessary to help inform prevention strategies to foster career longevity in this increasingly diverse practitioner group.
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Lima TM, Coelho DA. Gender differences in associating musculoskeletal complaints, housework, electronic device usage and physical exercise for administrative workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2021; 28:1189-1197. [PMID: 33468020 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2021.1878695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. This study assessed musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs) in administrative workers, associating MSCs with non-paid housework, home use of electronic devices and physical exercise, while keeping a distinctive gender approach. This may promote the development of more effective preventive measures, by meeting the specific strengths and weaknesses of each gender. Methods. Ninety-six administrative workers (58 women and 38 men) who used computers more than 50% of their working time participated in a cross-sectional study. A questionnaire concerning individual socio-demographic data, habits and lifestyle, and including the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ), was deployed. Gender-based odds ratios for MSCs in body areas over the previous 12 months and correlation coefficients between habits and lifestyle variables and NMQ variables were computed. Results. Women did not incur a higher risk of MSCs than men. Analysis of the association did not yield meaningful associations for either gender. Results suggest giving future consideration to development of gender-specific preventive measures. Conclusion. Computerized work performed concomitantly with physical exposures outside the workplace showed mixed associations with MSCs, according to gender and depending on the kind of exposure. Results are indicative of the need for development of gender-specific preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia M Lima
- C-MAST - Centre for Mechanical and Aerospace Science and Technologies, Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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Kranz C, Lee K, Jadhav P, Vestlin L, Barker M, Jacques A, Falkmer T, Netto J, Netto K. Kinematic and perceptual responses in heavy lifting and pulling: Are there differences between males and females? APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2021; 90:103274. [PMID: 32979817 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2020.103274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
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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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Kranz
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Kellyn Lee
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Parnashree Jadhav
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Linda Vestlin
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Mike Barker
- School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Angela Jacques
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Torbjörn Falkmer
- School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Julie Netto
- School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Kevin Netto
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
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Peng C, Hsieh H, Li M, Liaw L, Wang C, Pan C, Wu M. Gender differences and site-specific incident risks of musculoskeletal disorders among 224 506 workers in the food and beverage service industry in Taiwan: A 15-year Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study. J Occup Health 2021; 63:e12214. [PMID: 33728746 PMCID: PMC7966568 DOI: 10.1002/1348-9585.12214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Occupational characteristics in the food and beverage service industry (FBSI) have been found to be associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study aimed to examine gender and site-specific incident risks of MSDs among FBSI workers in Taiwan using a national population-based database. METHODS We conducted a 15-year population-based cohort study among 224 506 FBSI workers in Taiwan using data from five large nationwide databases to estimate direct standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for identifying specific MSDs related to overexertion and repetitiveness during work. Overall, MSDs risks were also investigated by gender, sub-industrial categories, and certificate types. RESULTS We found SIRs for overall MSDs for male and female workers of 1.706 (95% CI, 1.688-1.724) and 2.198 (95% CI, 2.177-2.219), respectively. Our findings indicate significantly increased WMSD risk for both men and women, including median/ulnar nerve disorders (ICD-9 354.0-354.2); spondylosis and allied disorders (ICD-9 721); intervertebral disc disorders (ICD-9 722); disorders of the back (ICD-9 724); peripheral enthesopathies and allied syndromes (ICD-9 726); synovium, tendon, and bursa disorders (ICD-9 727); and soft tissues of the peripheral system disorders (ICD-9 729). Food stall workers and workers with Chinese cuisine or baking licenses were at higher risk among sub-industrial categories and certificate types. CONCLUSION This large-scale study revealed that FBSI workers were at higher risk for several MSDs than the general population. This information could help prioritize MSD problems and identify a high-risk population. Relevant policy and ergonomic improvements and interventions could be implemented for health promotion in this industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiung‐Yu Peng
- Department of Public HealthKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
- Research Center for Environmental MedicineKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
| | - Hui‐Min Hsieh
- Department of Public HealthKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
- Research Center for Environmental MedicineKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
- Department of Medical ResearchKaohsiung Medical University HospitalKaohsiungTaiwan
- Department of Community MedicineKaohsiung Medical University HospitalKaohsiungTaiwan
- Center for Big Data ResearchKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
| | - Meng‐Yun Li
- Department of Public HealthKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
| | - Lih‐Jiun Liaw
- Department of Physical TherapyKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
| | - Chao‐Ling Wang
- Research Center for Environmental MedicineKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
- Department of Occupational MedicineKaohsiung Medical University HospitalKaohsiungTaiwan
| | - Chih‐Hong Pan
- Institute of LaborOccupational Safety and HealthMinistry of LaborTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Ming‐Tsang Wu
- Department of Public HealthKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
- Research Center for Environmental MedicineKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
- Department of Family MedicineKaohsiung Medical University HospitalKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
- Environmental and Occupational MedicineKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical MedicineKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
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Ling CF, Radin Umar RZ, Ahmad N. Development of a predictive model for work-relatedness of MSDs among semiconductor back-end workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2020; 28:872-882. [DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2020.1840116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chai Fong Ling
- Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Malaysia
| | - Radin Zaid Radin Umar
- Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Malaysia
- Center of Smart System and Innovative Design, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Malaysia
| | - Nadiah Ahmad
- Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Malaysia
- Center of Smart System and Innovative Design, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Malaysia
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Knuttinen MG, Zurcher KS, Wallace A, Doe C, Naidu SG, Money SR, Rochon PJ. Ergonomics in IR. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2020; 32:235-241. [PMID: 33358387 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ergonomic research in the field of interventional radiology remains limited. Existing literature suggests that operators are at increased risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders related to the use of lead garments and incomplete knowledge of ergonomic principles. Data from existing surgical literature suggest that musculoskeletal disorders may contribute to physician burnout and female operators are at a higher risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. This review article aims to summarize the existing ergonomic challenges faced by interventional radiologists, reiterate existing solutions to these challenges, and highlight the need for further ergonomic research in multiple areas, including burnout and gender.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kenneth S Zurcher
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona.
| | - Alex Wallace
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Christopher Doe
- Department of Interventional Radiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Sailendra G Naidu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Samuel R Money
- Department of Surgery, Ochsner Clinic, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Paul J Rochon
- Department of Interventional Radiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
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Bouffard J, Weber Z, Pearsall L, Emery K, Côté JN. Similar effects of fatigue induced by a repetitive pointing task on local and remote light touch and pain perception in men and women. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0244321. [PMID: 33338075 PMCID: PMC7748284 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Women involved in repetitive, fatiguing, jobs develop more neck and/or shoulder musculoskeletal disorders than men. Sex differences in the pain response to exercise could contribute to the higher prevalence of neck/shoulder musculoskeletal disorders in women. The objective of this study was to assess sex differences in pain sensitivity following a fatiguing upper limb task. Relationships between measures of fatigue and of the sensitivity to nociceptive and to non-nociceptive stimulations were also explored. Methods Thirty healthy adults (15 women) performed a fatiguing repetitive pointing task with their dominant arm. Upper limb electromyography was recorded from the dominant upper trapezius, anterior deltoid and bicep brachii and from the contralateral tibialis anterior. Before and immediately after the repetitive pointing task, pressure pain and light touch sensitivity thresholds were measured over the same muscles. Results Electromyographic signs of fatigue were observed only in the anterior deltoid and biceps brachii muscles. Pressure pain thresholds over both muscles increased slightly (effect size ≤ 0.34), but no changes occurred over the upper trapezius and the tibialis anterior. Light touch thresholds increased moderately to importantly after the repetitive pointing task over all four muscles (effect sizes = 0.58 to 0.87). No sex differences were observed in any sensory variable. Moreover, no or weak correlations (r = -0.27 to 0.39) were observed between electromyographical signs of fatigue, light touch threshold and pressure pain threshold variables. Conclusions We observed sex-independent effects of a repetitive upper limb task on the sensitivity to painful and to nonpainful stimuli. Moreover, the hypoalgesia induced by the repetitive pointing task was weak and localized, and did not directly correlate with the induced muscle fatigue. Results suggest that fatigue-related changes in the sensitivity to noxious and innocuous stimuli could not explain women’s greater prevalence of neck/shoulder musculoskeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Bouffard
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Occupational Biomechanics and Ergonomics Laboratory, Michael Feil and Ted Oberfeld/CRIR Research Centre, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, Laval, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Zachary Weber
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Occupational Biomechanics and Ergonomics Laboratory, Michael Feil and Ted Oberfeld/CRIR Research Centre, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lyndsey Pearsall
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Occupational Biomechanics and Ergonomics Laboratory, Michael Feil and Ted Oberfeld/CRIR Research Centre, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kim Emery
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Occupational Biomechanics and Ergonomics Laboratory, Michael Feil and Ted Oberfeld/CRIR Research Centre, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Julie N. Côté
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Occupational Biomechanics and Ergonomics Laboratory, Michael Feil and Ted Oberfeld/CRIR Research Centre, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, Laval, Quebec, Canada
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Is sex a proxy for mechanical variables during an upper limb repetitive movement task? An investigation of the effects of sex and of anthropometric load on muscle fatigue. Biol Sex Differ 2020; 11:60. [PMID: 33126920 PMCID: PMC7596960 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00336-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women report more work-related pain and neck/shoulder musculoskeletal disorders than men. For the same absolute workload, due to lower strength, females generally work at a higher relative intensity, which could induce more fatigue. However, the arm's anthropometric load (AL) of men is higher. Therefore, simply lifting their arm could be more fatiguing. Sex as a variable is formed of many constructs, and analyses can become muddied by their differing responses to fatigue. No studies have considered AL, when comparing how fatigue affects men and women. The purpose was to determine if including the arm's AL in the statistical analysis would impact findings of sex-specific effects of shoulder fatigue on muscle EMG. METHODS Fifty-five (29m/26f) participants completed a repetitive pointing task (RPT) at shoulder height until they reported fatigue of 8+ on the BORG CR-10 scale. Muscle activities were measured using surface electrodes placed over the anterior deltoid (AD) and upper trapezius (UT) muscles. Muscle activity amplitude was quantified using root mean square (RMS). First- and last-minute data were used to assess change from no-fatigue (NF) to fatigue-terminal (FT) conditions. AL was calculated using sex-specific body parameter equations. General estimating equations (GEE) were used to determine the effects of sex and fatigue on RMS values, while including AL in the GEE. RESULTS There was no sex difference in time to reach fatigue. A significant main effect of sex on RMS was observed (χ2(1) = 4.17, p = 0.04) when including AL as a covariate. Females displayed a significantly higher percentage change in AD RMS from NF to FT, compared to males (p = 0.03), when AL was included in the GEE. No sex differences in UT were observed. CONCLUSIONS This sex difference emerged when AL was included as a covariate, suggesting that sex-associated anthropometric differences may contribute to sex differences in the fatigue response. Differences in the impact of AL on AD compared to UT could be explained by differences in their respective mechanical roles or muscle fiber content. Anthropometrics may be useful to include as covariates in future research to separate individual anthropometric differences from sex differences.
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Ojukwu CP, Ikele CN, Nwobodo OD, Okemuo AJ, Ikele IT, Uchenwoke CI, Ezeugwu UA. Electromyographic activity of the neck muscles: Effects of varying standing height-derived teaching board heights. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2020; 33:463-468. [PMID: 31594207 DOI: 10.3233/bmr-191500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the increasing emergence of modern facilities, the ancient practice of writing on a teaching board is still common in the teaching profession. Ergonomic guidelines of this practice are required for the prevention of work-related neck musculoskeletal disorders inherent of teachers. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the effects of varying teaching board heights on the activities of the neck muscles. METHODS Thirty participants (15 males and 15 females) participated in this experimental study. Each performed writing tasks on a teaching board set at five different heights derived from their standing height (SH) [(D 10 = SH minus 10% of SH; Norm H = SH; Sum 10 = SH plus 10% of SH; Sum 20 = SH plus 20% of SH; Sum 25 = SH plus 25% of SH)]. Electromyographic (EMG) activities of both components of the sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius muscles were measured during each task. Asymmetry ratio of right and left muscle components were determined. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA. RESULTS EMG activities of the four muscles as well as their asymmetry ratios significantly (p< 0.01) increased with increasing board heights. CONCLUSION Teaching board-related tasks have increased possibilities of inducing neck disorders when performed beyond Norm H vertical heights.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chioma Nneka Ikele
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Nigeria, Nigeria
| | | | - Adaora Justina Okemuo
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Nigeria, Nigeria
| | | | - Chigozie Ikenna Uchenwoke
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Nigeria, Nigeria
| | - Uchechukwu Anthonia Ezeugwu
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Nigeria, Nigeria
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Arvidsson I, Gremark Simonsen J, Lindegård-Andersson A, Björk J, Nordander C. The impact of occupational and personal factors on musculoskeletal pain - a cohort study of female nurses, sonographers and teachers. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2020; 21:621. [PMID: 32948157 PMCID: PMC7501652 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-020-03640-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Musculoskeletal pain is common in the general population and constitutes a major public health problem. A large proportion of these conditions may be work related. The aim of this study was to explore the relative importance of physical, psychosocial and personal factors, in number of pain sites and in five specific pain sites, among women in common professions with a broad variety of occupational exposures. Methods A cohort of 1115 women responded to a questionnaire on ergonomic, psychosocial, personal and life-style factors, and the outcome measure of musculoskeletal pain (based on frequency and intensity of complaints at nine anatomical sites), at baseline and at follow-up. Sum scores of ergonomic and psychosocial factors were created. The importance of exposure at baseline for the number of pain sites at follow-up were estimated using ordinal regression. The importance of exposure at baseline for pain in the neck, shoulders, hands, lower back and feet at follow-up were estimated using multi-exposure Poisson regression models. Results High sum scores for ergonomic and psychosocial factors were of importance for a high number of pain sites, although the strongest risk factor was a high number of pain sites already at baseline. On the individual level, there was a large fluctuation in number of pain sites between the two time points. Eighteen percent reported persistent (or recurrent) ≥ four pain sites, while only 11 % did not report any pain at baseline or at follow-up. Among the specific pain sites, a high sum score of ergonomic factors was associated with pain in the neck, hands and feet. A high sum score of psychosocial factors was associated with neck and shoulder pain. The strongest risk factor was, however, pain at that specific anatomical site at baseline. Only a few of the personal and life-style factors were associated with pain. Conclusions An overwhelming majority of the women in common occupations were affected by musculoskeletal pain. Both ergonomic and psychosocial factors were predictive of a high number of pain sites and of specific pain sites. These findings indicate the need for preventive measures on the individual, organizational and societal level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inger Arvidsson
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 85, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Jenny Gremark Simonsen
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 85, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Jonas Björk
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 85, Lund, Sweden
| | - Catarina Nordander
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 85, Lund, Sweden
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Magnuson S, Autenrieth DA, Stack T, Risser S, Gilkey D. Are hard hats a risk factor for WRMSD in the cervical-thoracic region? Work 2020; 66:437-443. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-203183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Magnuson
- Safety, Health, and Industrial Hygiene Department, Montana Tech University, Butte, MT, USA
| | - Daniel A. Autenrieth
- Safety, Health, and Industrial Hygiene Department, Montana Tech University, Butte, MT, USA
| | - Theresa Stack
- Safety, Health, and Industrial Hygiene Department, Montana Tech University, Butte, MT, USA
| | - Scott Risser
- Department of Liberal Studies, Montana Tech University, Butte, MT, USA
| | - David Gilkey
- Safety, Health, and Industrial Hygiene Department, Montana Tech University, Butte, MT, USA
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Claudon L, Desbrosses K, Gilles MA, Pichené-Houard A, Remy O, Wild P. Temporal leeway: can it help to reduce biomechanical load for older workers performing repetitive light assembly tasks? APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2020; 86:103081. [PMID: 32174446 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2020.103081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Current industrial production systems allow assembly of customised products which include additional elements distinguishing them from a reference model. This customisation can result in significant additional time constraints which compel workers to complete their tasks faster, which may pose problems for older workers. The objective of this laboratory study was to investigate the impact of restrictive or flexible pacing during assembly of customised products among groups of younger and older participants. The data gathered were used to analyse cycle-time, assembly performance, muscular load, and kinematic adaptations. The flexible pacing condition was found to improve production performance, increasing customised assembly cycle-time and reducing biomechanical load, for both young and older participants. However, as the task required fine manual dexterity, older participants were subjected to a higher biomechanical load, even in the flexible pacing scenario. These results should encourage assembly-line designers to allow flexible time constraints as much as possible and to be particularly attentive to the needs of older workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Claudon
- Working Life Department, Physiology - Movement - Work Laboratory, INRS (Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité), 1 rue du Morvan, CS 60027, F-54519, Vandœuvre cedex, France
| | - K Desbrosses
- Working Life Department, Physiology - Movement - Work Laboratory, INRS (Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité), 1 rue du Morvan, CS 60027, F-54519, Vandœuvre cedex, France
| | - M A Gilles
- Working Life Department, Physiology - Movement - Work Laboratory, INRS (Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité), 1 rue du Morvan, CS 60027, F-54519, Vandœuvre cedex, France.
| | - A Pichené-Houard
- Working Life Department, Physiology - Movement - Work Laboratory, INRS (Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité), 1 rue du Morvan, CS 60027, F-54519, Vandœuvre cedex, France
| | - O Remy
- Working Life Department, Physiology - Movement - Work Laboratory, INRS (Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité), 1 rue du Morvan, CS 60027, F-54519, Vandœuvre cedex, France
| | - P Wild
- Working Life Department, Physiology - Movement - Work Laboratory, INRS (Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité), 1 rue du Morvan, CS 60027, F-54519, Vandœuvre cedex, France
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Cid MM, Januario LB, Moreira RDFC, Côté JN, Madeleine P, Oliveira AB. Does sEMG normalization change results on sex differences in the activation of the shoulder girdle muscles during a simulated work task? APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2020; 85:103044. [PMID: 31932265 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2020.103044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The aim was to investigate if the method of normalizing surface electromyography (sEMG) can change results on sex differences in the muscular activation of the shoulder girdle muscles during a simulated work task. sEMG was recorded in 36 asymptomatic participants (17 females, 19 males) from four parts of trapezius and from serratus anterior muscles during a simulated work task. Four normalization methods, one involving maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) and three involving submaximal voluntary contractions were applied. Sex differences in absolute and normalized amplitude of sEMG were analyzed. The normalization method had a significant influence on the observed sex differences. Females only showed higher sEMG amplitude than males when the sEMGs were normalized to MVC and to a submaximal contraction based on 20% of MVC for the upper trapezius (acromial fibers). Researchers and practitioners should be aware of the impact of the sEMG normalization method in sex differences investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Machado Cid
- Laboratory of Clinical and Occupational Kinesiology (LACO), Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luís, km 235, SP-310, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leticia Bergamin Januario
- Department of Occupational Health Sciences and Psychology, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Gävle, Kungsbäcksvägen 47, 801 76, Gävle, Sweden; Laboratory of Clinical and Occupational Kinesiology (LACO), Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luís, km 235, SP-310, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roberta de Fátima Carreira Moreira
- Laboratory of Clinical and Occupational Kinesiology (LACO), Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luís, km 235, SP-310, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julie N Côté
- McGill University, Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, 475 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, Quebec, H2W 1S4, Canada
| | - Pascal Madeleine
- Laboratory for Ergonomics and Work-related Disorders, Sport Sciences - Performance and Technology, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Niels Jernes Vej 12, 9220, Aalborg East, Denmark
| | - Ana Beatriz Oliveira
- Laboratory of Clinical and Occupational Kinesiology (LACO), Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luís, km 235, SP-310, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Luger T, Seibt R, Rieger MA, Steinhilber B. Sex differences in muscle activity and motor variability in response to a non-fatiguing repetitive screwing task. Biol Sex Differ 2020; 11:6. [PMID: 31992365 PMCID: PMC6988371 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-0282-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Musculoskeletal disorders are more prevalent among women than among men, which may be explained by aspects of motor control, including neuromuscular requirements and motor variability. Using an exploratory approach, this study aimed to evaluate sex differences in neuromuscular responses and motor variability during a repetitive task performed on 3 days. Methods Thirty women and 27 men performed the non-fatiguing, repetitive, 1-h screwing task. For neuromuscular responses, the mean and difference values of static, median, and peak percentile muscle activity levels (normalized to a reference voluntary contraction force) and, for motor variability, the mean and difference values of relative and absolute cycle-to-cycle variability across days were compared between both sexes for each muscle. A mixed-design analysis of variance was used to assess differences between both sexes. Results The non-fatiguing character of the screwing task was confirmed by the absence of decreased force levels in maximal voluntary contractions performed before and after the task and by absence of electromyographic signs of muscle fatigue. The static and median muscle activity levels tended to be higher among women (on average 7.86 and 27.23 %RVE) than men (on average 6.04 and 26.66 %RVE). Relative motor variability of the flexor and biceps muscles and absolute motor variability of both upper arm muscles were lower in women (on average 0.79 and 29.70 %RVE) than in men (on average 0.89 and 37.55 %RVE). The median activity level of both upper arms muscles tended to decrease within days among women (on average - 2.63 %RVE) but increase among men (on average + 1.19 %RVE). Absolute motor variability decreased within days among women (on average - 5.32 to - 0.34%RVE), whereas it tended to decrease less or increase within days among men (on average - 1.21 to + 0.25 %RVE). Conclusion Women showed higher levels of muscle activity and lower initial relative and absolute motor variability than males when performing the same occupational task, implying women may have a higher risk for developing disorders and point to both sexes using different intrinsic motor control strategies in task performance. Clearly, biological aspects alone cannot explain why women would be at higher risk for developing disorders than men. Therefore, a wider range of individual and environmental factors should be taken into account for optimizing work station designs and organizations by taking into account sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessy Luger
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, DE-72074, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Robert Seibt
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, DE-72074, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Monika A Rieger
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, DE-72074, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Steinhilber
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, DE-72074, Tübingen, Germany
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Matikainen E, Sjögren T. Musculoskeletal disorders and disability among forest industry workers in lower and higher sickness absence groups: a case-control study. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/21679169.2018.1549593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emmi Matikainen
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Tuulikki Sjögren
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Cui A, Emery K, Beaudoin AS, Feng J, Côté JN. Sex-specific effects of sitting vs standing on upper body muscle activity during text typing. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2020; 82:102957. [PMID: 31563002 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2019.102957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Standing computer work is increasingly popular. However, despite the higher rates of computer work-related disorders in women, no studies have compared how standing work affects men and women. Twelve males and 12 females completed 90-min typing tasks in each posture while electromyography (EMG) data was recorded from eight muscles of the upper body. Results show that females had significantly higher EMG root-mean-squared (RMS) values in the anterior deltoid than males when seated, but higher EMG RMS in the medial trapezius than males when standing (SBC ≤ 0.05). In standing, they also had lower values than males in the erector spinae. Overall, standing elicited less activity in the upper trapezius, wrist extensors and erector spinae than sitting. Results suggest that the standing posture is generally less muscularly demanding than the seated one, although men and women's neck/shoulder musculature responds differently to the same task performed while seated or standing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Cui
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, 475 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, Quebec, H2W 1S4, Canada; Feil & Oberfeld/CRIR Research Center, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, 3205 Alton, Goldbloom Place, Laval, Quebec, H7V 1R2, Canada
| | - Kim Emery
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, 475 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, Quebec, H2W 1S4, Canada; Feil & Oberfeld/CRIR Research Center, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, 3205 Alton, Goldbloom Place, Laval, Quebec, H7V 1R2, Canada
| | - Anne-Sophie Beaudoin
- Feil & Oberfeld/CRIR Research Center, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, 3205 Alton, Goldbloom Place, Laval, Quebec, H7V 1R2, Canada
| | - Jessica Feng
- Feil & Oberfeld/CRIR Research Center, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, 3205 Alton, Goldbloom Place, Laval, Quebec, H7V 1R2, Canada
| | - Julie N Côté
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, 475 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, Quebec, H2W 1S4, Canada; Feil & Oberfeld/CRIR Research Center, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, 3205 Alton, Goldbloom Place, Laval, Quebec, H7V 1R2, Canada.
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Subjective Mental and Physical Assessments of Workload and Its Correlation with Wrist Disorders of Workers in the Assembly Line Workers of a Porcelain Company. HEALTH SCOPE 2019. [DOI: 10.5812/jhealthscope.87240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Maimaiti N, Wang J, Jin X, Wang S, Qin D, He L, Wang F, Zhang Z, Forsman M, Yang L, Yang Q, Wang H. Cervical musculoskeletal disorders and their relationships with personal and work-related factors among electronic assembly workers. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2019; 71:79-85. [PMID: 31862047 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2019.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
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 (γ = 0.279), gender (γ = 0.233) and cervical MSDs, while there were weak but significant correlations between vibration (γ = 0.024), work stress (γ = 0.126), job tenure (γ = 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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Affiliation(s)
- Nazhakaiti Maimaiti
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xianning Jin
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Shijuan Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Dongliang Qin
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Lihua He
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Fujiang Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhongbin Zhang
- China Academy of Safety Science and Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Mikael Forsman
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Ergonomics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Liyun Yang
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Ergonomics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Qiuyue Yang
- National Research Center for Occupational Safety and Health, State Administration of Work Safety, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Haijiao Wang
- National Research Center for Occupational Safety and Health, State Administration of Work Safety, Beijing 100191, China
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Callegari B, de Resende MM, da Silva Filho M. Hand rest and wrist support are effective in preventing fatigue during prolonged typing. J Hand Ther 2019; 31:42-51. [PMID: 28236562 DOI: 10.1016/j.jht.2016.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Case series (longitudinal). INTRODUCTION Only few reports concerning the efficacy of commonly used strategies for preventing upper limb occupational disorders associated with prolonged typing exist. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY We aimed to investigate whether the duration of typing and the use of 2 strategies (hand rest and wrist support) changes muscle physiological response and therefore the electromyography records. METHODS We enrolled 25 volunteers, who were unfamiliar with the task and did not have musculoskeletal disorders. The subjects underwent 3 prolonged typing protocols to investigate the efficacy of the 2 adopted strategies in reducing the trapezius, biceps brachii, and extensor digitorum communis fatigue. RESULTS Typing for 1 hour induced muscular fatigue (60%-67% of the subjects). The extensor digitorum communis muscle exhibited the highest percentage of fatigue (72%-84%) after 1 and 4 hours of typing (1 hour, P = .04; 4 hours, P = .02). Fatigue levels in this muscle were significantly reduced (24%) with the use of pause typing (4 hours, P = .045), whereas biceps brachii muscle fatigue was reduced (32%) only with the use of wrist supports (P = .02, after 4 hours). Trapezius muscle fatigue was unaffected by the tested occupational strategies (1 hour, P = .62; 4 hours, P = .85). DISCUSSION Despite presenting an overall tendency for fatigue detected during the application of the protocols, the assessed muscles exhibited different behavior patterns, depending on both the preventive strategy applied and the muscle mechanical role during the task. CONCLUSION Hand rest and wrist support can successfully reduce muscle fatigue in specific upper limb muscles during prolonged typing, leading to a muscle-selective reduction in the occurrence of fatigue and thus provide direct evidence that they may prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Callegari
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil; Laboratory of Human Movement Studies, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil.
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Aronsen GP, Fehren-Schmitz L, Krigbaum J, Kamenov GD, Conlogue GJ, Warinner C, Ozga AT, Sankaranarayanan K, Griego A, DeLuca DW, Eckels HT, Byczkiewicz RK, Grgurich T, Pelletier NA, Brownlee SA, Marichal A, Williamson K, Tonoike Y, Bellantoni NF. "The dead shall be raised": Multidisciplinary analysis of human skeletons reveals complexity in 19th century immigrant socioeconomic history and identity in New Haven, Connecticut. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219279. [PMID: 31498793 PMCID: PMC6733446 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In July 2011, renovations to Yale-New Haven Hospital inadvertently exposed the cemetery of Christ Church, New Haven, Connecticut's first Catholic cemetery. While this cemetery was active between 1833 and 1851, both the church and its cemetery disappeared from public records, making the discovery serendipitous. Four relatively well-preserved adult skeletons were recovered with few artifacts. All four individuals show indicators of manual labor, health and disease stressors, and dental health issues. Two show indicators of trauma, with the possibility of judicial hanging in one individual. Musculoskeletal markings are consistent with physical stress, and two individuals have arthritic indicators of repetitive movement/specialized activities. Radiographic analyses show osteopenia, healed trauma, and other pathologies in several individuals. Dental calculus analysis did not identify any tuberculosis indicators, despite osteological markers. Isotopic analyses of teeth indicate that all four were likely recent immigrants to the Northeastern United States. Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA were recovered from three individuals, and these analyses identified ancestry, hair/eye color, and relatedness. Genetic and isotopic results upended our initial ancestry assessment based on burial context alone. These individuals provide biocultural evidence of New Haven's Industrial Revolution and the plasticity of ethnic and religious identity in the immigrant experience. Their recovery and the multifaceted analyses described here illuminate a previously undescribed part of the city's rich history. The collective expertise of biological, geochemical, archaeological, and historical researchers interprets socioeconomic and cultural identity better than any one could alone. Our combined efforts changed our initial assumptions of a poor urban Catholic cemetery's membership, and provide a template for future discoveries and analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary P. Aronsen
- Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Lars Fehren-Schmitz
- Department of Historical Anthropology and Human Ecology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - John Krigbaum
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - George D. Kamenov
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Gerald J. Conlogue
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut, United States of America
- Bioanthropology Research Institute, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Christina Warinner
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Andrew T. Ozga
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Krithivasan Sankaranarayanan
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Anthony Griego
- Independent Scholar, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Daniel W. DeLuca
- Independent Scholar, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Howard T. Eckels
- Independent Scholar, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Romuald K. Byczkiewicz
- Department of History, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Tania Grgurich
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut, United States of America
- Bioanthropology Research Institute, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Natalie A. Pelletier
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Sarah A. Brownlee
- Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Ana Marichal
- Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Kylie Williamson
- Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Yukiko Tonoike
- Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Nicholas F. Bellantoni
- Connecticut State Museum of Natural History, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
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Bak H, D'Souza C, Shin G. Upper extremity muscular load during carpet vacuuming with household upright cleaners. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2019; 79:38-44. [PMID: 31109460 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Ergonomics of household vacuuming has received little attention despite the pervasive nature of this task. The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the level of muscular load of the upper extremity during carpeted floor vacuuming with household upright cleaners, which represent the most common type of vacuum cleaners in the US. Eighteen participants conducted five different vacuuming tasks with three upright cleaner models. Electromyography data from seven upper extremity muscles were recorded and analyzed. Normalized muscle activation levels were significantly higher in women compared to men across the five tasks for each muscle group. Median muscular load ranged from 4.5% to 47.5% of the maximum voluntary contraction capacity for female participants and from 2.7% to 23.6% for male participants. These results suggest that household vacuuming with upright vacuum cleaners is physically intensive work, especially for women. Study findings have potential implications for the design of upright vacuum cleaners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haerim Bak
- Department of Human Factors Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, South Korea.
| | - Clive D'Souza
- Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Gwanseob Shin
- Department of Human Factors Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, South Korea.
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Mattos DLD, Ariente Neto R, Merino EAD, Forcellini FA. Simulating the influence of physical overload on assembly line performance: A case study in an automotive electrical component plant. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2019; 79:107-121. [PMID: 30121119 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Although the workstations of a Brazilian automotive electrical harness production line are set close to TAKT time (the production rate required to meet demand), factory performance is compromised regarding: (i) sick leaves due to occupational disease (105 employees last year) and (ii) a production rate at only 42% of capacity. Our objective was to simulate the performance of a production line balanced against physical overload by the addition of an extra workstation. Based on ergonomic work analysis, the study applied System Dynamics at the global observation stage to obtain a systemic interpretation of the factors involved in production line performance. According to the indicators, the alternative configuration reduced physical overload by 36%, which would result in a sick leave rate of 50.8 employees/year (51.6% lower than the current configuration), as well as a production rate at 99% of capacity (a 92.7% increase over the current configuration). We found that reducing physical overload allows the "workforce control" loop to govern the system, producing favorable results. We conclude that setting the work cycle overly close to TAKT time leads to overload, due to the shorter recovery times at the end of each cycle. Thus, it is necessary to seek a balance between efficiency gains through downtime reduction and the physiological recovery of workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Luiz de Mattos
- Production Engineering Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Campus Universitário Trindade, CEP 88040-970, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
| | - Rafael Ariente Neto
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Campus Universitário Trindade, CEP 88040-970, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
| | - Eugenio Andrés Díaz Merino
- Production Engineering Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Campus Universitário Trindade, CEP 88040-970, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Fernando Antônio Forcellini
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Campus Universitário Trindade, CEP 88040-970, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
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Martinez R, Bouffard J, Michaud B, Plamondon A, Côté JN, Begon M. Sex differences in upper limb 3D joint contributions during a lifting task. ERGONOMICS 2019; 62:682-693. [PMID: 30696384 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2019.1571245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Sex-related differences in work technique may contribute to increasing the risk of musculoskeletal joint disorders among women. In lifting tasks, sex differences have been reported for the trunk and lower limb, although women present a higher prevalence of shoulder disorders. We investigated sex differences in the upper limb technique during a lifting task. Trunk and upper limb kinematics were recorded in 27 women and 27 men lifting a box (6 or 12 kg) from hip to eye level. Work technique was quantified through the three-dimensional contribution of each joint to overall box height. The glenohumeral joint showed a higher contribution in women with a 6 kg box and wrist and elbow joints did with a 12 kg box, compared to men at either 6 or 12 kg. Sex differences occurred systematically above shoulder level. Our results argue for careful consideration of sex during ergonomic intervention, particularly during the overhead task. Practitioner Summary: We investigated the sex-related differences in upper limb technique during lifting tasks. Results highlight a sex-specific kinematic strategy above the shoulder level on the glenohumeral joint and on the wrist and elbow joints. To help reduce women's shoulder disorders in overhead task, ergonomic interventions should account for those differences. Abbreviations: DoF: degree-of-freedom; WR/EL: wrist and elbow; GH: glenohumeral; SC/AC: sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular; TR/PE: pelvo-thoracic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Martinez
- a Laboratoire de Simulation et Modélisation du Mouvement, Département de Kinésiologie , Université de Montréal , Laval , Canada
| | - Jason Bouffard
- a Laboratoire de Simulation et Modélisation du Mouvement, Département de Kinésiologie , Université de Montréal , Laval , Canada
| | - Benjamin Michaud
- a Laboratoire de Simulation et Modélisation du Mouvement, Département de Kinésiologie , Université de Montréal , Laval , Canada
| | - André Plamondon
- b Institut de Recherche Robert Sauvé en Santé et Sécurité du Travail (IRSST) , Montréal , Canada
| | - Julie N Côté
- c Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education , McGill University , Montréal , Canada
| | - Mickaël Begon
- a Laboratoire de Simulation et Modélisation du Mouvement, Département de Kinésiologie , Université de Montréal , Laval , Canada
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