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Mia MR, Ahamed SI, Fial A, Nemanich S. A Scoping Review on Mobile Health Technology for Assessment and Intervention of Upper Limb Motor Function in Children with Motor Impairments. Games Health J 2024; 13:135-148. [PMID: 38700552 PMCID: PMC11318842 DOI: 10.1089/g4h.2023.0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Upper limb (UL) motor dysfunctions impact residual movement in hands/shoulders and limit participation in play, sports, and leisure activities. Clinical and laboratory assessments of UL movement can be time-intensive, subjective, and/or require specialized equipment and may not optimally capture a child's motor abilities. The restrictions to in-person research experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic have inspired investigators to design inclusive at-home studies with child participants and their families. Relying on the ubiquity of mobile devices, mobile health (mHealth) applications offer solutions for various clinical and research problems. This scoping review article aimed to aggregate and synthesize existing research that used health technology and mHealth approaches to evaluate and assess the hand function and UL movement in children with UL motor impairment. A scoping review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) model was conducted in March 2023 yielding 25 articles (0.32% of 7891 studies). Assessment characteristics included game or task-based tests (13/25, 52%), primarily for neurological disorders (e.g., autism spectrum disorder [ASD], dystonia, dysgraphia) or children with cerebral palsy (CP). Although several mHealth studies were conducted in the clinical environment (10/25, 40%), studies conducted at home or in nonclinical settings (15/25, 60%) reported acceptable and highly satisfactory to the patients as minimizing the potential risks in participation. Moreover, the remaining barriers to clinical translation included object manipulation on a touch screen, offline data analysis, real-world usability, and age-appropriate application design for the wider population. However, the results emphasize the exploration of mHealth over traditional approaches, enabling user-centered study design, family-oriented methods, and large-scale sampling in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Raihan Mia
- Department of Computer Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Sheikh Iqbal Ahamed
- Department of Computer Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Alissa Fial
- Research, Teaching & Learning, Raynor Memorial Libraries, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Samuel Nemanich
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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Figueira V, Silva S, Costa I, Campos B, Salgado J, Pinho L, Freitas M, Carvalho P, Marques J, Pinho F. Wearables for Monitoring and Postural Feedback in the Work Context: A Scoping Review. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:1341. [PMID: 38400498 PMCID: PMC10893004 DOI: 10.3390/s24041341] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Wearables offer a promising solution for simultaneous posture monitoring and/or corrective feedback. The main objective was to identify, synthesise, and characterise the wearables used in the workplace to monitor and postural feedback to workers. The PRISMA-ScR guidelines were followed. Studies were included between 1 January 2000 and 22 March 2023 in Spanish, French, English, and Portuguese without geographical restriction. The databases selected for the research were PubMed®, Web of Science®, Scopus®, and Google Scholar®. Qualitative studies, theses, reviews, and meta-analyses were excluded. Twelve studies were included, involving a total of 304 workers, mostly health professionals (n = 8). The remaining studies covered workers in the industry (n = 2), in the construction (n = 1), and welders (n = 1). For assessment purposes, most studies used one (n = 5) or two sensors (n = 5) characterised as accelerometers (n = 7), sixaxial (n = 2) or nonaxialinertial measurement units (n = 3). The most common source of feedback was the sensor itself (n = 6) or smartphones (n = 4). Haptic feedback was the most prevalent (n = 6), followed by auditory (n = 5) and visual (n = 3). Most studies employed prototype wearables emphasising kinematic variables of human movement. Healthcare professionals were the primary focus of the study along with haptic feedback that proved to be the most common and effective method for correcting posture during work activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vânia Figueira
- Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Ave, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, Rua José António Vidal, 81, 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal; (S.S.); (I.C.); (B.C.); (J.S.); (L.P.); (M.F.); (J.M.); (F.P.)
- H2M—Health and Human Movement Unit, Polytechnic University of Health, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, CRL 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 91, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Silva
- Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Ave, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, Rua José António Vidal, 81, 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal; (S.S.); (I.C.); (B.C.); (J.S.); (L.P.); (M.F.); (J.M.); (F.P.)
- H2M—Health and Human Movement Unit, Polytechnic University of Health, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, CRL 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
- School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Inês Costa
- Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Ave, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, Rua José António Vidal, 81, 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal; (S.S.); (I.C.); (B.C.); (J.S.); (L.P.); (M.F.); (J.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Bruna Campos
- Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Ave, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, Rua José António Vidal, 81, 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal; (S.S.); (I.C.); (B.C.); (J.S.); (L.P.); (M.F.); (J.M.); (F.P.)
| | - João Salgado
- Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Ave, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, Rua José António Vidal, 81, 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal; (S.S.); (I.C.); (B.C.); (J.S.); (L.P.); (M.F.); (J.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Liliana Pinho
- Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Ave, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, Rua José António Vidal, 81, 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal; (S.S.); (I.C.); (B.C.); (J.S.); (L.P.); (M.F.); (J.M.); (F.P.)
- H2M—Health and Human Movement Unit, Polytechnic University of Health, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, CRL 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 91, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Center for Rehabilitation Research (Cir), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Freitas
- Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Ave, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, Rua José António Vidal, 81, 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal; (S.S.); (I.C.); (B.C.); (J.S.); (L.P.); (M.F.); (J.M.); (F.P.)
- H2M—Health and Human Movement Unit, Polytechnic University of Health, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, CRL 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 91, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Center for Rehabilitation Research (Cir), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paulo Carvalho
- Center for Translational Health and Medical Biotechnology Research, School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
| | - João Marques
- Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Ave, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, Rua José António Vidal, 81, 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal; (S.S.); (I.C.); (B.C.); (J.S.); (L.P.); (M.F.); (J.M.); (F.P.)
- H2M—Health and Human Movement Unit, Polytechnic University of Health, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, CRL 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
| | - Francisco Pinho
- Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Ave, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, Rua José António Vidal, 81, 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal; (S.S.); (I.C.); (B.C.); (J.S.); (L.P.); (M.F.); (J.M.); (F.P.)
- H2M—Health and Human Movement Unit, Polytechnic University of Health, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, CRL 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
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Özlü A, Ünver G, Tuna Hİ, Erdoğan A. Effects of Interactive Telerehabilitation Practices in Office Workers with Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: Randomized Controlled Study. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:438-447. [PMID: 37498517 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0018] [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: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Aim of this study is to investigate the effects of interactive telerehabilitation exercises in office workers with chronic nonspecific neck pain. Methods: Office workers (n = 120) were randomly divided into three groups between February and July 2022, taking into account the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and office ergonomics training was given to all of the participants. Group 1 participants were given an interactive telerehabilitation program (strengthening, motor control, and posture correction exercises) for 45 min per day, 3 days a week, for a total of 6 weeks. Group 2 participants were trained to do the home exercise program on their own for 45 min per day, 3 days a week, for a total of 6 weeks. Only office ergonomics training was given to Group 3 patients. Results: Statistically significant improvement in pain (p < 0.001), range of motion (ROM) (p < 0.001), neck disability status (p < 0.001), functional status (p < 0.001), and quality of life (p < 0.001) of 6-week interactive telerehabilitation application in office workers was found. Discussion: In addition to office ergonomics training, interactive telerehabilitation program is the most effective method on pain, ROM, and neck disability compared with home exercise program and office ergonomics training alone, and studies are needed on the long-term effectiveness of telerehabilitation applications and telerehabilitation treatment diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysun Özlü
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Kutahya Health Services University, Kutahya Turkey
| | - Gamze Ünver
- Internal Medicine, Nursing Faculty of Health Sciences, Kutahya Health Services University, Kutahya Turkey
| | | | - Ahmet Erdoğan
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kutahya Health Sciences University, Kutahya, Turkey
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Chen H, Schall MC, Fethke NB. Gyroscope vector magnitude: A proposed method for measuring angular velocities. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2023; 109:103981. [PMID: 36739779 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.103981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
High movement velocities are among the primary risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Ergonomists have commonly used two methods to calculate angular movement velocities of the upper arms using inertial measurement units (accelerometers and gyroscopes). Generalized velocity is the speed of movement traveled on the unit sphere per unit time. Inclination velocity is the derivative of the postural inclination angle relative to gravity with respect to time. Neither method captures the full extent of upper arm angular velocity. We propose a new method, the gyroscope vector magnitude (GVM), and demonstrate how GVM captures angular velocities around all motion axes and more accurately represents the true angular velocities of the upper arm. We use optical motion capture data to demonstrate that the previous methods for calculating angular velocities capture 89% and 77% relative to our proposed method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard Chen
- Industrial & Systems Engineering and Engineering Management Department, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
| | - Mark C Schall
- Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Nathan B Fethke
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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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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Hoareau D, Fan X, Abtahi F, Yang L. Evaluation of In-Cloth versus On-Skin Sensors for Measuring Trunk and Upper Arm Postures and Movements. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:3969. [PMID: 37112309 PMCID: PMC10142577 DOI: 10.3390/s23083969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Smart workwear systems with embedded inertial measurement unit sensors are developed for convenient ergonomic risk assessment of occupational activities. However, its measurement accuracy can be affected by potential cloth artifacts, which have not been previously assessed. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the accuracy of sensors placed in the workwear systems for research and practice purposes. This study aimed to compare in-cloth and on-skin sensors for assessing upper arms and trunk postures and movements, with the on-skin sensors as the reference. Five simulated work tasks were performed by twelve subjects (seven women and five men). Results showed that the mean (±SD) absolute cloth-skin sensor differences of the median dominant arm elevation angle ranged between 1.2° (±1.4) and 4.1° (±3.5). For the median trunk flexion angle, the mean absolute cloth-skin sensor differences ranged between 2.7° (±1.7) and 3.7° (±3.9). Larger errors were observed for the 90th and 95th percentiles of inclination angles and inclination velocities. The performance depended on the tasks and was affected by individual factors, such as the fit of the clothes. Potential error compensation algorithms need to be investigated in future work. In conclusion, in-cloth sensors showed acceptable accuracy for measuring upper arm and trunk postures and movements on a group level. Considering the balance of accuracy, comfort, and usability, such a system can potentially be a practical tool for ergonomic assessment for researchers and practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Hoareau
- Department of Mechatronics, École Normale Supérieure de Rennes, 35170 Bruz, France
- Laboratoire SATIE, CNRS UMR 8029, École Normale Supérieure de Rennes, 35170 Bruz, France
| | - Xuelong Fan
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Farhad Abtahi
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11C, SE-141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Liyun Yang
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11C, SE-141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
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Nyman T, Rhén IM, Johansson PJ, Eliasson K, Kjellberg K, Lindberg P, Fan X, Forsman M. Reliability and Validity of Six Selected Observational Methods for Risk Assessment of Hand Intensive and Repetitive Work. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20085505. [PMID: 37107787 PMCID: PMC10138863 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Risk assessments of hand-intensive and repetitive work are commonly done using observational methods, and it is important that the methods are reliable and valid. However, comparisons of the reliability and validity of methods are hampered by differences in studies, e.g., regarding the background and competence of the observers, the complexity of the observed work tasks and the statistical methodology. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate six risk assessment methods, concerning inter- and intra-observer reliability and concurrent validity, using the same methodological design and statistical parameters in the analyses. Twelve experienced ergonomists were recruited to perform risk assessments of ten video-recorded work tasks twice, and consensus assessments for the concurrent validity were carried out by three experts. All methods' total-risk linearly weighted kappa values for inter-observer reliability (when all tasks were set to the same duration) were lower than 0.5 (0.15-0.45). Moreover, the concurrent validity values were in the same range with regards to total-risk linearly weighted kappa (0.31-0.54). Although these levels are often considered as being fair to substantial, they denote agreements lower than 50% when the expected agreement by chance has been compensated for. Hence, the risk of misclassification is substantial. The intra-observer reliability was only somewhat higher (0.16-0.58). Regarding the methods ART (Assessment of repetitive tasks of the upper limbs) and HARM (Hand Arm Risk Assessment Method), it is worth noting that the work task duration has a high impact in the risk level calculation, which needs to be taken into account in studies of reliability. This study indicates that when experienced ergonomists use systematic methods, the reliability is low. As seen in other studies, especially assessments of hand/wrist postures were difficult to rate. In light of these results, complementing observational risk assessments with technical methods should be considered, especially when evaluating the effects of ergonomic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresia Nyman
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; (P.J.J.); (K.E.)
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
- Correspondence:
| | - Ida-Märta Rhén
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (I.-M.R.); (M.F.)
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, SE-113 65 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM), Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Peter J. Johansson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; (P.J.J.); (K.E.)
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kristina Eliasson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; (P.J.J.); (K.E.)
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Katarina Kjellberg
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, SE-113 65 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM), Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Per Lindberg
- Department of Occupational Health Science and Psychology, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, SE-801 76 Gävle, Sweden;
| | - Xuelong Fan
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM), Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Mikael Forsman
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (I.-M.R.); (M.F.)
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, SE-113 65 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM), Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden;
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Pandit AS. Physiological workload assessment with the help of heart rate and perceived exertion rating on handcart pullers of wholesale trade markets of Delhi. THE NATIONAL MEDICAL JOURNAL OF INDIA 2023; 36:89-92. [PMID: 38692596 DOI: 10.25259/nmji_855_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Background . Handling a heavy load on a handcart is common in the wholesale and retail trade markets in India and many parts of the globe. These carts transport goods between major markets, warehouses and transporters. We assessed the physiological workload among handcart pullers in terms of cardiovascular load (CVL), energy expenditure (EE), heart rate (HR), physiological cost of work and subjective rating of perceived exertion. Methods . Physiological workload was assessed with the help of HR during resting, working (15 minutes) and recovery state with a smart wearable device to extrapolate percentage of CVL, EE and physiological cost of work among handcart pullers. Subjective assessment of exertion was measured with the Borg 5-point rating scale among 35 cart pullers. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel version 2010. Results . It was found that in handcart-pulling activity, EE was 11.706 kJ/minute, average working HR was 128 beats/minute and physiological cost of work was 89.09 beats/minute with no loads on handcart. This signifies that the activity falls under heavy physiological workload. The average percentage of CVL was found to be 50.5%, which falls under acceptable category for persons with a healthy cardiovascular system. Thirty-one (88.6%) of the participants reported the activity to be moderately heavy, whereas 4 (11.4%) participants mentioned it to be light. Conclusions . Handcart-pulling operation in this study without load on cart was found to be a heavy physiological workload. In real-time situations, the load, road conditions, long duration and traffic congestion is likely to result in a higher range of physiological workload on cart pullers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amol Sangeeta Pandit
- Department of Design, Ergonomics Laboratory, Indian Institute of Information Technology Design and Manufacturing, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
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Fan X, Forsman M, Yang L, Lind CM, Kjellman M. Surgeons' physical workload in open surgery versus robot-assisted surgery and nonsurgical tasks. Surg Endosc 2022; 36:8178-8194. [PMID: 35589973 PMCID: PMC9613719 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-022-09256-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common among surgeons, and its prevalence varies among surgical modalities. There are conflicting results concerning the correlation between adverse work exposures and MSD prevalence in different surgical modalities. The progress of rationalization in health care may lead to job intensification for surgeons, but the literature is scarce regarding to what extent such intensification influences the physical workload in surgery. The objectives of this study were to quantify the physical workload in open surgery and compare it to that in (1) nonsurgical tasks and (2) two surgeon roles in robot-assisted surgery (RAS). METHODS The physical workload of 22 surgeons (12 performing open surgery and 10 RAS) was measured during surgical workdays, which includes trapezius muscle activity from electromyography, and posture and movement of the head, upper arms and trunk from inertial measurement units. The physical workload of surgeons in open surgery was compared to that in nonsurgical tasks, and to the chief and assistant surgeons in RAS, and to the corresponding proposed action levels. Mixed-effects models were used to analyze the differences. RESULTS Open surgery constituted more than half of a surgical workday. It was associated with more awkward postures of the head and trunk than nonsurgical tasks. It was also associated with higher trapezius muscle activity levels, less muscle rest time and a higher proportion of sustained low muscle activity than nonsurgical tasks and the two roles in RAS. The head inclination and trapezius activity in open surgery exceeded the proposed action levels. CONCLUSIONS The physical workload of surgeons in open surgery, which exceeded the proposed action levels, was higher than that in RAS and that in nonsurgical tasks. Demands of increased operation time may result in higher physical workload for open surgeons, which poses an increased risk of MSDs. Risk-reducing measures are, therefore, needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelong Fan
- IMM Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, 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, Hälsovägen 11C, 14157 Huddinge, Sweden
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, 113 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Liyun Yang
- IMM Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carl M. Lind
- IMM Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magnus Kjellman
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Department of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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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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11
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Schall MC, Chen H, Cavuoto L. Wearable inertial sensors for objective kinematic assessments: A brief overview. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2022; 19:501-508. [PMID: 35853137 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2022.2100407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark C Schall
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Howard Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Lora Cavuoto
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
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12
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Evaluation of a New Simplified Inertial Sensor Method against Electrogoniometer for Measuring Wrist Motion in Occupational Studies. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22041690. [PMID: 35214592 PMCID: PMC8874503 DOI: 10.3390/s22041690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Wrist velocity is an important risk factor for work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the elbow/hand, which is also difficult to assess by observation or self-reports. This study aimed to evaluate a new convenient and low-cost inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based method using gyroscope signals against an electrogoniometer for measuring wrist flexion velocity. Twelve participants performed standard wrist movements and simulated work tasks while equipped with both systems. Two computational algorithms for the IMU-based system, i.e., IMUnorm and IMUflex, were used. For wrist flexion/extension, the mean absolute errors (MAEs) of median wrist flexion velocity compared to the goniometer were <10.1°/s for IMUnorm and <4.1°/s for IMUflex. During wrist deviation and pronation/supination, all methods showed errors, where the IMUnorm method had the largest overestimations. For simulated work tasks, the IMUflex method had small bias and better accuracy than the IMUnorm method compared to the goniometer, with the MAEs of median wrist flexion velocity <5.8°/s. The results suggest that the IMU-based method can be considered as a convenient method to assess wrist motion for occupational studies or ergonomic evaluations for the design of workstations and tools by both researchers and practitioners, and the IMUflex method is preferred. Future studies need to examine algorithms to further improve the accuracy of the IMU-based method in tasks of larger variations, as well as easy calibration procedures.
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Öhberg F, Vänn M, Jonzén K, Edström U, Sundström N. Comparison between two mobile applications measuring shoulder elevation angle-A validity and feasibility study. Med Eng Phys 2021; 98:1-7. [PMID: 34848028 DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2021.10.005] [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] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Pain in the shoulder complex affects the working population where work with elevated arms is a risk factor. The aim of the present study was to compare a mobile application for measurements of arm elevation, ErgoExposure, against an existing mobile application, ErgoArmMeter, in a laboratory setting and to test the feasibility in a field trial. Eleven persons performed three tasks in the laboratory setting: static, dynamic, and simulated work tasks, where the applications were validated against an optical tracking system (OTS). Also, ErgoExposure was tested by a teacher in a real-world situation. Limits of agreement for the static task varied between -6.1° to 4.2° (ErgoExposure) and between -7.6° to 5.2° (ErgoArmMeter). The average root mean square difference for dynamic and simulated work tasks was 3.4° (ErgoExposure) and 7.7° (ErgoArmMeter). From the field trial, different work tasks produced distinct exposure variation analysis patterns. Both apps showed similar results compared to OTS, but ErgoExposure was more accurate than ErgoArmMeter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik Öhberg
- Dept. of Radiation Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Mårten Vänn
- Dept. of Radiation Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Karolina Jonzén
- Dept. of Radiation Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Urban Edström
- Dept. of Radiation Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Nina Sundström
- Dept. of Radiation Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
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14
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Sim EB, Park BY, Lee KT, Choi EM, Jeong JH, Yang JH, Moon SH, Noh HJ. Changes in dental hygiene students' working posture following digital sound feedback. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR DENTAL EDUCATION IN EUROPE 2021; 25:641-648. [PMID: 33259658 DOI: 10.1111/eje.12641] [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: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to observe changes in working posture by measuring the REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) score of dental hygiene students according to digital sound feedback linked with a smartphone application. METHODS This study was conducted on 28 fourth-year dental hygiene students who received theoretical and practical training on dental posture in the second year and then practised on mannequins and patients for about four semesters. Periodontal instrumentation was performed freely by applying digital sound notification feedback for four weeks after baseline, 30 minutes per week. REBA was measured after performing periodic structure construction without providing digital sound notification feedback for the last 1-2 minutes. Follow-up was conducted the same way 2-3 weeks after the intervention period. RESULTS The REBA score for total, neck and trunk of all subjects showed statistically significant decreases post-intervention compared with the baseline scores (total p < .001, neck p < .001 and trunk p = .042). CONCLUSIONS A digital sound feedback system was shown to be effective in encouraging correct working posture in dental hygiene students by helping them improve their REBA scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Bi Sim
- Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Software and Digital Healthcare Convergence, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea
| | - Bo Young Park
- Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Software and Digital Healthcare Convergence, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea
| | - Kyu Tae Lee
- DKI Technology, 71, Yeouinaru-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Mi Choi
- Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Software and Digital Healthcare Convergence, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea
| | - Ju Hui Jeong
- Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Software and Digital Healthcare Convergence, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea
| | - Ji Hye Yang
- Korea Disease Control ans Prevention Agency, The Office of Spokesperson, Seoul, Korea
| | - Su Hyun Moon
- Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Software and Digital Healthcare Convergence, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea
| | - Hie Jin Noh
- Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Software and Digital Healthcare Convergence, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea
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15
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Forsman M, Fan X, Rhén IM, Lind CM. Concerning a Work Movement Velocity Action Level Proposed in "Action Levels for the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Neck and Upper Extremities: A Proposal" by Inger Arvidsson et al. (2021). Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 66:130-131. [PMID: 34469509 PMCID: PMC8751788 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxab075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mikael Forsman
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11C, SE-14157 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 Rhén
- 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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16
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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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17
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Holzgreve F, Fraeulin L, Haenel J, Schmidt H, Bader A, Frei M, Groneberg DA, Ohlendorf D, van Mark A. Office work and stretch training (OST) study: effects on the prevalence of musculoskeletal diseases and gender differences: a non-randomised control study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e044453. [PMID: 33986051 PMCID: PMC8126281 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES For the prevention of musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs), stretch training can be a measure of the workplace health promotion (WHP) for office workers. This can lead to an increase in mobility and, ultimately, reduce or prevent MSD. The aim of the study was to examine a standardised and individualised stretch training on a device, specifically 'five Business', for the prevalence of MSD. DESIGN This study is a non-randomised control study. SETTING WHP programme with clerical employees of a German car manufacturer. PARTICIPANTS 252 (110 women; 142 men) subjects (median age of 44 ([Formula: see text] 21 years) finished the study successfully. Inclusion criteria included a full-time employment in the office workplace and subjective health. INTERVENTION The intervention group completed 22-24 training units of 10 min each on the 'five-Business' device two times a week for 12 weeks. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Data were collected in the form of a pre-post study Nordic Questionnaire. RESULTS After the intervention, significantly fewer subjects reported pain in the area of the neck (-17.79), shoulder (-11.28%), upper back (-14.7%), lower back (-12.78%) and feet (-8.51%). The gender analysis revealed that women are, in general, more often affected by musculoskeletal complaints than men, especially in the neck (+29.5%) and feet (+15.03%). Both sexes had significant reductions of MSD in the most commonly affected regions. Thus, 27.12% less women reported having neck pain, while 13.14% less men reported having low back pain. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that a stretching programme performed for 3 months can reduce musculoskeletal complaints in the most commonly affected areas in office workers. Both men and women benefited from the stretch training to a similar extent, suggesting that this would be a promising measure for therapy and prevention as part of WHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Holzgreve
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Laura Fraeulin
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jasmin Haenel
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Helmut Schmidt
- Corporate Health Promotion, Daimler AG Health and Safety, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Andreas Bader
- Corporate Health Promotion, Daimler AG Health and Safety, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Markus Frei
- Medical Services Plant Rastatt, Mercedes-Benz AG, Rastatt, Germany
| | - David A Groneberg
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Daniela Ohlendorf
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Anke van Mark
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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18
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Silva R, Rico-González M, Lima R, Akyildiz Z, Pino-Ortega J, Clemente FM. Validity and Reliability of Mobile Applications for Assessing Strength, Power, Velocity, and Change-of-Direction: A Systematic Review. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:2623. [PMID: 33918020 PMCID: PMC8070051 DOI: 10.3390/s21082623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review aimed to (1) identify and summarize studies that have examined the validity of apps for measuring human strength, power, velocity, and change-of-direction, and (2) identify and summarize studies that have examined the reliability of apps for measuring human strength, power, velocity, and change-of-direction. A systematic review of Cochrane Library, EBSCO, PubMed, Scielo, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases was performed, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. From the 435 studies initially identified, 23 were fully reviewed, and their outcome measures were extracted and analyzed. In total, 11 mobile applications were analyzed and summarized for their validity and reliability to test movement velocity, movement time, movement displacement, power output, and workload. The present systematic review revealed that the tested apps are valid and reliable for measuring bar movement velocity during lower and upper body resistance exercises; however, systematic bias was detected with heavier loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Silva
- Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun’Álvares, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal; (R.L.); (F.M.C.)
| | - Markel Rico-González
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country, UPV-EHU, Lasarte 71, 01007 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain;
- BIOVETMED & SPORTSCI Research Group, Department of Physical Activity and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Murcia, San Javier, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Ricardo Lima
- Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun’Álvares, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal; (R.L.); (F.M.C.)
- The Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Zeki Akyildiz
- Sports Science Department, Gazi University, Teknikokullar, Ankara 06500, Turkey;
| | - José Pino-Ortega
- BIOVETMED & SPORTSCI Research Group, Department of Physical Activity and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Murcia, San Javier, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Murcia, 30720 San Javier, Spain
| | - Filipe Manuel Clemente
- Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun’Álvares, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal; (R.L.); (F.M.C.)
- Instituto de Telecomunicações, Delegação da Covilhã, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
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19
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Lind CM, Yang L, Abtahi F, Hanson L, Lindecrantz K, Lu K, Forsman M, Eklund J. Reducing postural load in order picking through a smart workwear system using real-time vibrotactile feedback. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2020; 89:103188. [PMID: 32854822 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2020.103188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Vibrotactile feedback training may be one possible method for interventions that target at learning better work techniques and improving postures in manual handling. This study aimed to evaluate the short term effect of real-time vibrotactile feedback on postural exposure using a smart workwear system for work postures intervention in simulated industrial order picking. Fifteen workers at an industrial manufacturing plant performed order-picking tasks, in which the vibrotactile feedback was used for postural training at work. The system recorded the trunk and upper arm postures. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were conducted about the users' experience of the system. The results showed reduced time in trunk inclination ≥20°, ≥30° and ≥45° and dominant upper arm elevation ≥30° and ≥45° when the workers received feedback, and for trunk inclination ≥20°, ≥30° and ≥45° and dominant upper arm elevation ≥30°, after feedback withdrawal. The workers perceived the system as useable, comfortable, and supportive for learning. The system has the potential of contributing to improved postures in order picking through an automated short-term training program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Mikael Lind
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, SE-113 65, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Ergonomics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11C, SE-141 57, Huddinge, Sweden.
| | - Liyun Yang
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, SE-113 65, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Ergonomics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11C, SE-141 57, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Farhad Abtahi
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, SE-113 65, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Ergonomics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11C, SE-141 57, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Lars Hanson
- The Virtual Systems Research Centre, School of Engineering Science, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden; User Centred Product Design, Global Industrial Development, Scania CV, Södertälje, Sweden
| | - Kaj Lindecrantz
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, SE-113 65, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Ergonomics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11C, SE-141 57, Huddinge, Sweden; Faculty of Textiles, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Ke Lu
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, SE-113 65, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Ergonomics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11C, SE-141 57, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Mikael Forsman
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, SE-113 65, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Ergonomics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11C, SE-141 57, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Jörgen Eklund
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, SE-113 65, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Ergonomics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11C, SE-141 57, Huddinge, Sweden
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20
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Chen H, Schall MC, Fethke NB. Measuring upper arm elevation using an inertial measurement unit: An exploration of sensor fusion algorithms and gyroscope models. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2020; 89:103187. [PMID: 32854821 PMCID: PMC9605636 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2020.103187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Many sensor fusion algorithms for analyzing human motion information collected with inertial measurement units have been reported in the scientific literature. Selecting which algorithm to use can be a challenge for ergonomists that may be unfamiliar with the strengths and limitations of the various options. In this paper, we describe fundamental differences among several algorithms, including differences in sensor fusion approach (e.g., complementary filter vs. Kalman Filter) and gyroscope error modeling (i.e., inclusion or exclusion of gyroscope bias). We then compare different sensor fusion algorithms considering the fundamentals discussed using laboratory-based measurements of upper arm elevation collected under three motion speeds. Results indicate peak displacement errors of <4.5° with a computationally efficient, non-proprietary complementary filter that did not account for gyroscope bias during each of the one-minute trials. Controlling for gyroscope bias reduced peak displacement errors to <3.0°. The complementary filters were comparable (<1° peak displacement difference) to the more complex Kalman filters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, AL, USA.
| | - Mark C Schall
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Auburn University, AL, USA
| | - Nathan B Fethke
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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21
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Moreira R, Teles A, Fialho R, Dos Santos TCP, Vasconcelos SS, de Sá IC, Bastos VH, Silva F, Teixeira S. Can human posture and range of motion be measured automatically by smart mobile applications? Med Hypotheses 2020; 142:109741. [PMID: 32344284 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Human posture and Range of Motion (ROM) are important components of a physical assessment and, from the collected data, it is possible to identify postural deviations such as scoliosis or joint and muscle limitations, hence identifying risks of more serious injuries. Posture assessment and ROM measures are also necessary metrics to monitor the effect of treatments used in the motor rehabilitation of patients, as well as to monitor their clinical progress. These evaluation processes are more frequently performed through visual inspection and manual palpation, which are simple and low cost methods. These methods, however, can be optimized with the use of tools such as photogrammetry and goniometry. Mobile solutions have also been developed to help health professionals to capture more objective data and with less risk of bias. Although there are already several systems proposed for assessing human posture and ROM in the literature, they have not been able to automatically identify and mark Anatomical and Segment Points (ASPs). The hypothesis presented here considers the development of a mobile application for automatic identification of ASPs by using machine learning algorithms and computer vision models associated with technologies embedded in smartphones. From ASPs identification, it will be possible to identify changes in postural alignment and ROM. In this context, our view is that an application derived from the hypothesis will serve as an additional tool to assist in the physical assessment process and, consequently, in the diagnosis of disorders related to postural and movement changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayele Moreira
- Federal University of Piauí, Parnaíba, PI, Brazil; University Center Inta - UNINTA, Sobral, CE, Brazil.
| | - Ariel Teles
- Federal University of Piauí, Parnaíba, PI, Brazil; Federal Institute of Maranhão, Araioses, MA, Brazil; Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil.
| | - Renan Fialho
- Federal University of Piauí, Parnaíba, PI, Brazil
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22
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Rhén IM, Forsman M. Inter- and intra-rater reliability of the OCRA checklist method in video-recorded manual work tasks. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2020; 84:103025. [PMID: 31987511 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2019.103025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Observation-based risk assessments are often used for evaluation of biomechanical workload and the condition of the workplace ergonomics. However, the inter- and intra-rater reliability of the methods used for the assessments are insufficiently studied. The OCRA checklist method, included as a reference method in the ISO and CEN standards regarding upper limb repetitive risk assessment, was in this study investigated regarding its reliability. Eleven ergonomists were educated within the method. Each ergonomist risk-assessed ten video-recorded manual work tasks, on two occasions. The average inter-rater agreement of the five overall risk levels was 39% and the linearly weighted kappa was 0.43, the intra-rater dittos were 45% and 0.52. Both indicating a moderate reliability, but lower than what could be expected. The levels might be sufficient for coarse surveys. However, for risk assessments before and after an intervention, complementing technical methods should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida-Märta Rhén
- Department of Industrial and Materials Science, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96, Gothenburg, 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.
| | - Mikael Forsman
- 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; School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-141 57, Huddinge, Sweden
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23
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Phienphanich P, Tankongchamruskul N, Akarathanawat W, Chutinet A, Nimnual R, Tantibundhit C, Suwanwela NC. Automatic Stroke Screening on Mobile Application: Features of Gyroscope and Accelerometer for Arm Factor in FAST. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2020; 2019:4225-4228. [PMID: 31946801 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2019.8857550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This study focuses on automatic stroke-screening of the arm factor in the FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, and Time) stroke screening method. The study provides a methodology to collect data on specific arm movements, using signals from the gyroscope and accelerometer in mobile devices. Fifty-two subjects were enrolled in this study (20 stroke patients and 32 healthy subjects). Given in the instructions of the application, the patients were asked to perform two arm movements, Curl Up and Raise Up. The two exercises were classified into three parts: curl part, raise part, and stable part. Stroke patients were expected to experience difficulty in performing both exercises efficiently on the same arm. We proposed 20 handcrafted features from these three parts. Our study achieved an average accuracy of 61.7%-74.2% and an average area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 66.2%-81.5% from the combination of both exercises. Compared to the FAST method used by examiners in a previous study (Kapes et al., 2014) that showed with an accuracy of 69%-77% for every age group, our study showed promising results for early stroke identification, giving that our study is based only on the arm factor.
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24
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Yang L, Lu K, Forsman M, Lindecrantz K, Seoane F, Ekblom Ö, Eklund J. Evaluation of physiological workload assessment methods using heart rate and accelerometry for a smart wearable system. ERGONOMICS 2019; 62:694-705. [PMID: 30806164 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2019.1566579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Work metabolism (WM) can be accurately estimated by oxygen consumption (VO2), which is commonly assessed by heart rate (HR) in field studies. However, the VO2-HR relationship is influenced by individual capacity and activity characteristics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate three models for estimating WM compared with indirect calorimetry, during simulated work activities. The techniques were: the HR-Flex model; HR branched model, combining HR with hip-worn accelerometers (ACC); and HR + arm-leg ACC model, combining HR with wrist- and thigh-worn ACC. Twelve participants performed five simulated work activities and three submaximal tests. The HR + arm-leg ACC model had the overall best performance with limits of agreement (LoA) of -3.94 and 2.00 mL/min/kg, while the HR-Flex model had -5.01 and 5.36 mL/min/kg and the branched model, -6.71 and 1.52 mL/min/kg. In conclusion, the HR + arm-leg ACC model should, when feasible, be preferred in wearable systems for WM estimation. Practitioner Summary: Work with high energy demand can impair employees' health and life quality. Three models were evaluated for estimating work metabolism during simulated tasks. The model combining heart rate, wrist- and thigh-worn accelerometers showed the best accuracy. This is, when feasible, suggested for wearable systems to assess work metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyun Yang
- a Division of Ergonomics , KTH Royal Institute of Technology , Huddinge , Sweden
- b Institute of Environmental Medicine , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Ke Lu
- a Division of Ergonomics , KTH Royal Institute of Technology , Huddinge , Sweden
| | - Mikael Forsman
- a Division of Ergonomics , KTH Royal Institute of Technology , Huddinge , Sweden
- b Institute of Environmental Medicine , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Kaj Lindecrantz
- b Institute of Environmental Medicine , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
- c Swedish School of Textiles , University of Borås , Borås , Sweden
| | - Fernando Seoane
- c Swedish School of Textiles , University of Borås , Borås , Sweden
- d Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology , Karolinska Institutet , Huddinge , Sweden
| | - Örjan Ekblom
- e Åstrand Laboratory of Work Physiology , The Swedish School of Sport and Health , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Jörgen Eklund
- a Division of Ergonomics , KTH Royal Institute of Technology , Huddinge , Sweden
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25
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Ramos MM, Carnaz L, Mattiello SM, Karduna AR, Zanca GG. Shoulder and elbow joint position sense assessment using a mobile app in subjects with and without shoulder pain - between-days reliability. Phys Ther Sport 2019; 37:157-163. [PMID: 30978602 DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2019.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine between-days reliability and the minimal detectable change for shoulder and elbow joint position sense assessment using a validated mobile app, in subjects with and without shoulder pain. DESIGN Reliability study. SETTING Clinical measurement. PARTICIPANTS Subjects with (n = 25) and without shoulder pain (n = 29). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Subjects were assessed by the same examiner in two sessions, with one-week interval. Active joint repositioning tests of shoulder flexion and scaption and elbow flexion were assessed at the target-angles of 50°, 70°, 90° and 110°. Intra-class correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change were calculated for constant, absolute, total and variable errors. RESULTS Good to excellent reliability was found for constant, absolute and total errors at the target-angle of 50° of scaption for healthy subjects; at 110° of shoulder flexion and all target-angles for elbow for both groups. CONCLUSIONS The mobile app is a reliable tool and may be useful for assessing shoulder joint position sense mainly at 110° of flexion and for elbow between 50° and 110° of flexion in subjects with and without shoulder pain. Minimal detectable changes were demonstrated and may help clinicians to follow-up rehabilitation and researchers to interpret findings of studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieli M Ramos
- Master's Program in Physical Therapy, Universidade do Sagrado Coração, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Letícia Carnaz
- Master's Program in Physical Therapy, Universidade do Sagrado Coração, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Stela M Mattiello
- Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andrew R Karduna
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
| | - Gisele G Zanca
- Master's Program in Physical Therapy, Universidade do Sagrado Coração, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil.
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26
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Classification of Soft Keyboard Typing Behaviors Using Mobile Device Sensors with Machine Learning. ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s13369-018-03703-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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27
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Schall MC, Sesek RF, Cavuoto LA. Barriers to the Adoption of Wearable Sensors in the Workplace: A Survey of Occupational Safety and Health Professionals. HUMAN FACTORS 2018; 60:351-362. [PMID: 29320232 PMCID: PMC9307130 DOI: 10.1177/0018720817753907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To gather information on the (a) types of wearable sensors, particularly personal activity monitors, currently used by occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals; (b) potential benefits of using such technologies in the workplace; and (c) perceived barriers preventing the widespread adoption of wearable sensors in industry. BACKGROUND Wearable sensors are increasingly being promoted as a means to improve employee health and well-being, and there is mounting evidence supporting their use as exposure assessment and personal health tools. Despite this, many workplaces have been hesitant to adopt these technologies. METHODS An electronic survey was emailed to 28,428 registered members of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) and 1,302 professionals certified by the Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics (BCPE). RESULTS A total of 952 valid responses were returned. Over half of respondents described being in favor of using wearable sensors to track OSH-related risk factors and relevant exposure metrics at their respective workplaces. However, barriers including concerns regarding employee privacy/confidentiality of collected data, employee compliance, sensor durability, the cost/benefit ratio of using wearables, and good manufacturing practice requirements were described as challenges precluding adoption. CONCLUSION The broad adoption of wearable technologies appears to depend largely on the scientific community's ability to successfully address the identified barriers. APPLICATION Investigators may use the information provided to develop research studies that better address OSH practitioner concerns and help technology developers operationalize wearable sensors to improve employee health and well-being.
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Debauche O, Mahmoudi S, Andriamandroso ALH, Manneback P, Bindelle J, Lebeau F. Web-based cattle behavior service for researchers based on the smartphone inertial central. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procs.2017.06.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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