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Razavi A, Forsman M, Abtahi F. Comparison of Six Sensor Fusion Algorithms with Electrogoniometer Estimation of Wrist Angle in Simulated Work Tasks. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:4173. [PMID: 39000951 PMCID: PMC11244359 DOI: 10.3390/s24134173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Hand-intensive work is strongly associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) of the hand/wrist and other upper body regions across diverse occupations, including office work, manufacturing, services, and healthcare. Addressing the prevalence of WMSDs requires reliable and practical exposure measurements. Traditional methods like electrogoniometry and optical motion capture, while reliable, are expensive and impractical for field use. In contrast, small inertial measurement units (IMUs) may provide a cost-effective, time-efficient, and user-friendly alternative for measuring hand/wrist posture during real work. This study compared six orientation algorithms for estimating wrist angles with an electrogoniometer, the current gold standard in field settings. Six participants performed five simulated hand-intensive work tasks (involving considerable wrist velocity and/or hand force) and one standardised hand movement. Three multiplicative Kalman filter algorithms with different smoothers and constraints showed the highest agreement with the goniometer. These algorithms exhibited median correlation coefficients of 0.75-0.78 for flexion/extension and 0.64 for radial/ulnar deviation across the six subjects and five tasks. They also ranked in the top three for the lowest mean absolute differences from the goniometer at the 10th, 50th, and 90th percentiles of wrist flexion/extension (9.3°, 2.9°, and 7.4°, respectively). Although the results of this study are not fully acceptable for practical field use, especially for some work tasks, they indicate that IMU-based wrist angle estimation may be useful in occupational risk assessments after further improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvin Razavi
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (A.R.); (M.F.)
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael Forsman
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (A.R.); (M.F.)
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, 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; (A.R.); (M.F.)
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden
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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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Arvidsson I, Dahlqvist C, Enquist H, Nordander C. Action Levels for the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Neck and Upper Extremities: A Proposal. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 65:741-747. [PMID: 33831146 PMCID: PMC8341001 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxab012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
There are several well-known risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Despite this knowledge, too many people still work in harmful conditions. The absence of occupational exposure limits (OELs) for physical workload impedes both supervision and preventive work. To prevent myalgia, tendon disorders, and nerve entrapments in the upper musculoskeletal system, we propose action levels concerning work postures, movement velocities and muscular loads recorded by wearable equipment. As an example, we propose that wrist velocity should not exceed 20°/s as a median over a working day. This has the potential to reduce the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in highly exposed male occupational groups by 93%. By reducing upper arm velocity in highly exposed female groups to the suggested action level 60°/s, the prevalence of pronounced neck/shoulder myalgia with clinical findings (tension neck syndrome) could be reduced by 22%. Furthermore, we propose several other action levels for the physical workload. Our ambition is to start a discussion concerning limits for physical workload, with the long-term goal that OELs shall be introduced in legislation. Obviously, the specific values of the proposed action levels can, and should, be discussed. We hope that quantitative measurements, combined with action levels, will become an integral part of systematic occupational health efforts, enabling reduction and prevention of work-related MSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inger Arvidsson
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Medicon Village, SE-223 81, Lund, Sweden
| | - Camilla Dahlqvist
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Medicon Village, SE-223 81, Lund, Sweden
| | - Henrik Enquist
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Medicon Village, SE-223 81, Lund, Sweden
| | - Catarina Nordander
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Medicon Village, SE-223 81, Lund, Sweden
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Zare M, Bodin J, Sagot JC, Roquelaure Y. Quantification of Exposure to Risk Postures in Truck Assembly Operators: Neck, Back, Arms and Wrists. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17176062. [PMID: 32825386 PMCID: PMC7503406 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The study assessed the proportion of time in risky postures for the main joints of the upper limbs in a truck assembly plant and explored the association with musculoskeletal symptoms. Fourteen workstations (13 individuals) of a truck assembly plant were selected, and seven sensors were placed on the body segments of the participants. The sensors included tri-axial accelerometers for the arms and back, inclinometers for the neck and electro-goniometry for quantifying flexion/extension of the right and left hands. The proportions of time in moderate awkward postures were high at all workstations. Neck and wrist excessive awkward postures were observed for most workstations. The average values of the 91st percentile for back flexion and right/left arm elevation were 25°, 62°, and 57°, respectively. The 91st and 9th percentile averages for neck flexion/extension were 35.9° and −4.7°, respectively. An insignificant relationship was found between the percentage of time spent in awkward upper limb posture and musculoskeletal symptoms. The findings provide objective and quantitative data about time exposure, variability, and potential risk factors in the real workplace. Quantitative measurements in the field provide objective data of the body postures and movements of tasks that can be helpful in the musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) prevention program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Zare
- Univ Angers, CHU Angers, Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)—UMR_S 1085, F-49000 Angers, France; (J.B.); (Y.R.)
- ERCOS Group (Pôle), Laboratory of ELLIAD-EA4661, UTBM-University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Belfort 90001, France;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-7-8772-2141
| | - Julie Bodin
- Univ Angers, CHU Angers, Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)—UMR_S 1085, F-49000 Angers, France; (J.B.); (Y.R.)
| | - Jean-Claude Sagot
- ERCOS Group (Pôle), Laboratory of ELLIAD-EA4661, UTBM-University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Belfort 90001, France;
| | - Yves Roquelaure
- Univ Angers, CHU Angers, Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)—UMR_S 1085, F-49000 Angers, France; (J.B.); (Y.R.)
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Balogh I, Arvidsson I, Björk J, Hansson GÅ, Ohlsson K, Skerfving S, Nordander C. Work-related neck and upper limb disorders - quantitative exposure-response relationships adjusted for personal characteristics and psychosocial conditions. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2019; 20:139. [PMID: 30935374 PMCID: PMC6444852 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-019-2491-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have previously reported quantitative exposure-response relationships between physical exposures recorded by technical methods, and complaints and diagnoses in the neck/shoulders, and the elbows/hands, based on group data. In the present study the number of workers was doubled, and information on individual factors, and psychosocial working conditions was used. Relationships between various kinds of exposure and response have been analysed in this larger and more detailed sample. METHODS The prevalence of complaints (Nordic Questionnaire) and diagnoses (clinical examination) were recorded in a number of occupational groups within which the participants had similar work tasks, 34 groups of female employees (N = 4733 women) and 17 groups of male employees (N = 1107 men). Age and other individual characteristics were recorded, as well as psychosocial work environment factors (job-content questionnaire) for most participants. Postures and velocities (inclinometry) of the head (N = 505) and right upper arm (N = 510), right wrist postures and velocities (electrogoniometry; N = 685), and muscular activity (electromyography; EMG) in the right trapezius muscle (N = 647) and forearm extensors (N = 396) were recorded in representative sub-groups. Exposure-response relationships between physical exposure and musculoskeletal disorders, adjusted for individual factors with Poisson regression were then calculated. The effect of introducing psychosocial conditions into the models was also assessed. RESULTS Associations were found between head velocity, trapezius activity, upper arm velocity, forearm extensor activity and wrist posture and velocity, and most neck/shoulder and elbow/hand complaints and diagnoses. Adjustment for age, other individual characteristics and psychosocial work conditions had only a limited effect on these associations. For example, the attributable fraction for tension neck syndrome among female workers with the highest quintile of trapezius activity was 58%, for carpal tunnel syndrome versus wrist velocity it was 92% in men in the highest exposure quintile. CONCLUSIONS Based on the findings, we propose threshold limit values for upper arm and wrist velocity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Istvan Balogh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Medicon Village, SE-223 81 Lund, Sweden
| | - Inger Arvidsson
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Medicon Village, SE-223 81 Lund, Sweden
| | - Jonas Björk
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Medicon Village, SE-223 81 Lund, Sweden
| | - Gert-Åke Hansson
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Medicon Village, SE-223 81 Lund, Sweden
| | - Kerstina Ohlsson
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Medicon Village, SE-223 81 Lund, Sweden
| | - Staffan Skerfving
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Medicon Village, SE-223 81 Lund, Sweden
| | - Catarina Nordander
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Medicon Village, SE-223 81 Lund, Sweden
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Simonsen JG, Dahlqvist C, Enquist H, Nordander C, Axmon A, Arvidsson I. Assessments of Physical Workload in Sonography Tasks Using Inclinometry, Goniometry, and Electromyography. Saf Health Work 2018; 9:326-333. [PMID: 30370165 PMCID: PMC6130004 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2017.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Echocardiography involves strenuous postures of the upper limbs. This study explored the physical workload in the neck and upper limbs in sonographers performing echocardiography, and the extent to which the workload differs from than in other work tasks (other sonographic examinations, and nonsonographic tasks). Methods The physical load was assessed by inclinometry, goniometry, and electromyography methods in 33 female sonographers during authentic work using three different echocardiography techniques and other work tasks. Results Echocardiography was characterized by low velocities of the head, arms, and wrists, and a low proportion of muscular resting time in the forearms, in the transducer limb, and the computer limb. The transducer limb was more elevated in one of the techniques, but this technique also involved a higher proportion of muscular resting time of the trapezius muscle. We also found a high proportion of awkward wrist postures in the transducer wrist in all three techniques; in one due to prolonged flexion, and in the others due to prolonged extension. Other work tasks were less static, and were performed with higher upper arm and wrist velocities. Conclusion None of the three echocardiography techniques was optimal concerning physical workload. Thus, to achieve more variation in physical load we recommend that the equipment be arranged so that the sonographer can alternate between two different techniques during the workday. We also propose alternation between echocardiography and nonsonographic tasks, in order to introduce variation in the physical workload. Clinical expertise should be used to achieve further improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camilla Dahlqvist
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Henrik Enquist
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Catarina Nordander
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anna Axmon
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Inger Arvidsson
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Nordander C, Hansson GÅ, Ohlsson K, Arvidsson I, Balogh I, Strömberg U, Rittner R, Skerfving S. Exposure-response relationships for work-related neck and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders--Analyses of pooled uniform data sets. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2016; 55:70-84. [PMID: 26995038 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2016.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
There is a lack of quantitative data regarding exposure-response relationships between occupational risk factors and musculoskeletal disorders in the neck and shoulders. We explored such relationships in pooled data from a series of our cross-sectional studies. We recorded the prevalence of complaints/discomfort (Nordic Questionnaire) and diagnoses (physical examination) in 33 groups (24 female and 9 male) within which the workers had similar work tasks (3141 workers, of which 817 were males). In representative sub-groups, we recorded postures and velocities of the head (N = 299) and right upper arm (inclinometry; N = 306), right wrist postures and velocities (electrogoniometry; N = 499), and muscular activity (electromyography) in the right trapezius muscle (N = 431) and forearm extensors (N = 206). We also assessed the psychosocial work environment (Job Content Questionnaire). Uni- and multivariate linear meta-regression analysis revealed several statistically significant group-wise associations. Neck disorders were associated with head inclination, upper arm elevation, muscle activity of the trapezius and forearm extensors and wrist posture and angular velocity. Right-side shoulder disorders were associated with head and upper arm velocity, activity in the trapezius and forearm extensor muscles and wrist posture and angular velocity. The psychosocial work environment (low job control, job strain and isostrain) was also associated with disorders. Women exhibited a higher prevalence of neck and shoulder complaints and tension neck syndrome than men, when adjusting for postures, velocities, muscular activity or psychosocial exposure. In conclusion, the analyses established quantitative exposure-response relationships between neck and shoulder disorders and objective measures of the physical workload on the arm. Such information can be used for risk assessment in different occupations/work tasks, to establish quantitative exposure limits, and for the evaluation of preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Nordander
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden.
| | - Gert-Åke Hansson
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - Kerstina Ohlsson
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - Inger Arvidsson
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - Istvan Balogh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ulf Strömberg
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ralf Rittner
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - Staffan Skerfving
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden
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Balogh I, Ohlsson K, Nordander C, Björk J, Hansson GÅ. The importance of work organization on workload and musculoskeletal health--Grocery store work as a model. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2016; 53 Pt A:143-151. [PMID: 26464034 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We have evaluated the consequences of work organization on musculoskeletal health. Using a postal questionnaire, answered by 1600 female grocery store workers, their main work tasks were identified and four work groups were defined (cashier, picking, and delicatessen work, and a mixed group, who performed a mix of these tasks). The crude odds ratios (ORs) for neck/shoulder complaints were 1.5 (95% CI 1.0-2.2), 1.1 (0.7-1.5) and 1.6 (1.1-2.3), respectively, compared to mixed work. Adjusting for individual and psychosocial factors had no effect on these ORs. For elbows/hands, no significant differences were found. Technical measurements of the workload showed large differences between the work groups. Picking work was the most strenuous, while cashier work showed low loads. Quantitative measures of variation revealed for mixed work high between minutes variation and the highest between/within minutes variation. Combining work tasks with different physical exposure levels increases the variation and may reduce the risk of musculoskeletal complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Balogh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden.
| | - K Ohlsson
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - C Nordander
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - J Björk
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - G-Å Hansson
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden; Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University and Regional Laboratories Region Scania, Lund, Sweden
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da Silva Camassuti PA, Marcolino A, Tamanini G, Barbosa RI, Barbosa AM, de Cássia Registro Fonseca M. Inter-rater, intra-rater and inter-instrument reliability of an electrogoniometer to measure wrist range of motion. HAND THERAPY 2015. [DOI: 10.1177/1758998315570681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Assessment of the wrist is essential in hand rehabilitation. The flexible electrogoniometer has been used to measure joint range of motion in the wrist, although it has lack of reliability. The objectives of the study were to examine intra- and inter-examiner reliability, as well as inter-device reliability, of wrist range of motion obtained by a flexible electrogoniometer. Methods Twenty-four right-handed individuals (12 men and 12 women) took part in the study. Participants were actively and randomly subjected to radial and ulnar deviation, flexion and extension of the right wrist. The motions were measured by both the universal goniometer (CARCI®) and the electrogoniometer (MIOTEC®). Two examiners carried out three series of measurements. One of the examiners performed repeated measurement after seven days. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, standard error of measurement and the Bland-Altman limits of agreement were used for data analysis. Results Data showed excellent intra- and inter-examiner reliability for all movements with the electrogoniometer (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient > 0.90), except for the inter-examiner analysis of wrist flexion, with an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient of 0.89. The correlation between the devices was deemed to be satisfactory. Even though the excellent reliability and low standard error of measurement results were presented, Bland-Altman graphs showed some discrepant data. Conclusion Based on this sample, we suggest that this electrogoniometer is a reliable device regarding intra- and inter-examiner for clinical application when compared with a universal goniometry for wrist motion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexandre'Marcio Marcolino
- Post-graduate Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Physiotherapy Course, Paulista University, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Tamanini
- Post-graduate Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Rafael Inácio Barbosa
- Post-graduate Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Physiotherapy Course, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Araranguá, Brazil
| | | | - Marisa de Cássia Registro Fonseca
- Physiotherapy Course, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Post-graduate Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Sex differences in task distribution and task exposures among Danish house painters: an observational study combining questionnaire data with biomechanical measurements. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110899. [PMID: 25365301 PMCID: PMC4218834 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Sex differences in occupational biomechanical exposures may be part of the explanation why musculoskeletal complaints and disorders tend to be more common among women than among men. We aimed to determine possible sex differences in task distribution and task-specific postures and movements of the upper extremities among Danish house painters, and to establish sex-specific task exposure matrices. Methods To obtain task distributions, we sent out a questionnaire to all members of the Painters' Union in Denmark (N = 9364), of whom 53% responded. Respondents reported their task distributions in a typical week. To obtain task exposures, postures and movements were measured in 25 male and 25 female house painters for one whole working day per person. We used goniometers on the wrists, and inclinometers on the forehead and the upper arms. Participants filled in a logbook allowing task-specific exposures to be identified. Percentiles and % time with non-neutral postures were used to characterise postures. Velocity, range of motion, repetitiveness, and variation were used as measures of movement. Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel statistics and unpaired double-sided t-tests with post-hoc Bonferroni correction were used to evaluate sex differences. Results Statistically significant (p<0.05) sex differences were revealed in task proportions, but the proportions differed by less than 4%. For task exposures, no statistically significant sex differences were found. Conclusions Only minor sex differences were found in task distribution and task exposures regarding postures and movements among Danish house painters. Sex-specific task exposure matrices were established.
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Nordander C, Ohlsson K, Akesson I, Arvidsson I, Balogh I, Hansson GÅ, Strömberg U, Rittner R, Skerfving S. Exposure-response relationships in work-related musculoskeletal disorders in elbows and hands - A synthesis of group-level data on exposure and response obtained using uniform methods of data collection. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2013; 44:241-253. [PMID: 22939526 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2012.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2011] [Revised: 06/14/2012] [Accepted: 07/13/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
There is a serious lack of quantitative data regarding exposure-response relationships between occupational risk factors and musculoskeletal elbow and hand disorders. This paper explores such relationships in group-level data from our earlier cross-sectional studies. Prevalence of complaints (Nordic Questionnaire) and diagnoses (physical examination) were recorded in 19 groups of female workers (1891 individuals), and 8 groups of male workers (761 individuals), with highly similar work tasks within each group. Linear regression was performed on the group means of wrist postures and angular velocity (obtained by electrogoniometers), as well as muscular load (obtained using electromyography), recorded in representative sub-samples, and psychosocial exposure (Job Content Questionnaire). To tackle within-group variations in physical exposure, sensitivity analyses were performed by bootstrapping simulations, rendering confidence intervals. The sex-adjusted slope of the regression line (β) for wrist angular velocity vs. complaints during the past 7 days was 0.6%/(°/s), (95% CI 0.3-0.9), and for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) 0.2%/(°/s), (0.1-0.3). For palmar flexion, p50, β over the past 7 days was 0.8%/° (0.4-1.2); for CTS 0.3%/° (0.1-0.5); β for muscular activity p90: 0.9%/%MVE (0.3-1.6), and 0.3%/%MVE (-0.03-0.6) respectively and finally β for muscular rest: -1.2%/%time (-2.4-0.03) and -0.5%/%time (-0.9 to -0.01). Relationships were also demonstrated for low job control, job strain and isostrain. Women exhibited a higher prevalence of complaints than men. In conclusion, we have established quantitative exposure-response relationships between physical work load and elbow/hand disorders. Wrist angular velocity was the most consistent risk factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Nordander
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden.
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Arvidsson I, Balogh I, Hansson GÅ, Ohlsson K, Akesson I, Nordander C. Rationalization in meat cutting - consequences on physical workload. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2012; 43:1026-1032. [PMID: 22475432 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2012.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2009] [Revised: 03/02/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Meat cutting is associated with several ergonomic risk factors and a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The development of new production systems points to an increased degree of mechanization; instead of subdividing split carcasses of pigs with a knife, the halves are trisected by an electrical saw into 'sixth-parts', resulting in shorter work cycles for the workers. Recently, machine-directed line-production systems have been implemented. This study evaluates differences in the physical workload between the production systems. The postures and movements (inclinometry and goniometry) and muscular load (electromyography) of workers in the split-carcass- (five subjects), sixth-part- (ten) and line-production systems (five) were recorded. Most measures showed a statistically significant trend of declining physical exposure with increasing degrees of mechanization. For example, movement velocities of the upper arm were higher in the split-carcass system (50th percentile: mean 209°/s) than in the sixth-part (103°/s) and line production (81°/s). However, the latter two were not statistically significantly different. A novel method for quantifying posture variation, based on inclinometry, showed that the split-carcass system implied the highest variation of the upper arm postures "within-minute" (i.e., a high range of motion each minute), but the lowest "between-minute" (i.e., a low variation during the course of the workday). In conclusion, the physical workload in the line-production system was significantly lower than in the split-carcass one, and tended also to be lower than in the sixth-part system. However, there may be disadvantages in line production, such as machine-directed work pace and shorter work cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inger Arvidsson
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University Hospital, Sweden.
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Åkesson I, Balogh I, Hansson GÅ. Physical workload in neck, shoulders and wrists/hands in dental hygienists during a work-day. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2012; 43:803-811. [PMID: 22208356 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2011.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2010] [Revised: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/03/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Physical workload was recorded by electromyography, inclinometry and goniometry for twelve female dental hygienists during authentic work. Their work was, in relation to other types of work, characterised by pronounced head flexion (90th percentile 46°), high loads on the forearm extensor muscles (90th percentile 23% and 18% of maximal EMG (MVE), for the right and left sides, respectively), average loads on trapezius muscles (90th percentile 15% and 14% MVE), average arm elevation (99th percentile 83° and 72°) and average wrist flexion and velocities (50th percentiles 17° of extension and 7.3°/s, for the right side). Manual scaling and machinery (use of ultrasonic scaling and hand-pieces) showed higher loads on the trapezius muscles, regarding muscular rest, as well as the 10th and 50th percentiles, than the other tasks, and for the forearm extensor muscles, an almost complete lack of muscular rest (0.1% time), and much higher loads regarding the 10th and 50th percentiles. Further, more pronounced head flexion and lower head and upper arm velocities were found, indicating more constrained postures for the neck and shoulders for the manual scaling and machinery. Use of ultrasonic scaler reduced the 50th percentile loads on the right forearm extensor muscles, but had no effect on the fraction of muscular rest and on the 10th percentile load. These findings are consistent with the high prevalences of musculoskeletal disorders among dental hygienists.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Åkesson
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden
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Foltran FA, Silva LCDCB, Sato TDO, Coury HJCG. Qual modelo de eletrogoniômetro é mais adequado para avaliar movimentos do punho? FISIOTERAPIA EM MOVIMENTO 2011. [DOI: 10.1590/s0103-51502011000200017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUÇÃO: O eletrogoniômetro é utilizado em contexto ocupacional para registro dos movimentos do punho. No entanto, diferentes tamanhos de sensores são utilizados, o que pode dificultar a comparação entre os resultados. OBJETIVO: Avaliar dois sensores de tamanho diferentes para verificar o desempenho de ambos em uma amostra com variáveis antropométricas definidas. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Participaram 13 sujeitos (7 mulheres e 6 homens; idade 23 ± 2,6 anos; massa 57 ± 3,8 kg e altura 1,63 ± 4,1 m). Foram utilizados dois sensores com 65 e 110 mm de comprimento (XM65 e XM110, respectivamente) e um dispositivo de aquisição de dados (Datalog, Biometrics). Medidas antropométricas dos participantes foram registradas. Cada indivíduo realizou movimentos de flexão/extensão e desvios ulnar/radial, atingindo amplitude máxima, na posição pronada do antebraço. A ordem de realização dos movimentos e colocação dos sensores foi aleatorizada. Os dados foram analisados descritivamente e estatisticamente (análise multivariada). Foi calculada a variação entre as tentativas (variabilidade intraindividual) e entre os sensores por meio do valor RMS (root mean square). RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa entre os sensores para todos os movimentos. A variabilidade intraindividual máxima foi de 2,2º. Houve diferença significativa entre os gêneros para a flexão e o desvio ulnar, sendo as mulheres as que apresentam valores maiores que os homens. A variabilidade máxima entre os sensores foi de 7,1º. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar de não identificar diferença significante entre os sensores, verificou-se que o sensor XM110 sofria abaulamento durante a extensão. Portanto, para indivíduos com altura até 1,8 m, os dados obtidos pelos diferentes sensores são comparáveis.
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Mathiassen SE, Bolin K. Optimizing cost-efficiency in mean exposure assessment--cost functions reconsidered. BMC Med Res Methodol 2011; 11:76. [PMID: 21600023 PMCID: PMC3125387 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2288-11-76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2010] [Accepted: 05/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Reliable exposure data is a vital concern in medical epidemiology and intervention studies. The present study addresses the needs of the medical researcher to spend monetary resources devoted to exposure assessment with an optimal cost-efficiency, i.e. obtain the best possible statistical performance at a specified budget. A few previous studies have suggested mathematical optimization procedures based on very simple cost models; this study extends the methodology to cover even non-linear cost scenarios. Methods Statistical performance, i.e. efficiency, was assessed in terms of the precision of an exposure mean value, as determined in a hierarchical, nested measurement model with three stages. Total costs were assessed using a corresponding three-stage cost model, allowing costs at each stage to vary non-linearly with the number of measurements according to a power function. Using these models, procedures for identifying the optimally cost-efficient allocation of measurements under a constrained budget were developed, and applied on 225 scenarios combining different sizes of unit costs, cost function exponents, and exposure variance components. Results Explicit mathematical rules for identifying optimal allocation could be developed when cost functions were linear, while non-linear cost functions implied that parts of or the entire optimization procedure had to be carried out using numerical methods. For many of the 225 scenarios, the optimal strategy consisted in measuring on only one occasion from each of as many subjects as allowed by the budget. Significant deviations from this principle occurred if costs for recruiting subjects were large compared to costs for setting up measurement occasions, and, at the same time, the between-subjects to within-subject variance ratio was small. In these cases, non-linearities had a profound influence on the optimal allocation and on the eventual size of the exposure data set. Conclusions The analysis procedures developed in the present study can be used for informed design of exposure assessment strategies, provided that data are available on exposure variability and the costs of collecting and processing data. The present shortage of empirical evidence on costs and appropriate cost functions however impedes general conclusions on optimal exposure measurement strategies in different epidemiologic scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svend Erik Mathiassen
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational and Public Health Sciences, University of Gävle, Sweden.
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