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Kang SH, Mirka GA. Cumulative creep response of viscoelastic lumbar tissue as a function of work-rest schedule. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2024; 78:102916. [PMID: 38909410 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2024.102916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
We explore the effect of stress-recovery schedule on the cumulative creep response of lumbar tissues. Twelve participants performed a 48-minute protocol that consisted of 12 min of full trunk flexion and 36 min of upright standing. Two stress-recovery (work-rest) schedules were considered: a) three minutes of full trunk flexion followed by twelve minutes of upright standing (3:12), and b) one minute of full trunk flexion followed by four minutes of upright standing (1:4). Lumbar kinematics and EMG activity of erector spinae muscles were collected. Cumulative creep deformation was explored by considering the changes in peak lumbar flexion angles during full flexion and changes in the angles of flexion-relaxation (EMG-off) of the lumbar extensor musculature after the 48-minute protocol. The results of time-dependent lumbar flexion angle during full flexion revealed a noticeable creep response in both work-rest schedules, but the cumulative creep response was significantly greater in the 3:12 schedule (Δ3.5°) than in the 1:4 schedule (Δ1.6°). Similarly, the change in the EMG-off lumbar flexion angle in the 3:12 schedule was significantly greater than in the 1:4 schedule (Δ2.5° vs -Δ0.2°, respectively). These results indicate that the passive lumbar tissues recover their force producing capability more rapidly with shorter cycle times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hyeon Kang
- The Physical Ergonomics and Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA; Department of Industrial and Entrepreneurial Engineering and Engineering Management, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA.
| | - Gary A Mirka
- The Physical Ergonomics and Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
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Park JH, Srinivasan D. The effects of prolonged sitting, standing, and an alternating sit-stand pattern on trunk mechanical stiffness, trunk muscle activation and low back discomfort. ERGONOMICS 2021; 64:983-994. [PMID: 33565921 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2021.1886333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Sit-stand desks continue to be a popular intervention for office work. While previous studies have reported changes in subjective measures, there is limited understanding of how sit-stand work differs from prolonged sitting or standing work, from a biomechanical standpoint. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of prolonged sitting, prolonged standing, and a sit-stand paradigm on changes in trunk stiffness, low back discomfort, and trunk muscle activation. Twelve healthy participants performed 2 h of computer-based tasks in each protocol, on three different days. The sit-stand protocol was associated with a significant increase in trunk stiffness and a decrease in muscle activation of lumbar multifidus and longissimus thoracis pars thoracis, compared to both prolonged sitting and standing. Both sitting and standing were associated with increased low back discomfort. These findings may be worth exploring in more detail, for why alternating sit-stand patterns may help alleviate low back pain. Practitioner summary: We explored changes in objective and subjective measures related to low back discomfort following prolonged sitting, standing, and alternating sit-stand patterns. Alternating sit-stand pattern was associated with increased trunk stiffness and decreased back muscle activity. Hence, sit-stand desks may have benefits in terms of preventing/mitigating low back pain. Abbreviations: DOF: degree of freedom; EMG: electromyogram; ILL: iliocostalis lumborum pars lumborum; LTL: longissimus thoracis pars lumborum; LTT: longissimus thoracis pars thoracis; LBP: low back pain; LM: lumbar multifidus; MVEs: maximum isometric voluntary exertions; RANOVA: repeated-measure analysis of variance; RMS: root mean square.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jang-Ho Park
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Divya Srinivasan
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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Larson DJ, Menezes PG, Brown SHM. Influence of creep deformation on sub-regional lumbar spine motion during manual lifting. ERGONOMICS 2020; 63:1304-1311. [PMID: 32452285 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2020.1774666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Prolonged or repetitive spine flexion induces creep deformation of posterior spine tissues allowing for increased intervertebral motion beyond 'normal' limits, which may influence sub-regional (intersegmental) spine motion during subsequent manual lifting tasks. Using spine skin-surface kinematics, intersegmental lumbar spine motion was recorded over 20 minutes of prolonged static spine flexion and a subsequent manual lifting task (2 lifts every 3 minutes, 30 minutes total) in 14 participants. Results demonstrated that mid to lower lumbar intersegmental levels (i.e. L2/L3 to L4/L5) experienced the greatest overall creep deformation and range of motion during both prolonged flexion and manual lifting; however, overall range of motion during manual lifting was unaffected. Additionally, creep deformation did not completely recover within 30 minutes. Future work should continue to investigate the influence of this residual creep, as well as how overall creep deformation impacts spine neuromuscular control and stability, and ultimately the development of low back disorders. Practitioner summary: Mid to lower lumbar spine levels (i.e. L2/L3 to L4/L5) experienced the greatest creep deformation and range of motion during both prolonged flexion and manual lifting. Repeated lifting following prolonged flexion may limit creep recovery; however, overall lifting kinematic motion remained unchanged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis J Larson
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | | | - Stephen H M Brown
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
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Shahvarpour A, Preuss R, Sullivan MJL, Negrini A, Larivière C. The effect of wearing a lumbar belt on biomechanical and psychological outcomes related to maximal flexion-extension motion and manual material handling. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2018; 69:17-24. [PMID: 29477325 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Workers with low back pain (LBP) may benefit from wearing a lumbar belt (LB), but the biomechanical and psychological mechanisms involved are not fully understood. Two types of flexible LB (extensible and non-extensible) were compared to a control condition (no LB) regarding pain-related (pain, fear of pain and catastrophizing) and biomechanical (range of motion - ROM) outcomes related to two tasks: maximal trunk flexion-extension and manual material handling. Healthy controls and participants with LBP were tested. During both tasks, the two LBs reduced the lumbar ROM in participants with LBP in the same way as healthy controls. This was observed even at the beginning of the trunk flexion movement, allowing generalization to many work tasks, that is to say tasks performed with small or deep trunk flexion. The two LBs reduced pain, fear of pain and catastrophizing in subjects with LBP. That may help a gradual re-exposure to physical work activities (disability prevention perspective), or maintaining these activities (secondary prevention perspective), following a LBP episode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Shahvarpour
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST), 505 Boul. de Maisonneuve O, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 3C2, Canada; Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal (CRIR), Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Richard Preuss
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, 3654 prom Sir-William-Osler, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1Y5, Canada; Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal (CRIR), Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Michael J L Sullivan
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, 2001 McGill College, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, Canada; Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal (CRIR), Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Alessia Negrini
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST), 505 Boul. de Maisonneuve O, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 3C2, Canada.
| | - Christian Larivière
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST), 505 Boul. de Maisonneuve O, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 3C2, Canada; Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal (CRIR), Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Mousavi-Khatir R, Talebian S, Toosizadeh N, Olyaei GR, Maroufi N. The effect of static neck flexion on mechanical and neuromuscular behaviors of the cervical spine. J Biomech 2018; 72:152-158. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 02/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/03/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Abboud J, Rousseau B, Descarreaux M. Trunk proprioception adaptations to creep deformation. Eur J Appl Physiol 2017; 118:133-142. [DOI: 10.1007/s00421-017-3754-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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A model-based approach for estimation of changes in lumbar segmental kinematics associated with alterations in trunk muscle forces. J Biomech 2017; 70:82-87. [PMID: 29029957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2017.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The kinematics information from imaging, if combined with optimization-based biomechanical models, may provide a unique platform for personalized assessment of trunk muscle forces (TMFs). Such a method, however, is feasible only if differences in lumbar spine kinematics due to differences in TMFs can be captured by the current imaging techniques. A finite element model of the spine within an optimization procedure was used to estimate segmental kinematics of lumbar spine associated with five different sets of TMFs. Each set of TMFs was associated with a hypothetical trunk neuromuscular strategy that optimized one aspect of lower back biomechanics. For each set of TMFs, the segmental kinematics of lumbar spine was estimated for a single static trunk flexed posture involving, respectively, 40° and 10° of thoracic and pelvic rotations. Minimum changes in the angular and translational deformations of a motion segment with alterations in TMFs ranged from 0° to 0.7° and 0 mm to 0.04 mm, respectively. Maximum changes in the angular and translational deformations of a motion segment with alterations in TMFs ranged from 2.4° to 7.6° and 0.11 mm to 0.39 mm, respectively. The differences in kinematics of lumbar segments between each combination of two sets of TMFs in 97% of cases for angular deformation and 55% of cases for translational deformation were within the reported accuracy of current imaging techniques. Therefore, it might be possible to use image-based kinematics of lumbar segments along with computational modeling for personalized assessment of TMFs.
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Abboud J, Lardon A, Boivin F, Dugas C, Descarreaux M. Effects of Muscle Fatigue, Creep, and Musculoskeletal Pain on Neuromuscular Responses to Unexpected Perturbation of the Trunk: A Systematic Review. Front Hum Neurosci 2017; 10:667. [PMID: 28101013 PMCID: PMC5209383 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Trunk neuromuscular responses have been shown to adapt under the influence of muscle fatigue, as well as spinal tissue creep or even with the presence of low back pain (LBP). Despite a large number of studies exploring how these external perturbations affect the spinal stability, characteristics of such adaptations remains unclear. Aim: The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the quality of evidence of studies investigating trunk neuromuscular responses to unexpected trunk perturbation. More specifically, the targeted neuromuscular responses were trunk muscle activity reflex and trunk kinematics under the influence of muscle fatigue, spinal creep, and musculoskeletal pain. Methods: A research of the literature was conducted in Pubmed, Embase, and Sport-Discus databases using terms related to trunk neuromuscular reflex responses, measured by electromyography (baseline activity, reflex latency, and reflex amplitude) and/or trunk kinematic, in context of unexpected external perturbation. Moreover, independent variables must be either trunk muscle fatigue or spinal tissue creep or LBP. All included articles were scored for their electromyography methodology based on the “Surface Electromyography for the Non-Invasive Assessment of Muscles (SENIAM)” and the “International Society of Electrophysiology and Kinesiology (ISEK)” recommendations whereas overall quality of articles was scored using a specific quality checklist modified from the Quality Index. Meta-analysis was performed on reflex latency variable. Results: A final set of 29 articles underwent quality assessments. The mean quality score was 79%. No effect of muscle fatigue on erector spinae reflex latency following an unexpected perturbation, nor any other distinctive effects was found for back muscle fatigue and reflex parameters. As for spinal tissue creep effects, no alteration was found for any of the trunk reflex variables. Finally, the meta-analysis revealed an increased erector spinae reflex latency in patients with chronic LBP in comparison with healthy controls following an unexpected trunk perturbation. Conclusion: The literature provides some evidence with regard to trunk adaptions in a context of spinal instability. However, most of the evidence was inconclusive due to a high methodological heterogeneity between the studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Abboud
- Département D'anatomie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Arnaud Lardon
- Pôle Recherche Clinique Chiropratique, Institut Franco-Européen de ChiropraxieIvry-Sur-Seine, France; Département des Sciences de L'activité Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-RivièresTrois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Frédéric Boivin
- Département des Sciences de L'activité Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Claude Dugas
- Département des Sciences de L'activité Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Martin Descarreaux
- Département des Sciences de L'activité Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
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Shojaei I, Nussbaum MA, Bazrgari B. Age-related differences in trunk muscle reflexive behaviors. J Biomech 2016; 49:3147-3152. [PMID: 27488545 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2016.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Reports of larger passive and similar intrinsic trunk stiffness in older vs. younger populations suggest a diminishing demand for reflexive contributions of trunk muscles to spinal stability with aging. It remains unclear, though, whether such diminishing demands result in deterioration of trunk muscle reflexive behaviors. A cross-sectional study was completed to assess age-related differences in the latency and likelihood of trunk muscle reflexive responses to sudden perturbations. Sixty healthy individuals, aged 20-70 years, were recruited to form five equal-sized and gender-balanced age groups. Using a displacement-control, sudden perturbation paradigm, the latency and likelihood of trunk muscle reflexive responses to sudden perturbations were estimated, and the influences of age, gender, and level of effort (20% versus 30% of maximum voluntary exertion-MVE) were evaluated. There were no consistent age-related differences found in any of the measures of trunk muscle reflexive behavior. However, the latency of muscle response to perturbation was generally higher among older individuals, and this difference was significant in the condition involving 30% MVE effort. With an increase in level of effort (from 20% to 30% of MVE), there was a ~7% increase in the latency of trunk muscle responses to anteriorly-directed perturbations as well as ~ 15% (21%) decrease (increase) in response likelihood during anteriorly (posteriorly) directed perturbations. Furthermore, the reflexive response likelihood of trunk muscles was 28% (58%) larger (smaller) in female vs. male participants during anteriorly (posteriorly) directed perturbations. Our results did not, in general, support the hypothesis of an age-related decay in reflexive trunk muscle behaviors. Larger reflexive responses were associated with lower trunk intrinsic stiffness among females and during a lower level of effort, suggesting a secondary role for reflexive responses in spinal stability. Such secondary compensatory responses appear, however, to be consistent over a wide age range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Shojaei
- F. Joseph Halcomb III, M.D. Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Maury A Nussbaum
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Babak Bazrgari
- F. Joseph Halcomb III, M.D. Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA.
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Abboud J, Nougarou F, Descarreaux M. Muscle Activity Adaptations to Spinal Tissue Creep in the Presence of Muscle Fatigue. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149076. [PMID: 26866911 PMCID: PMC4750977 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim The aim of this study was to identify adaptations in muscle activity distribution to spinal tissue creep in presence of muscle fatigue. Methods Twenty-three healthy participants performed a fatigue task before and after 30 minutes of passive spinal tissue deformation in flexion. Right and left erector spinae activity was recorded using large-arrays surface electromyography (EMG). To characterize muscle activity distribution, dispersion was used. During the fatigue task, EMG amplitude root mean square (RMS), median frequency and dispersion in x- and y-axis were compared before and after spinal creep. Results Important fatigue-related changes in EMG median frequency were observed during muscle fatigue. Median frequency values showed a significant main creep effect, with lower median frequency values on the left side under the creep condition (p≤0.0001). A significant main creep effect on RMS values was also observed as RMS values were higher after creep deformation on the right side (p = 0.014); a similar tendency, although not significant, was observed on the left side (p = 0.06). A significant creep effects for x-axis dispersion values was observed, with higher dispersion values following the deformation protocol on the left side (p≤0.001). Regarding y-axis dispersion values, a significant creep x fatigue interaction effect was observed on the left side (p = 0.016); a similar tendency, although not significant, was observed on the right side (p = 0.08). Conclusion Combined muscle fatigue and creep deformation of spinal tissues led to changes in muscle activity amplitude, frequency domain and distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Abboud
- Département d’Anatomie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - François Nougarou
- Département de Génie Électrique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
| | - Martin Descarreaux
- Département des Sciences de l’Activité Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
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Larivière C, Caron JM, Preuss R, Mecheri H. The effect of different lumbar belt designs on the lumbopelvic rhythm in healthy subjects. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2014; 15:307. [PMID: 25234136 PMCID: PMC4190283 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-15-307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Research suggests that in some patients with low back pain, lumbar belts (LB) may derive secondary prophylactic benefits. It remains to be determined, however, which patients are most likely to benefit from prophylactic LB use, and which LB design is optimal for this purpose. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different lumbar belts designs on range of motion and lumbopelvic rhythm. Methods Healthy subjects (10 males; 10 females) performed five standing lumbar flexion/extension cycles, with knees straight, during a control (no belt) and four lumbar belt experimental conditions (extensible, with and without dorsal and ventral panels; non-extensible). Motion of the pelvis and lumbar spine was measured with 3D angular inertial sensors. Results The results suggest that adding dorsal and ventral panels to an extensible LB produces the largest lumbar spine restrictions among the four tested lumbar belt designs, which in turn also altered the lumbopelvic rhythm. On a more exploratory basis, some sex differences were seen and the sex × experimental condition interaction just failed to reach significance. Conclusions LB may provide some biomechanical benefit for patients with low back disorders, based on the protection that may be provided against soft tissue creep-based injury mechanisms. More comprehensive assessment of different LB designs, with additional psychological and neuromuscular measurement outcomes, however, must first be conducted in order to produce sound recommendations for LB use. Future research should also to take sex into account, with sufficient statistical power to clearly refute or confirm the observed trends. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2474-15-307) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Larivière
- Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute Robert-Sauvé (IRSST), 505, boul, De Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal, Quebec H3A 3C2, Canada.
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