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The Effects of an Acute Maximal Seated Lumbar Spine Flexion Exposure on Low Back Mechanical Pain Sensitivity. J Appl Biomech 2022; 38:12-19. [PMID: 34969008 DOI: 10.1123/jab.2021-0238] [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: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Viscoelastic creep generated in the lumbar spine following sustained spine flexion may affect the relationship between tissue damage and perceived pain. Two processes supporting this altered relationship include altered neural feedback and inflammatory processes. Our purpose was to determine how low back mechanical pain sensitivity changes following seated lumbar spine flexion using pressure algometry in a repeated-measures, cross-sectional laboratory design. Thirty-eight participants underwent a 10-minute sustained seated maximal flexion exposure with a 40-minute standing recovery period. Pressure algometry assessed pressure pain thresholds and the perceived intensity and unpleasantness of fixed pressures. Accelerometers measured spine flexion angles, and electromyography measured muscular activity during flexion. The flexion exposure produced 4.4° (2.7°) of creep that persisted throughout the entire recovery period. The perception of low back stimulus unpleasantness was elevated immediately following the exposure, 20 minutes before a delayed increase in lumbar erector spinae muscle activity. Women reported the fixed pressures to be more intense than men. Sustained flexion had immediate consequences to the quality of mechanical stimulus perceived but did not alter pressure pain thresholds. Neural feedback and inflammation seemed unlikely mechanisms for this given the time and direction of pain sensitivity changes, leaving a postulated cortical influence.
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Błaszczyk A, Ogurkowska MB. The use of electromyography and kinematic measurements of the lumbar spine during ergonomic intervention among workers of the production line of a foundry. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13072. [PMID: 35321411 PMCID: PMC8935989 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Workers who perform repetitive movements are exposed to many risk factors leading to the occurrence of lumbar back pain. The aim of the research was to answer the question whether the ergonomic instruction conducted by a physiotherapist would change the tested range of motion of the segments of lumbar spine and the symmetry of the work of the torso and upper limbs muscles during work performed by foundry employees. Methods The study included 12 foundry production line workers with musculoskeletal pain. The workstation was built in the laboratory that perfectly simulates work on the production line. The workers performed two activities from their daily work, i.e. transferring and moving a casting. They were then given ergonomic instruction by a physiotherapist and performed the assigned tasks again. During the activities, the electromyographic signal from five muscles was recorded in terms of symmetry of their work. The maximum angular ranges of the motor segments of the lumbar spine were measured using gyroscopes. Results After the ergonomic instruction, the contralateral imbalance of muscle activity decreased statistically significantly during the first phase (p = 0.0004), second phase (p = 0.0002) and the third phase (p = 0.0069) of transferring the casting. While moving the casting , only erector spinae showed statistically significantly (p = 0.0131) more symmetrical work after the ergonomic instruction. During the transfer of the casting, statistically significantly lower values of the ranges of motion between the segments were obtained after carrying out the ergonomic instruction for the left (p = 0.0231) and right (p = 0.0032) lateral flexion. The ranges of movement between the segments differed statistically significantly for the flexion (p = 0.0117), extension (p = 0.0469) and left (p = 0.0031) and right lateral flexion movements (p = 0.0012). Conclusion Conducting ergonomic instruction consisting in teaching the correct performance of a movement task reduced the contralateral imbalance of muscle activity and changes the ranges of movement of L1-S1 segments. The task of optimizing the load on the musculoskeletal system, including the lumbar spine, should be carried out by means of appropriate ergonomic instruction and multi-pronged measures, including analysis of the health of employees, their working environment and physical activity outside the workplace. Electromyography and measurements of the range of movement of the lumbar spine appear to be good tools for the evaluation of workplace ergonomics.
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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: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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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Vinstrup J, Meng A, Sundstrup E, Andersen LL. The Psychosocial Work Environment and Perceived Stress among Seniors with Physically Demanding Jobs: The SeniorWorkingLife Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18147437. [PMID: 34299885 PMCID: PMC8305267 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Poor psychosocial work conditions are known to foster negative health consequences. While the existing literature on this topic focus mainly on white-collar workers, the influence of different aspects of the psychosocial work environment in physically demanding jobs remain understudied. Likewise, senior workers represent a population of the workforce at increased risk of adverse health outcomes and premature exit from the labour market. This study investigates the association between psychosocial work factors and perceived stress among the senior work force. Methods: Utilizing cross-sectional findings, this study reports associations between psychosocial factors (organizational justice, cooperation and collegial support, decision latitude, clarity of tasks, and quality of leadership) and the outcome of perceived stress quantified by Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS). Currently employed senior workers with physically demanding jobs were included in the analyses (n = 3386). Associations were modeled using general linear models with weights to make the estimates representative. Results: For all individually adjusted psychosocial variables, the category of “good” was consistently associated with lower stress scores compared to the categories of both “moderate” and “poor” (all p < 0.0001). Likewise, in the mutually adjusted analysis, the category of “good” was statistically different from “poor” for all included variables, while the category of “moderate” remained different from “poor” for “clarity of tasks”, “cooperation and collegial support”, and “decision latitude”. Conclusions: Among senior workers with physically demanding jobs, poor ratings of organizational factors related to the psychosocial work environment are consistently associated with high stress scores. Blue-collar occupations focusing primarily on physical risk factors are recommended to increase awareness on psychosocial aspects that may be relevant to the local work environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Vinstrup
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (A.M.); (E.S.); (L.L.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-3916-5200; Fax: +45-3916-5201
| | - Annette Meng
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (A.M.); (E.S.); (L.L.A.)
| | - Emil Sundstrup
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (A.M.); (E.S.); (L.L.A.)
| | - Lars L. Andersen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (A.M.); (E.S.); (L.L.A.)
- Sport Sciences, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
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5
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Porta M, Kim S, Pau M, Nussbaum MA. Classifying diverse manual material handling tasks using a single wearable sensor. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2021; 93:103386. [PMID: 33609851 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The use of inertial measurement units (IMUs) for monitoring and classifying physical activities has received substantial attention in recent years, both in occupational and non-occupational contexts. However, a "user-friendly" approach is needed to promote this approach to quantify physical demands in actual workplaces. We explored the use of a single IMU for extracting information about different manual material handling (MMH) tasks (i.e., specific type of task performed, and associated duration and frequency), using a bidirectional long short-term memory network for classification. Classification performance using single IMUs placed on several body parts was compared with performance using multiple IMU configurations (2, 3, and 17 IMUs). Overall, the use of a single sensor led to satisfactory results (e.g., median accuracy >97%) in classifying MMH tasks and estimating task duration and frequency. Limited benefits were obtained using additional sensors, and several sensor locations yielded similar outcomes. Classification performance, though, was relatively inferior for push/pull vs. other tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Porta
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sunwook Kim
- Department of Industrial and System Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Massimiliano Pau
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maury A Nussbaum
- Department of Industrial and System Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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Stevens ML, Gupta N, Inan Eroglu E, Crowley PJ, Eroglu B, Bauman A, Granat M, Straker L, Palm P, Stenholm S, Aadahl M, Mork P, Chastin S, Rangul V, Hamer M, Koster A, Holtermann A, Stamatakis E. Thigh-worn accelerometry for measuring movement and posture across the 24-hour cycle: a scoping review and expert statement. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2020; 6:e000874. [PMID: 33408875 PMCID: PMC7768971 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2020-000874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Prospective Physical Activity Sitting and Sleep consortium (ProPASS) is an international collaboration platform committed to harmonise thigh-worn accelerometry data. The aim of this paper is to (1) outline observational thigh-worn accelerometry studies and (2) summarise key strategic directions arising from the inaugural ProPASS meeting. Methods (1) We performed a systematic scoping review for observational studies of thigh-worn triaxial accelerometers in free-living adults (n≥100, 24 hours monitoring protocols). (2)Attendees of the inaugural ProPASS meeting were sent a survey focused on areas related to developing ProPASS: important terminology (Q1); accelerometry constructs (Q2); advantages and distinct contribution of the consortium (Q3); data pooling and harmonisation (Q4); data access and sharing (Q5 and Q6). Results (1) Eighty eligible articles were identified (22 primary studies; n~17 685). The accelerometers used most often were the ActivPAL3 and ActiGraph GT3X. The most commonly collected health outcomes were cardiometabolic and musculoskeletal. (2) None of the survey questions elicited the predefined 60% agreement. Survey responses recommended that ProPASS: use the term physical behaviour or movement behaviour rather than 'physical activity' for the data we are collecting (Q1); make only minor changes to ProPASS's accelerometry construct (Q2); prioritise developing standardised protocols/tools (Q4); facilitate flexible methods of data sharing and access (Q5 and Q6). Conclusions Thigh-worn accelerometry is an emerging method of capturing movement and posture across the 24 hours cycle. In 2020, the literature is limited to 22 primary studies from high-income western countries. This work identified ProPASS's strategic directions-indicating areas where ProPASS can most benefit the field of research: use of clear terminology, refinement of the measured construct, standardised protocols/tools and flexible data sharing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Stevens
- Musculoskeletal Disorders and Physical Workload, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nidhi Gupta
- Musculoskeletal Disorders and Physical Workload, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elif Inan Eroglu
- Boden Collaboration for Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise & Eating Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Patrick Joseph Crowley
- Musculoskeletal Disorders and Physical Workload, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Barbaros Eroglu
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adrian Bauman
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Malcolm Granat
- School of Health and Society, University of Salford, Salford, UK.,PAL Technologies, Glasgow, UK
| | - Leon Straker
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter Palm
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sari Stenholm
- Department of Public Health, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Mette Aadahl
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paul Mork
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sebastien Chastin
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Vegar Rangul
- HUNT Research Centre, Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Levanger, Norway
| | - Mark Hamer
- Institute Sport Exercise & Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Annemarie Koster
- Department of Social Medicine, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas Holtermann
- Musculoskeletal Disorders and Physical Workload, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Emmanuel Stamatakis
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Trunk Flexion Monitoring among Warehouse Workers Using a Single Inertial Sensor and the Influence of Different Sampling Durations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17197117. [PMID: 32998476 PMCID: PMC7594050 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17197117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Trunk flexion represents a risk factor for the onset of low-back disorders, yet limited quantitative data exist regarding flexion exposures in actual working conditions. In this study, we evaluated the potential of using a single inertial measurement unit (IMU) to classify trunk flexion, in terms of amplitude, frequency, and duration, and assessed the influence of alternative time durations on exposure results. Twelve warehouse workers were monitored during two hours of an actual shift while wearing a single IMU on their low back. Trunk flexion data were reduced using exposure variation analysis integrated with recommended exposure thresholds. Workers spent 5.1% of their working time with trunk flexion of 30-60° and 2.3% with flexion of 60-90°. Depending on the level of acceptable error, relatively shorter monitoring periods (up to 50 min) might be sufficient to characterize trunk flexion exposures. Future work is needed, however, to determine if these results generalize to other postural exposures and tasks.
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8
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Vinstrup J, Jakobsen MD, Madeleine P, Andersen LL. Biomechanical load during patient transfer with assistive devices: Cross-sectional study. ERGONOMICS 2020; 63:1164-1174. [PMID: 32362200 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2020.1764113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study utilised a cross-sectional design to perform measurements of muscle activity as well as forward - and lateral trunk inclination angle during a full workday among 52 female healthcare workers from 16 different departments at five Danish hospitals. Using linear mixed models, the 95th percentile ranks of the normalised root mean square (nRMS) values were analysed for the different types of assistive devices. Compared to no assistive device (mean nRMS 27.9%, 95% CI 24.8%-31.0%), the use of intelligent beds (23.9%, CI 20.2%-27.6%) and ceiling-lifts (24.0%, CI 20.3%-27.7%) led to lower erector spinae nRMS values across all types of patient transfers. Conversely, the use of bedsheets (30.6%, CI 27.1%-34.2%), sliding-sheets (30.3%, CI 26.8%-33.9%) and sliding-boards (33.5%, CI 29.5%-37.6%) were associated with higher levels of erector spinae muscle activity.Consistent use of ceiling-lifts and intelligent beds reduces the physical workload and may thereby decrease the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare workers. Practioner Summary: Frequent patient transfer is associated with an increased risk of back pain and injury among healthcare workers. This analysis compares the level of physical load during patient transfer with commonly used assistive devices. The results show that use of the ceiling-lift and intelligent bed is associated with relatively low physical load during patient transfer. Abbreviations: RMS: root mean square; nRMS: normalized root mean square; EMG: electromyography; MSD: musculoskeletal disorder; LBP: low-back pain; VAS: visual analogue scale; MVC: maximal voluntary contraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Vinstrup
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Sport Sciences - Performance and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Markus D Jakobsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pascal Madeleine
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Sport Sciences - Performance and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Lars L Andersen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Sport Sciences - Performance and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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Villumsen M, Grarup B, Christensen SWMP, Palsson TS, Hirata RP. "Study protocol for the ≥65 years NOrthern jutland Cohort of Fall risk Assessment with Objective measurements (the NOCfao study)". BMC Geriatr 2020; 20:198. [PMID: 32513121 PMCID: PMC7278063 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-020-01535-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Accidental falls are common among community-dwellers, probably due to the level of physical activity and impaired postural stability. Today, fall risk prediction tools’ discriminative validity are only moderate. In order to increase the accuracy, multiple variables such as highly validated objective field measurements of physical activity and impaired postural stability should be adressed in order to predict falls. The main aim of this paper is to describe the ≥65 years NOrthern jutland Cohort of Fall risk Assessment with Objective measurements (NOCfao) investigating the association between physical activity and impaired postural stability and the risk of fall episodes among community-dwelling older adults. Methods The study consists of a baseline session where the participants are asked to respond to three questionnaires, perform physical tests (i.e., measuring strength in the upper and lower extremities, balance, and walking speed), participate in an assessment of pain sensitivity, and to wear an ankle mounted pedometer for measuring physical activity for 5 days. Subsequently, the fall incidences and the circumstances surrounding the falls during the previous 1 to 2 months will be recorded throughout a one-year follow-up period. Discussion This study will add to the present-day understanding of the association between physical activity and impaired postural stability and the risk of fall episodes among community-dwelling older adults. These data will provide valid and reliable information on the relationship between these variables and their significance for community-dwelling older adults. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT2995317. Registered December 13th, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Villumsen
- Department of Elderly and Health, Section of Training and Activity, Aalborg Municipality, Aalborg, Denmark.,Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University (AAU), Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Bo Grarup
- Department of Physiotherapy, University College of Northern Denmark (UCN), Selma Lagerløfs Vej 2, 9220, Aalborg East, Denmark.
| | - Steffan Wittrup Mc Phee Christensen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University (AAU), Aalborg, Denmark.,Department of Physiotherapy, University College of Northern Denmark (UCN), Selma Lagerløfs Vej 2, 9220, Aalborg East, Denmark
| | | | - Rogerio Pessoto Hirata
- Performance and Technology, Department of Health Science and Technology Aalborg University, Niels Jernes Vej 12, 9220, Aalborg East, Denmark
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10
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Lind CM, Forsman M, Rose LM. Development and evaluation of RAMP II - a practitioner's tool for assessing musculoskeletal disorder risk factors in industrial manual handling. ERGONOMICS 2020; 63:477-504. [PMID: 31885328 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2019.1710576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
RAMP II is an observation-based tool developed for assessing a wide range of musculoskeletal disorder risk factors related to industrial manual handling. RAMP II, which is part of the RAMP tool, is based on research studies and expert judgments. The assessment relies mainly on direct or video observations of the work being assessed, but additionally on measured push/pull forces and weights of handled objects, and on perceived workload and discomfort. Over 80 practitioners participated in the development of the tool. According to the evaluations, 73% of the assessment items evaluated had acceptable reliability, and the majority of the potential end-users reported that RAMP II is usable for assessing risks and as a decision base. It is concluded that this study provides support that RAMP II is usable for risk assessment of musculoskeletal disorder risk factors in industrial manual handling. Practitioner summary: RAMP II is an observation-based assessment tool for screening and assessing major musculoskeletal exposures in industrial manual handling jobs. Over 80 practitioners participated in the development of the tool. This study provides support that RAMP II is usable for risk assessment of musculoskeletal disorder risk factors in industrial manual handling. Abbreviations: CTS: carpal tunnel syndrome; HARM: the Hand Arm Risk Assessment method; IMP: intramuscular pressure; κw: linearly weighted kappa; LBD: lower back disorders; LBP: lower back pain; MAWL: maximum acceptable weight of lift; MHO: manual handling operations; MSD: musculoskeletal disorder; MNSD: neck-shoulder disorder; NSP: neck-shoulder pain; OCRA: the Occupational Repetitive Action methods; OHS: occupational health and safety; PABAK: prevalence and bias adjusted kappa; p0: proportion of agreement; RAMP: Risk Assessment and Management tool for manual handling Proactively; ROM: range of motion; RPL: risk and priority level; RSI: the Revised Strain Index; RULA: the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment; SWEA: Swedish Work Environment Authority; UEMSDs: upper-extremity work-related musculoskeletal disorders; WMSD: work-related musculoskeletal disorder; WRMSD: work-related musculoskeletal disorder; workday8h: eight hours workday.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Mikael Lind
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael Forsman
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linda Maria Rose
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
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11
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Lunde LK, Koch M, Merkus SL, Knardahl S, Wærsted M, Veiersted KB. Associations of objectively measured forward bending at work with low-back pain intensity: a 2-year follow-up of construction and healthcare workers. Occup Environ Med 2020; 76:660-667. [PMID: 31413188 PMCID: PMC6824615 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2019-105861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to determine possible associations between objectively measured forward bending at work (FBW) and low-back pain intensity (LBPi) among Norwegian construction and healthcare workers. Methods One-hundred and twenty-five workers wore two accelerometers for 3–4 consecutive days, during work and leisure to establish duration of ≥30° and ≥60° forward bending. The participating workers reported LBPi (0–3) at the time of objective measurements and after 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. We investigated associations using linear mixed models with significance level p≤0.05 and presented results per 100 min. Results The duration of ≥30° and ≥60° FBW was not associated with average LBPi during follow-up, neither for the total sample nor stratified on work sector. Furthermore, analyses on all workers and on construction workers only found no significant association between ≥30° or ≥60° FBW and change in LBPi over the 2-year follow-up. For healthcare workers we found a consistent significant association between the duration of ≥30° FBW at baseline and the change in LBPi during follow-up, but this was not found for ≥60° FBW. Conclusions This study suggests that objectively measured duration of FBW in minutes is not associated with average levels of, or change in LBPi in construction workers over a 2-year period. In healthcare workers, exposure to ≥30° FBW was associated with change in LBPi, while we did not find this for ≥60° FBW. Results may indicate that the associations between FWB and LBP vary depending on type of work tasks, gender or sector-specific factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars-Kristian Lunde
- Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Markus Koch
- Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Suzanne Lerato Merkus
- Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stein Knardahl
- Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Morten Wærsted
- Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kaj Bo Veiersted
- Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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Nolan D, O’Sullivan K, Newton C, Singh G, Smith BE. Are there differences in lifting technique between those with and without low back pain? A systematic review. Scand J Pain 2019; 20:215-227. [DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2019-0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background and aims
To systemically review the literature to compare freestyle lifting technique, by muscle activity and kinematics, between people with and without low back pain (LBP).
Methods
Five databases were searched along with manual searches of retrieved articles by a single reviewer. Studies were included if they compared a freestyle lifting activity between participants with and without LBP. Data were extracted by two reviewers, and studies were appraised using the CASP tool for case-control studies.
Results
Nine studies were eligible. Heterogeneity did not allow for meta-analysis. Most studies (n = 8 studies) reported that people with LBP lift differently to pain-free controls. Specifically, people with LBP lift more slowly (n = 6 studies), use their legs more than their back especially when initiating lifting (n = 3 studies), and jerk less during lifting (n = 1 studies). Furthermore, the four larger studies involving people with more severe LBP also showed that people with LBP lift with less spinal range of motion and greater trunk muscle activity for a longer period.
Conclusions
People with LBP move slower, stiffer, and with a deeper knee bend than pain-free people during freestyle lifting tasks. Interestingly, such a lifting style mirrors how people, with and without LBP, are often told how to lift during manual handling training. The cross-sectional nature of the comparisons does not allow for causation to be determined.
Implications
The changes described may show embodiment of cautious movement, and the drive to protect the back. There may be value in exploring whether adopting a lifting style closer to that of pain-free people could help reduce LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Nolan
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , PhysioWorks, Firth Park Clinic, North Quadrant , Sheffield , UK , Phone: 07725854140
| | - Kieran O’Sullivan
- Sports Spine Centre, Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital , Doha , Qatar
- School of Allied Health , University of Limerick , Limerick , Ireland
- Health Research Institute , University of Limerick , Limerick , Ireland
| | - Chris Newton
- Physiotherapy Department , University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust , Leicester , UK
- Division of Rehabilitation and Ageing, School of Medicine , University of Nottingham , Nottingham , UK
| | - Gurpreet Singh
- Physiotherapy Department , University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust , Leicester , UK
| | - Benjamin E. Smith
- Division of Rehabilitation and Ageing, School of Medicine , University of Nottingham , Nottingham , UK
- University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust , Derby , UK
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Spook SM, Koolhaas W, Bültmann U, Brouwer S. Implementing sensor technology applications for workplace health promotion: a needs assessment among workers with physically demanding work. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1100. [PMID: 31412839 PMCID: PMC6693286 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7364-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Workers with physically demanding work may be at risk for injury, illness or other adverse health outcomes due to exposure to different occupational hazards, especially at higher age. Sensor technology applications may be useful in the workplace to unobtrusively measure and monitor work exposures and provide workers with real-time feedback or access to data on demand. Many aspects might impede the implementation of sensor technology applications in the workplace, which should be taken into consideration for a successful implementation. Moreover, needs and preferences of workers regarding the use of sensor technology applications during work performance need to be identified. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify worker needs and preferences regarding the use of sensor technology applications in the workplace. Methods Four on-site focus group sessions were conducted in four different companies among workers with physically demanding work (n = 30). Semi-structured interview schedules were used to identify which work exposures should be measured, by which kind of sensor technology applications, under which (pre)conditions, how to motivate long-term use of sensor technology applications, and which type of feedback is preferred. For data analysis, a content-analysis with an inductive approach was performed. Results Participants mentioned that they want to use wearable sensor technology applications to measure and monitor physical job demands, occupational heat stress, noise and fatigue. Factors associated with quality, comfort and perceived ease of use were identified as potential barriers for implementation in the workplace. Long-term motivation was attributed to the ability to manage and monitor work exposures, positive feedback and data ownership. Participants indicated a need to both receive real-time feedback and access to data on demand. Conclusions Sensor technology applications may support workers with physically demanding work to measure and monitor their work exposures. Potential barriers for implementation such as privacy aspects and quality, comfort and perceived ease of use of sensor technology applications need to be well considered to ensure successful implementation of sensor technology applications in the workplace. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-7364-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander Mathijn Spook
- Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, P.O. Box 196, FA10, room 620, 9700 AD, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Wendy Koolhaas
- Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, P.O. Box 196, FA10, room 620, 9700 AD, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ute Bültmann
- Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, P.O. Box 196, FA10, room 620, 9700 AD, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra Brouwer
- Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, P.O. Box 196, FA10, room 620, 9700 AD, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Association of perceived physical overload at work with pain and disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a 6-month longitudinal study. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2019; 28:1586-1593. [DOI: 10.1007/s00586-019-05986-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Brandt M, Madeleine P, Samani A, Jakobsen MD, Skals S, Vinstrup J, Andersen LL. Accuracy of identification of low or high risk lifting during standardised lifting situations. ERGONOMICS 2018; 61:710-719. [PMID: 29171789 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2017.1408857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim was to classify lifting activities into low and high risk categories (according to The Danish Working Environment Authority guidelines) based on surface electromyography (sEMG) and trunk inclination (tri-axial accelerometer) measurements. Lifting tasks with different weights, horizontal distance and technique were performed. The lifting tasks were characterised by a feature vector composed of either the 90th, 95th or 99th percentile of sEMG activity level and trunk inclinations during the task. Linear Discriminant Analysis and a subject-specific threshold scheme were applied and lifting tasks were classified with an accuracy of 65.1-65.5%. When lifts were classified based on the subject-specific threshold scheme from low and upper back accelerometers, the accuracy reached 52.1-58.1% and 72.7-78.1%, respectively. In conclusion, the use of subject-specific thresholds from sEMG from upper trapezius and erector spinae as well as inclination of the upper trunk enabled us to identify low and high risk lifts with an acceptable accuracy. Practitioner Summary: This study contributes to the development of a method enabling the automatic detection of high risk lifting tasks, i.e. exposure to high biomechanical loads, based on individual sEMG and kinematics from an entire working day. These methods may be more cost-effective and may complement observations commonly used by practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikkel Brandt
- a National Research Centre for the Working Environment , Copenhagen , Denmark
- b Physical Activity and Human Performance Group, SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology , Aalborg University , Aalborg , Denmark
| | - Pascal Madeleine
- b Physical Activity and Human Performance Group, SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology , Aalborg University , Aalborg , Denmark
| | - Afshin Samani
- b Physical Activity and Human Performance Group, SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology , Aalborg University , Aalborg , Denmark
| | - Markus Due Jakobsen
- a National Research Centre for the Working Environment , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Sebastian Skals
- a National Research Centre for the Working Environment , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Jonas Vinstrup
- a National Research Centre for the Working Environment , Copenhagen , Denmark
- b Physical Activity and Human Performance Group, SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology , Aalborg University , Aalborg , Denmark
| | - Lars Louis Andersen
- a National Research Centre for the Working Environment , Copenhagen , Denmark
- b Physical Activity and Human Performance Group, SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology , Aalborg University , Aalborg , Denmark
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Abstract
Resumo O Job crafting é um processo de ações proativas para alterar o trabalho, buscando adequá-lo aos valores e interesses do indivíduo. No presente estudo, foi revisada a produção científica internacional sobre o construto, com único descritor “job crafting”, no período de 2000 a maio de 2015, nas bases de dados PsycINFO e EBSCO. Ao final, 34 artigos foram analisados seguindo os critérios: ano de publicação, periódico de publicação, autoria, tipo de estudo, método e instrumentos utilizados. Constatou-se um crescimento de publicações científicas, especificamente de estudos empíricos quantitativos, impulsionados pelo desenvolvimento de medidas. Evidenciou-se uma difusão das publicações em diferentes periódicos, lideradas por Holanda e Estados Unidos da América. Argumenta-se em prol da adaptação de medidas de job crafting no Brasil.
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Method for measuring tri-axial lumbar motion angles using wearable sheet stretch sensors. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183651. [PMID: 29020053 PMCID: PMC5636072 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Body movements, such as trunk flexion and rotation, are risk factors for low back pain in occupational settings, especially in healthcare workers. Wearable motion capture systems are potentially useful to monitor lower back movement in healthcare workers to help avoid the risk factors. In this study, we propose a novel system using sheet stretch sensors and investigate the system validity for estimating lower back movement. METHODS Six volunteers (female:male = 1:1, mean age: 24.8 ± 4.0 years, height 166.7 ± 5.6 cm, weight 56.3 ± 7.6 kg) participated in test protocols that involved executing seven types of movements. The movements were three uniaxial trunk movements (i.e., trunk flexion-extension, trunk side-bending, and trunk rotation) and four multiaxial trunk movements (i.e., flexion + rotation, flexion + side-bending, side-bending + rotation, and moving around the cranial-caudal axis). Each trial lasted for approximately 30 s. Four stretch sensors were attached to each participant's lower back. The lumbar motion angles were estimated using simple linear regression analysis based on the stretch sensor outputs and compared with those obtained by the optical motion capture system. RESULTS The estimated lumbar motion angles showed a good correlation with the actual angles, with correlation values of r = 0.68 (SD = 0.35), r = 0.60 (SD = 0.19), and r = 0.72 (SD = 0.18) for the flexion-extension, side bending, and rotation movements, respectively (all P < 0.05). The estimation errors in all three directions were less than 3°. CONCLUSION The stretch sensors mounted on the back provided reasonable estimates of the lumbar motion angles. The novel motion capture system provided three directional angles without capture space limits. The wearable system possessed great potential to monitor the lower back movement in healthcare workers and helping prevent low back pain.
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Trunk kinematics and low back pain during pruning among vineyard workers-A field study at the Chateau Larose-Trintaudon. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175126. [PMID: 28384277 PMCID: PMC5383154 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of low back disorders is dramatically high in viticulture. Field measurements that objectively quantify work exposure can provide information on the relationship between the adopted trunk postures and low back pain. The purposes of the present study were three-fold (1) to carry out a kinematics analysis of vineyard-workers’ pruning activity by extracting the duration of bending and rotation of the trunk, (2) to question separately the relationship between the duration of forward bending or trunk rotation with low back pain intensity and pressure pain sensitivity and (3) to question the relationship between the combined duration of forward bending and trunk rotation on low back pain intensity and pressure pain sensitivity. Fifteen vineyard-workers were asked to perform pruning activity for 12 minutes with a wireless triaxial accelerometer placed on their trunk. Kinematic analysis of the trunk showed that vineyard-workers spent more than 50% of the time with the trunk flexed greater than 30° and more than 20% with the trunk rotated greater than 10°. These results show that pruning activity lead to the adoption of forward bended and rotated trunk postures that could significantly increase the risk of work related musculoskeletal disorders in the low back. However, this result was mitigated by the observation of an absence of significant association between the duration of forward bending and trunk rotation with low back pain intensity or pressure pain sensitivity. Even if prospective field measurements and studies assessing the effects of low back pain confounders are needed, this field study provides new genuine information on trunk kinematics during pruning activity.
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Gupta N, Christiansen CS, Hanisch C, Bay H, Burr H, Holtermann A. Is questionnaire-based sitting time inaccurate and can it be improved? A cross-sectional investigation using accelerometer-based sitting time. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e013251. [PMID: 28093433 PMCID: PMC5253534 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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 To investigate the differences between a questionnaire-based and accelerometer-based sitting time, and develop a model for improving the accuracy of questionnaire-based sitting time for predicting accelerometer-based sitting time. METHODS 183 workers in a cross-sectional study reported sitting time per day using a single question during the measurement period, and wore 2 Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometers on the thigh and trunk for 1-4 working days to determine their actual sitting time per day using the validated Acti4 software. Least squares regression models were fitted with questionnaire-based siting time and other self-reported predictors to predict accelerometer-based sitting time. RESULTS Questionnaire-based and accelerometer-based average sitting times were ≈272 and ≈476 min/day, respectively. A low Pearson correlation (r=0.32), high mean bias (204.1 min) and wide limits of agreement (549.8 to -139.7 min) between questionnaire-based and accelerometer-based sitting time were found. The prediction model based on questionnaire-based sitting explained 10% of the variance in accelerometer-based sitting time. Inclusion of 9 self-reported predictors in the model increased the explained variance to 41%, with 10% optimism using a resampling bootstrap validation. Based on a split validation analysis, the developed prediction model on ≈75% of the workers (n=132) reduced the mean and the SD of the difference between questionnaire-based and accelerometer-based sitting time by 64% and 42%, respectively, in the remaining 25% of the workers. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that questionnaire-based sitting time has low validity and that a prediction model can be one solution to materially improve the precision of questionnaire-based sitting time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Gupta
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Christiana Hanisch
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Nöldnerstr, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans Bay
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hermann Burr
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Nöldnerstr, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Holtermann
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Villumsen M, Madeleine P, Jørgensen MB, Holtermann A, Samani A. The variability of the trunk forward bending in standing activities during work vs. leisure time. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2017; 58:273-280. [PMID: 27633222 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2016.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 05/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
High level of occupational physical activity (PA), contrary to leisure time activities, is generally associated with detrimental health outcomes. We hypothesized that this contrast may be associated with a different pattern of exposure variability in PA, e.g., forward bending of the trunk. The study was conducted on 657 blue-collar workers. Two accelerometers were used to identify the body posture and forward bending of the trunk during work and leisure time. The pattern of forward bending was analyzed using exposure variation analysis (EVA). The recordings comprised of 2.6 ± 0.97 working days in average, with 19.9 ± 8.1 h work and 22.9 ± 8.9 h leisure. The standard deviation and entropy of the EVA profile indicated 11% and 6% (for about 80% of subjects) less variable pattern during work compared with the leisure time, respectively. These new findings contribute to the understanding the paradoxical outcomes of PA during work and leisure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Villumsen
- Physical Activity and Human Performance - SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7, DK-9220, Aalborg, Denmark; The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark; Department of Physiotherapy, University College of Northern Denmark, Aalborg, Selma Lagerløfs Vej 2, DK-9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Pascal Madeleine
- Physical Activity and Human Performance - SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7, DK-9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Marie Birk Jørgensen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Andreas Holtermann
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark; Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Physical Activity and Health in Work Life, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Campusvej 55, DK-5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Afshin Samani
- Physical Activity and Human Performance - SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7, DK-9220, Aalborg, Denmark.
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21
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Villumsen M, Madeleine P, Jørgensen M, Holtermann A, Samani A. Gender differences in variability patterns of forward bending: a cross-sectional field study among blue-collar workers in Denmark. Physiotherapy 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2016.10.386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Coenen P, Douwes M, van den Heuvel S, Bosch T. Towards exposure limits for working postures and musculoskeletal symptoms - a prospective cohort study. ERGONOMICS 2016; 59:1182-1192. [PMID: 26678353 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2015.1130862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Occupational postures are considered to be an important group of risk factors for musculoskeletal pain. However, the exposure-outcome association is not clear yet. Therefore, we aimed to determine the exposure-outcome association of working postures and musculoskeletal symptoms. Also, we aimed to establish exposure limits for working postures. In a prospective cohort study among 789 workers, intensity, frequency and duration of postures were assessed at baseline using observations. Musculoskeletal pain was assessed cross-sectionally and longitudinally and associations of postures and pain were addressed using logistic regression analyses. Cut-off points were estimated based on ROC-curve analyses. Associations were found for kneeling/crouching and low-back pain, neck flexion and rotation and neck pain, trunk flexion and low-back pain, and arm elevation and neck and shoulder pain. The results provide insight into exposure-outcome relations between working postures and musculoskeletal symptoms as well as evidence-based working posture exposure limits that can be used in future guidelines and risk assessment tools. Practitioner Summary: Our study gives insight into exposure-outcome associations of working postures and musculoskeletal symptoms (kneeling/crouching and low-back pain, neck flexion/rotation and neck pain, trunk flexion and low-back pain, and arm elevation and neck and shoulder pain). Results furthermore deliver evidence-based postural exposure limits that can be used in guidelines and risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter Coenen
- a School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science , Curtin University , Perth , Australia
- b Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, Research Institute MOVE , VU University Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
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Gupta N, Heiden M, Aadahl M, Korshøj M, Jørgensen MB, Holtermann A. What Is the Effect on Obesity Indicators from Replacing Prolonged Sedentary Time with Brief Sedentary Bouts, Standing and Different Types of Physical Activity during Working Days? A Cross-Sectional Accelerometer-Based Study among Blue-Collar Workers. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154935. [PMID: 27187777 PMCID: PMC4871331 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The aim of the study was to investigate if (a) substituting total sedentary time or long sedentary bouts with standing or various types of physical activity and (b) substituting long sedentary bouts with brief sedentary bouts; is associated with obesity indicators using a cross sectional isotemporal substitution approach among blue-collar workers. Methods A total of 692 workers from transportation, manufacturing and cleaning sectors wore an Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometer on the thigh for 1–4 working days. The sedentary (sit and lie), standing, walking, and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) time on working days was computed using validated Acti4 software. The total sedentary time and uninterrupted sedentary time spent in brief (≤5 mins), moderate (>5 and ≤30 mins), and long (>30mins) bouts, were determined for the whole day and during work and non-work time separately. The obesity indicators, BMI (kg/m2), waist circumference (cm) and fat percentage were objectively measured. Isotemporal substitution modelling was utilized to determine the linear association with obesity indicators of replacing 30 min of total sedentary time or long sedentary bouts with standing, walking or MVPA and separately replacing 30 min of long sedentary bouts with brief sedentary bouts. Results Workers [mean (standard deviation, SD); age = 45.1 (9.9) years, BMI = 27.5 (4.9) kg/m2, %BF = 29.6 (9.5), waist circumference = 94.4 (13.0) cm] sat for 2.4 hours (~32% of the measured time, SD = 1.8 hours) across the day during work period and 5.5 hours (~62% of the measured time, SD = 1.5 hours) during non-work period. Most of the sedentary time was accrued in moderate bouts [work = 1.40 (SD = 1.09) hours] during work and in long bouts during non-work [2.7 (SD = 1.4) hours], while least in long sedentary bouts during work [work = 0.5 (SD = 0.9)] and in brief sedentary bouts [0.5 hours (SD = 0.3)] during non-work. Significant associations with all obesity indicators were found when 30 min of total sedentary time or long sedentary bouts were replaced with standing time (~1–2% lower) or MVPA (~4–9% lower) during whole day, work, and non-work periods. The exception was that a statistically significant association was not observed with any obesity indicator when replacing total sedentary time or long sedentary bouts with standing time during the work period. Significant beneficial associations were found when replacing the long sedentary bouts with brief sedentary bouts (~3–5% lower) during all domains. Conclusion Replacing total sedentary time and long sedentary bouts, respectively, not only with MVPA but also standing time appears to be beneficially associated with obesity indicators among blue-collar workers. Additionally, replacing long sedentary bouts with brief sedentary bouts was also beneficially associated with obesity indicators. Studies using prospective design are needed to confirm the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Gupta
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Marina Heiden
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational and Public Health Sciences, University of Gävle, Gävle, Sweden
| | - Mette Aadahl
- Research Centre for Prevention and Health, The Capital Region of Denmark, Glostrup, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mette Korshøj
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Andreas Holtermann
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Koch M, Lunde LK, Ernst M, Knardahl S, Veiersted KB. Validity and reliability of pressure-measurement insoles for vertical ground reaction force assessment in field situations. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2016; 53 Pt A:44-51. [PMID: 26674403 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2015.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to test the validity and reliability of pressure-measurement insoles (medilogic® insoles) when measuring vertical ground reaction forces in field situations. Various weights were applied to and removed from the insoles in static mechanical tests. The force values measured simultaneously by the insoles and force plates were compared for 15 subjects simulating work activities. Reliability testing during the static mechanical tests yielded an average interclass correlation coefficient of 0.998. Static loads led to a creeping pattern of the output force signal. An individual load response could be observed for each insole. The average root mean square error between the insoles and force plates ranged from 6.6% to 17.7% in standing, walking, lifting and catching trials and was 142.3% in kneeling trials. The results show that the use of insoles may be an acceptable method for measuring vertical ground reaction forces in field studies, except for kneeling positions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Koch
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Lars-Kristian Lunde
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, Oslo, Norway
| | - Michael Ernst
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stein Knardahl
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kaj Bo Veiersted
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, Oslo, Norway
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