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Biondi FN, Graf F, Cort J. On the potential of pupil size as a metric of physical fatigue during a repeated handle push/pull task. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2023; 110:104025. [PMID: 37071948 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Force output and muscle activity represent the gold standards for measuring physical fatigue. This study explores using ocular metrics for tracking changes in physical fatigue during the completion of a repeated handle push/pull task. Participants completed this task over three trials, and pupil size was recorded by means of a head-mounted eye-tracker. Blink frequency was also measured. Force impulse and maximum peak force were used as ground-truth measures of physical fatigue. As expected, a reduction in peak force and impulse was observed over time as participants became more fatigued. More interestingly, pupil size was also found to decrease from trial 1 through trial 3. No changes in blink rate were found with increasing physical fatigue. While exploratory in nature, these findings add to the sparse literature exploring the use of ocular metrics in Ergonomics. They also advance the use of pupil size as a possible future alternative for physical fatigue detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco N Biondi
- Human Systems Lab, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | | | - Joel Cort
- Occupational Simulation and Ergonomics Lab, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
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Laurent A, Plamondon R, Begon M. Reliability of the kinematic theory parameters during handwriting tasks on a vertical setup. Biomed Signal Process Control 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2021.103157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Fifolato TM, Nardim HCB, do Carmo Lopes ER, Suzuki KAK, da Silva NC, de Souza Serenza F, Fonseca MCR. Association between muscle strength, upper extremity fatigue resistance, work ability and upper extremity dysfunction in a sample of workers at a tertiary hospital. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2021; 22:508. [PMID: 34074292 PMCID: PMC8170978 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-021-04256-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders negatively affect ability to perform activities of daily living, self-care and work. Therefore, outcome measurements that address muscle strength, fatigue resistance, functionality and work physical capacity must be defined to assess and plan specific actions to minimize them. Objective To investigate the association of upper extremity muscle strength with upper extremity fatigue resistance, work ability and upper extremity dysfunction in a sample of workers from a tertiary hospital. Methods Shoulder and elbow isokinetic strength were assessed by Biodex System 4™, isometric hand grip by JAMAR™, upper extremity fatigue resistance by Functional Impairment Test Hand and Neck/Shoulder/Arm (FIT-HaNSA), ability to work by the Work Ability Index and upper extremity dysfunction by the Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand QuickDASH-Br questionnaire. The Nordic questionnaire and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) were used for pain description. The associations were analysed by Spearman’s correlation coefficient (rho) (p < 0.05). Results Twenty-seven participants: 59.2% women; mean age 46 years old; 70.3% obese/overweight; 62.9% active with predominantly dynamic muscle contraction work. Besides predominance of good to moderate work ability (81.4%) and comorbidities (37%), all participants had symptoms of the upper extremities for at least 12 months, with a predominance of low-intensity in the shoulder (55.5%). In addition, 88.8% reported pain in other segments. Muscle strength of abduction (rho = 0.49), adduction (rho = 0.40), internal rotation (rho = 0.44) and hand grip (rho = 0.68) presented moderate correlation with FIT-HaNSA. Hand grip (rho = − 0.52) showed moderate correlation with upper extremity dysfunction. Conclusions The results of this preliminary study suggested the association of shoulder strength with fatigue resistance. Also, hand grip strength was associated with upper extremity dysfunction and fatigue resistance. No association was found with the Work Ability Index in this sample. So, it is suggested that hand grip and shoulder strength could be outcome measurements used for future interventions focused on upper extremity preventive exercises to improve strength and fatigue resistance of workers at risk for the development of musculoskeletal disorders. Other individual, psychosocial and organizational risk factors must also be considered as influences on upper extremity function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Marques Fifolato
- Post Graduation Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Heloísa Correa Bueno Nardim
- Post Graduation Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ester Rodrigues do Carmo Lopes
- Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Karen A Kawano Suzuki
- Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Natalia Claro da Silva
- Post Graduation Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe de Souza Serenza
- Post Graduation Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.,Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marisa C Registro Fonseca
- Post Graduation Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. .,Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. .,Department of Health Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Bandeirantes Av 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil.
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Mahdavi N, Faradmal J, Dianat I, Heidarimoghadam R, Khotanlou H. Investigation of hand muscle fatigue and its influential factors in manual tasks. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2021; 28:1911-1923. [PMID: 33292064 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2020.1860429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Muscle fatigue (MF) can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the long term; however, it can be managed if the causes are well known. This study aimed to examine the grip force (GF) and grip fatigue (GFa) of employees with light, moderate and heavy manual tasks using a dynamometer and find their possible relationship with other factors. The nature of heavy manual tasks led to more experience of GFa and GF of the right hand. Moreover, the equal need for both hands in occupations with light and moderate manual tasks is the reason for more GFa in the left hand. In this primary study, the height, weight and age of subjects and their exposure to vibration had a decisive effect on GF. In order to determine the accurate effects of the aforementioned risk factors on MF, it is recommended for future studies to be performed on larger populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Mahdavi
- Department of Ergonomics, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Javad Faradmal
- Department of Ergonomics, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Iman Dianat
- Department of Ergonomics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | | | - Hassan Khotanlou
- Department of Computer Engineering, Bu-Ali Sina University, Iran
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Bouffard J, Weber Z, Pearsall L, Emery K, Côté JN. Similar effects of fatigue induced by a repetitive pointing task on local and remote light touch and pain perception in men and women. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0244321. [PMID: 33338075 PMCID: PMC7748284 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Women involved in repetitive, fatiguing, jobs develop more neck and/or shoulder musculoskeletal disorders than men. Sex differences in the pain response to exercise could contribute to the higher prevalence of neck/shoulder musculoskeletal disorders in women. The objective of this study was to assess sex differences in pain sensitivity following a fatiguing upper limb task. Relationships between measures of fatigue and of the sensitivity to nociceptive and to non-nociceptive stimulations were also explored. Methods Thirty healthy adults (15 women) performed a fatiguing repetitive pointing task with their dominant arm. Upper limb electromyography was recorded from the dominant upper trapezius, anterior deltoid and bicep brachii and from the contralateral tibialis anterior. Before and immediately after the repetitive pointing task, pressure pain and light touch sensitivity thresholds were measured over the same muscles. Results Electromyographic signs of fatigue were observed only in the anterior deltoid and biceps brachii muscles. Pressure pain thresholds over both muscles increased slightly (effect size ≤ 0.34), but no changes occurred over the upper trapezius and the tibialis anterior. Light touch thresholds increased moderately to importantly after the repetitive pointing task over all four muscles (effect sizes = 0.58 to 0.87). No sex differences were observed in any sensory variable. Moreover, no or weak correlations (r = -0.27 to 0.39) were observed between electromyographical signs of fatigue, light touch threshold and pressure pain threshold variables. Conclusions We observed sex-independent effects of a repetitive upper limb task on the sensitivity to painful and to nonpainful stimuli. Moreover, the hypoalgesia induced by the repetitive pointing task was weak and localized, and did not directly correlate with the induced muscle fatigue. Results suggest that fatigue-related changes in the sensitivity to noxious and innocuous stimuli could not explain women’s greater prevalence of neck/shoulder musculoskeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Bouffard
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Occupational Biomechanics and Ergonomics Laboratory, Michael Feil and Ted Oberfeld/CRIR Research Centre, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, Laval, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Zachary Weber
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Occupational Biomechanics and Ergonomics Laboratory, Michael Feil and Ted Oberfeld/CRIR Research Centre, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lyndsey Pearsall
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Occupational Biomechanics and Ergonomics Laboratory, Michael Feil and Ted Oberfeld/CRIR Research Centre, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kim Emery
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Occupational Biomechanics and Ergonomics Laboratory, Michael Feil and Ted Oberfeld/CRIR Research Centre, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Julie N. Côté
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Occupational Biomechanics and Ergonomics Laboratory, Michael Feil and Ted Oberfeld/CRIR Research Centre, Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, Laval, Quebec, Canada
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Yung M, Kolus A, Wells R, Neumann WP. Examining the fatigue-quality relationship in manufacturing. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2020; 82:102919. [PMID: 31450046 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2019.102919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A recent systematic review identified 73 empirical studies that linked human factors (HF) with manufacturing quality. Human fatigue was noted as a frequent (n = 26) issue in the HF-quality relationship - a finding that warrants closer examination. We extend this review by investigating the relationship between fatigue and manufacturing quality by identifying how fatigue has been conceptualized and measured, and we attempted to quantify their relationship. From the original database, 12 of 26 relevant studies (46%) indicated that physical fatigue was the primary contributor to observed quality deficits. There was a positive relationship between fatigue and quality deficits, with fatigue accounting up to 42% of the variance. More studies are needed to improve the resolution, specificity, and power of these analyses. This study sheds light on the role of HF and human fatigue effects on manufacturing quality with macroergonomic implications for embedding HF aspects into design and quality assurance processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Yung
- Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness, & Performance, Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Ahmet Kolus
- Department of Systems Engineering, College of Computer Science & Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Saudi Arabia
| | - Richard Wells
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - W Patrick Neumann
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Yung M, Lang AE, Stobart J, Kociolek AM, Milosavljevic S, Trask C. The combined fatigue effects of sequential exposure to seated whole body vibration and physical, mental, or concurrent work demands. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188468. [PMID: 29236752 PMCID: PMC5728521 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many occupations in agriculture, construction, transportation, and forestry are non-routine, involving non-cyclical tasks, both discretionary and non-discretionary work breaks, and a mix of work activities. Workers in these industries are exposed to seated whole body vibration (WBV) and tasks consisting of physical, mental, or a combination of demands. Risk assessment tools for non-routinized jobs have emerged but there remains a need to understand the combined effects of different work demands to improve risk assessment methods and ultimately inform ergonomists and workers on optimum work arrangement and scheduling strategies. The objective of this study was to investigate fatigue-related human responses of WBV sequentially combined with physical, mental, or concurrent physical and mental demands. Sixteen healthy participants performed four conditions on four separate days: (1) physically demanding work, (2) mentally demanding work, (3) concurrent work, and (4) control quiet sitting. For each condition, participants performed two 15-minute bouts of the experimental task, separated by 30-minutes of simulated WBV based on realistic all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riding data. A test battery of fatigue measures consisting of biomechanical, physiological, cognitive, and sensorimotor measurements were collected at four interval periods: pre-session, after the first bout of the experimental task and before WBV, after WBV and before the second bout of the experimental task, and post-session. Nine measures demonstrated statistically significant time effects during the control condition; 11, 7, and 12 measures were significant in the physical, mental, and concurrent conditions, respectively. Overall, the effects of seated WBV in combination with different tasks are not additive but possibly synergistic or antagonistic. There appears to be a beneficial effect of seated ATV operation as a means of increasing task variation; but since excessive WBV may independently pose a health risk in the longer-term, these beneficial results may not be sensible as a long-term solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Yung
- Canadian Centre for Health & Safety in Agriculture, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Angelica E. Lang
- School of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Jamie Stobart
- Canadian Centre for Health & Safety in Agriculture, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Aaron M. Kociolek
- School of Physical and Health Education, Nipissing University, North Bay, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephan Milosavljevic
- School of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Catherine Trask
- Canadian Centre for Health & Safety in Agriculture, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Yung M, Manji R, Wells RP. Exploring the Relationship of Task Performance and Physical and Cognitive Fatigue During a Daylong Light Precision Task. HUMAN FACTORS 2017; 59:1029-1047. [PMID: 28658591 DOI: 10.1177/0018720817717026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our aim was to explore the relationship between fatigue and operation system performance during a simulated light precision task over an 8-hr period using a battery of physical (central and peripheral) and cognitive measures. BACKGROUND Fatigue may play an important role in the relationship between poor ergonomics and deficits in quality and productivity. However, well-controlled laboratory studies in this area have several limitations, including the lack of work relevance of fatigue exposures and lack of both physical and cognitive measures. There remains a need to understand the relationship between physical and cognitive fatigue and task performance at exposure levels relevant to realistic production or light precision work. METHOD Errors and fatigue measures were tracked over the course of a micropipetting task. Fatigue responses from 10 measures and errors in pipetting technique, precision, and targeting were submitted to principal component analysis to descriptively analyze features and patterns. RESULTS Fatigue responses and error rates contributed to three principal components (PCs), accounting for 50.9% of total variance. Fatigue responses grouped within the three PCs reflected central and peripheral upper extremity fatigue, postural sway, and changes in oculomotor behavior. CONCLUSION In an 8-hr light precision task, error rates shared similar patterns to both physical and cognitive fatigue responses, and/or increases in arousal level. APPLICATION The findings provide insight toward the relationship between fatigue and operation system performance (e.g., errors). This study contributes to a body of literature documenting task errors and fatigue, reflecting physical (both central and peripheral) and cognitive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Yung
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
| | - Richard P. Wells
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
- Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders, University of Waterloo, University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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Yung M, Wells RP. Responsive upper limb and cognitive fatigue measures during light precision work: an 8-hour simulated micro-pipetting study. ERGONOMICS 2017; 60:940-956. [PMID: 27684480 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2016.1242782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Many contemporary occupations are characterised by long periods of low loads. These lower force levels, which are relevant to the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, are usually not the focus of fatigue studies. In studies that did measure fatigue in light manual or precision work, within and between measurement responses were inconsistent. The aim of this study was to identify fatigue measures that were responsive at lower force levels (<10% MVC) over the course of an 8-h period. A complementary set of fatigue measures, reflecting both neuromuscular and cognitive mechanisms, was measured during a light precision micro-pipetting task performed by 11 participants. Nine measures were found to be significantly responsive over the 8-h period, including: ratings of perceived fatigue, postural tremor, blink frequency and critical flicker fusion frequency threshold. Common field measures, specifically electromyography RMS amplitude and maximum voluntary contractions, did not lead to extraordinary time effects. Practitioner summary: The findings provide insight towards the responsiveness of a complementary set of field usable fatigue measures at low work intensities Although commonly used measures did not reveal significant increases in fatigue, nine alternative measures were significantly responsive over the 8-h period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Yung
- a Department of Kinesiology , University of Waterloo , 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo , Canada
| | - Richard P Wells
- a Department of Kinesiology , University of Waterloo , 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo , Canada
- b Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders , University of Waterloo , Waterloo , Canada
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