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Lind CM. A Rapid Review on the Effectiveness and Use of Wearable Biofeedback Motion Capture Systems in Ergonomics to Mitigate Adverse Postures and Movements of the Upper Body. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:3345. [PMID: 38894134 PMCID: PMC11175029 DOI: 10.3390/s24113345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Work-related diseases and disorders remain a significant global health concern, necessitating multifaceted measures for mitigation. One potential measure is work technique training utilizing augmented feedback through wearable motion capture systems. However, there exists a research gap regarding its current effectiveness in both real work environments and controlled settings, as well as its ability to reduce postural exposure and retention effects over short, medium, and long durations. A rapid review was conducted, utilizing two databases and three previous literature reviews to identify relevant studies published within the last twenty years, including recent literature up to the end of 2023. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 14 were of high or moderate quality. These studies were summarized descriptively, and the strength of evidence was assessed. Among the included studies, six were rated as high quality, while eight were considered moderate quality. Notably, the reporting of participation rates, blinding of assessors, and a-priori power calculations were infrequently performed. Four studies were conducted in real work environments, while ten were conducted in controlled settings. Vibration feedback was the most common feedback type utilized (n = 9), followed by auditory (n = 7) and visual feedback (n = 1). All studies employed corrective feedback initiated by the system. In controlled environments, evidence regarding the effectiveness of augmented feedback from wearable motion capture systems to reduce postural exposure ranged from strong evidence to no evidence, depending on the time elapsed after feedback administration. Conversely, for studies conducted in real work environments, the evidence ranged from very limited evidence to no evidence. Future reach needs are identified and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl M Lind
- IMM Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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2
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Langenskiöld C, Berg A, Yang L. The Effect of Corrective and Encouraging Accumulated Vibrotactile Feedback on Work Technique Training and Motivation-A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6741. [PMID: 37754601 PMCID: PMC10531452 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20186741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Encouraging feedback is shown to increase motivation and facilitate learning in different settings, though there is a lack of knowledge of applying it in work technique training. This pilot study aimed to evaluate two accumulated vibrotactile feedback strategies for work technique training using a smart workwear system. Eight women and two men participated in the study. They were divided into two groups, receiving the corrective feedback or the combined corrective and encouraging feedback while doing simulated manual handling tasks in a lab environment. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to evaluate the motivation, learning, and user experiences. In this small sample size, we saw that both groups significantly improved their work technique of upper arm and trunk postures, and no significant difference between groups was seen. In addition, both groups reported increased ergonomic awareness, were satisfied with the feedback training, and considered the system useful. However, the combined feedback group had slightly lower ratings of motivation and more negative experiences of the corrective feedback itself compared to the corrective feedback group. Both groups had positive experiences with the encouraging feedback. Future research should consider investigating the long-term learning effects of using solely corrective or encouraging accumulated feedback for work technique training with such systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotta Langenskiöld
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, SE-113 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annelie Berg
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, SE-113 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Liyun Yang
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, SE-113 65 Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11C, SE-141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
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3
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Lind CM, Abtahi F, Forsman M. Wearable Motion Capture Devices for the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Ergonomics-An Overview of Current Applications, Challenges, and Future Opportunities. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:s23094259. [PMID: 37177463 PMCID: PMC10181376 DOI: 10.3390/s23094259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major contributor to disability worldwide and substantial societal costs. The use of wearable motion capture instruments has a role in preventing WMSDs by contributing to improvements in exposure and risk assessment and potentially improved effectiveness in work technique training. Given the versatile potential for wearables, this article aims to provide an overview of their application related to the prevention of WMSDs of the trunk and upper limbs and discusses challenges for the technology to support prevention measures and future opportunities, including future research needs. The relevant literature was identified from a screening of recent systematic literature reviews and overviews, and more recent studies were identified by a literature search using the Web of Science platform. Wearable technology enables continuous measurements of multiple body segments of superior accuracy and precision compared to observational tools. The technology also enables real-time visualization of exposures, automatic analyses, and real-time feedback to the user. While miniaturization and improved usability and wearability can expand the use also to more occupational settings and increase use among occupational safety and health practitioners, several fundamental challenges remain to be resolved. The future opportunities of increased usage of wearable motion capture devices for the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders may require more international collaborations for creating common standards for measurements, analyses, and exposure metrics, which can be related to epidemiologically based risk categories for work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Mikael Lind
- IMM Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Farhad Abtahi
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Mikael Forsman
- IMM Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, 113 65 Stockholm, Sweden
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Lind CM, De Clercq B, Forsman M, Grootaers A, Verbrugghe M, Van Dyck L, Yang L. Effectiveness and usability of real-time vibrotactile feedback training to reduce postural exposure in real manual sorting work. ERGONOMICS 2023; 66:198-216. [PMID: 35466852 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2022.2069869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Vibrotactile feedback training may be used as a complementary strategy to reduce time in demanding postures in manual handling. This study evaluated the short- and medium-term effects of concurrent posture-correction vibrotactile feedback training on trunk inclination exposure in real manual sorting work. Fifteen warehouse workers completed the training and the follow-up sessions. Trunk inclination angles were recorded using the ambulatory Smart Workwear System. Questionnaires were used for assessing system usability, perceived physical exertion, and work ability. The results showed reduced time in trunk inclination >30°, >45°, and >60°, and reductions in the 90th, 95th, and 99th percentile trunk inclination angles, when receiving feedback and immediately after feedback withdrawal. No significant reduction was retained after one and three weeks. The wearer's comfort was scored high, and the feedback did not increase the perceived cognitive demands. No significant effects attributed to changed trunk inclination exposure were observed for perceived physical exertion or work ability. The training program has the potential of contributing to reduced trunk inclination exposure in the short term. Future studies are needed to evaluate if improvements in the feedback training can transfer the short-term results to retained median- and long-term effects.Practitioner summary: A two-day training program with concurrent posture-correction vibrotactile feedback can contribute to reduced exposure of trunk inclination in real manual sorting work in the short term. More research is needed on how to design the feedback training programs in order to be effective in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Mikael Lind
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Mikael Forsman
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Huddinge, Sweden
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Liyun Yang
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Mann M, Qavi I, Zhang N, Tan G. Engineers in Medicine: Foster Innovation by Traversing Boundaries. Crit Rev Biomed Eng 2023; 51:19-32. [PMID: 37551906 DOI: 10.1615/critrevbiomedeng.2023047838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Engineers play a critical role in the advancement of biomedical science and the development of diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for human well-being. The complexity of medical problems requires the synthesis of diverse knowledge systems and clinical experiences to develop solutions. Therefore, engineers in the healthcare and biomedical industries are interdisciplinary by nature to innovate technical tools in sophisticated clinical settings. In academia, engineering is usually divided into disciplines with dominant characteristics. Since biomedical engineering has been established as an independent curriculum, the term "biomedical engineers" often refers to the population from a specific discipline. In fact, engineers who contribute to medical and healthcare innovations cover a broad range of engineering majors, including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, industrial engineering, and computer sciences. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the contributions of different engineering professions to the development of innovative biomedical solutions. We use the term "engineers in medicine" to refer to all talents who integrate the body of engineering knowledge and biological sciences to advance healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monikka Mann
- Department of Industrial, Manufacturing and Systems Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Imtiaz Qavi
- Department of Industrial, Manufacturing and Systems Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Industrial, Manufacturing and Systems Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - George Tan
- Department of Industrial, Manufacturing and Systems Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
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Bagheri Hosseinabadi M, Zandi N, Sartavi N, Aliyari R, Sadeghian F. The Risk Assessment of Patient Handling in Hospitals of Northeast of Iran. Hosp Top 2022:1-9. [PMID: 36000707 DOI: 10.1080/00185868.2022.2114964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
The study aim was to determine the risk of Manual patient handling (MPH) in Shahroud public hospitals, Iran. A cross-sectional study was performed in Imam Hossein (IHospital) and Bahar (BHospital) with 21 wards. MPH risk assessment was performed using MAPO (Movement and Assistance of Hospital Patient) index. The ratio of operator to disabled patient (NC/Op and PC/Op), lifting, minor aid, wheelchair, environmental, and training factor are evaluated to calculate MAPO index. Among studied wards 57%, 33.3%, and 9.5%, respectively, were in the high, moderate, and low risk exposure level. The maximum MAPO score were 16.7 in CCU of IHospital. Emergency ward of BHospital had the highest score of 9.8 and PC/OP ratio 17.5. The most risk factors were minor aid (90.5%), lifting factor (71.4%), and PC/OP (66.7%). Immediate ergonomic action is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Bagheri Hosseinabadi
- MSC of Occupational Health Engineering, Department of occupational health, School of Public Health, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Niloofar Zandi
- BSC of Occupational Health Engineering, Student Research Committee, School of Public Health, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Nahideh Sartavi
- BSC of Occupational Health Engineering, Student Research Committee, School of Public Health, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Roqayeh Aliyari
- PhD, Assistant Professor of Biostatistics, Ophthalmic Epidemiology Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Farideh Sadeghian
- PhD, Assistant Professor of Occupational Health Engineering, Center for Health Related Social and Behavioral Sciences Research, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
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Chan VCH, Welsh TN, Tremblay L, Frost DM, Beach TAC. A comparison of augmented feedback and didactic training approaches to reduce spine motion during occupational lifting tasks. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2022; 99:103612. [PMID: 34743974 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Manual handling training may be improved if it relied on the provision of individualized, augmented feedback about key movement features. The purpose of this study was to compare the reduction in sagittal spine motion during manual lifting tasks following two training approaches: didactic (DID) and augmented feedback (AUG). Untrained participants (n = 26) completed lifting tests (box, medication bag, and paramedic backboard) and a randomly-assigned intervention involving 50 practice box lifts. Lifting tests were performed immediately before and after training, and one-week after interventions. Both groups exhibited reductions in spine motions immediately and one-week after the interventions. However, the AUG intervention group elicited significantly greater reductions in 5 of 12 between-group comparisons (3 tasks × 4 spine motion variables). The results of the current study support the use of augmented feedback-based approaches to manual handling training over education-based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor C H Chan
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Timothy N Welsh
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Centre for Motor Control, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Luc Tremblay
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Centre for Motor Control, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David M Frost
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tyson A C Beach
- Centre for Motor Control, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
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8
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Ferrone A, Napier C, Menon C. Wearable Technology to Increase Self-Awareness of Low Back Pain: A Survey of Technology Needs among Health Care Workers. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21248412. [PMID: 34960502 PMCID: PMC8706463 DOI: 10.3390/s21248412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) is a leading contributor to musculoskeletal injury worldwide and carries a high economic cost. The healthcare industry is the most burdened, with nurses, in particular, being highly prone to LBP. Wearable technologies have the potential to address the challenges of monitoring postures that contribute to LBP and increase self-awareness of workplace postures and movements. We aimed to gain insight into workers’ perceptions of LBP and whether they would consider using wearable monitoring technologies to reduce injury risks. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to gather information from a selected population of nurses. Sixty-four participants completed the survey, and data were analyzed with the support of Machine Learning techniques. Findings from this study indicate that the surveyed population (64 nurses) is interested in these new approaches to monitor movement and posture in the workplace. This technology can potentially change the way ergonomic guidelines are implemented in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ferrone
- Menrva Research Group, Schools of Mechatronic Systems & Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; (A.F.); (C.M.)
| | - Christopher Napier
- Menrva Research Group, Schools of Mechatronic Systems & Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; (A.F.); (C.M.)
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Correspondence:
| | - Carlo Menon
- Menrva Research Group, Schools of Mechatronic Systems & Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; (A.F.); (C.M.)
- Biomedical and Mobile Health Technology Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
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Kitagawa K, Gorordo Fernandez I, Nagasaki T, Nakano S, Hida M, Okamatsu S, Wada C. Foot Position Measurement during Assistive Motion for Sit-to-Stand Using a Single Inertial Sensor and Shoe-Type Force Sensors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910481. [PMID: 34639781 PMCID: PMC8508461 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Assistive motion for sit-to-stand causes lower back pain (LBP) among caregivers. Considering previous studies that showed that foot position adjustment could reduce lumbar load during assistive motion for sit-to-stand, quantitative monitoring of and instructions on foot position could contribute toward reducing LBP among caregivers. The present study proposes and evaluates a new method for the quantitative measurement of foot position during assistive motion for sit-to-stand using a few wearable sensors that are not limited to the measurement area. The proposed method measures quantitative foot position (anteroposterior and mediolateral distance between both feet) through a machine learning technique using features obtained from only a single inertial sensor on the trunk and shoe-type force sensors. During the experiment, the accuracy of the proposed method was investigated by comparing the obtained values with those from an optical motion capture system. The results showed that the proposed method produced only minor errors (less than 6.5% of body height) when measuring foot position during assistive motion for sit-to-stand. Furthermore, Bland–Altman plots suggested no fixed errors between the proposed method and the optical motion capture system. These results suggest that the proposed method could be utilized for measuring foot position during assistive motion for sit-to-stand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kodai Kitagawa
- Graduate School of Life Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 2–4 Hibikino, Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu 808-0196, Japan; (I.G.F.); (M.H.); (S.O.); (C.W.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ibai Gorordo Fernandez
- Graduate School of Life Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 2–4 Hibikino, Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu 808-0196, Japan; (I.G.F.); (M.H.); (S.O.); (C.W.)
| | - Takayuki Nagasaki
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tohoku Bunka Gakuen University, 6-45-1 Kunimi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 981-8551, Japan;
| | - Sota Nakano
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kyushu University of Nursing and Social Welfare, 888 Tomio, Tamana 865-0062, Japan;
| | - Mitsumasa Hida
- Graduate School of Life Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 2–4 Hibikino, Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu 808-0196, Japan; (I.G.F.); (M.H.); (S.O.); (C.W.)
- Department of Physical Therapy, Osaka Kawasaki Rehabilitation University, 158 Mizuma, Kaizuka 597-0104, Japan
| | - Shogo Okamatsu
- Graduate School of Life Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 2–4 Hibikino, Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu 808-0196, Japan; (I.G.F.); (M.H.); (S.O.); (C.W.)
- Department of Physical Therapy, Kitakyushu Rehabilitation College, 1575 Kamikatashima, Kanda-machi, Miyako-gun 800-0343, Japan
| | - Chikamune Wada
- Graduate School of Life Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 2–4 Hibikino, Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu 808-0196, Japan; (I.G.F.); (M.H.); (S.O.); (C.W.)
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Lee R, James C, Edwards S, Skinner G, Young JL, Snodgrass SJ. Evidence for the Effectiveness of Feedback from Wearable Inertial Sensors during Work-Related Activities: A Scoping Review. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:6377. [PMID: 34640695 PMCID: PMC8512480 DOI: 10.3390/s21196377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: Wearable inertial sensor technology (WIST) systems provide feedback, aiming to modify aberrant postures and movements. The literature on the effects of feedback from WIST during work or work-related activities has not been previously summarised. This review examines the effectiveness of feedback on upper body kinematics during work or work-related activities, along with the wearability and a quantification of the kinematics of the related device. Methods: The Cinahl, Cochrane, Embase, Medline, Scopus, Sportdiscus and Google Scholar databases were searched, including reports from January 2005 to July 2021. The included studies were summarised descriptively and the evidence was assessed. Results: Fourteen included studies demonstrated a 'limited' level of evidence supporting posture and/or movement behaviour improvements using WIST feedback, with no improvements in pain. One study assessed wearability and another two investigated comfort. Studies used tri-axial accelerometers or IMU integration (n = 5 studies). Visual and/or vibrotactile feedback was mostly used. Most studies had a risk of bias, lacked detail for methodological reproducibility and displayed inconsistent reporting of sensor technology, with validation provided only in one study. Thus, we have proposed a minimum 'Technology and Design Checklist' for reporting. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that WIST may improve posture, though not pain; however, the quality of the studies limits the strength of this conclusion. Wearability evaluations are needed for the translation of WIST outcomes. Minimum reporting standards for WIST should be followed to ensure methodological reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Lee
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle 2308, Australia; (C.J.); (S.J.S.)
- Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle 2308, Australia
| | - Carole James
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle 2308, Australia; (C.J.); (S.J.S.)
- Centre for Resources Health and Safety, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle 2308, Australia
| | - Suzi Edwards
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia;
| | - Geoff Skinner
- School of Information and Physical Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle 2308, Australia;
| | - Jodi L. Young
- Department of Physical Therapy, Bellin College, Green Bay, WI 54311, USA;
| | - Suzanne J. Snodgrass
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle 2308, Australia; (C.J.); (S.J.S.)
- Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle 2308, Australia
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Lind CM, Yang L, Abtahi F, Hanson L, Lindecrantz K, Lu K, Forsman M, Eklund J. Reducing postural load in order picking through a smart workwear system using real-time vibrotactile feedback. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2020; 89:103188. [PMID: 32854822 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2020.103188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Vibrotactile feedback training may be one possible method for interventions that target at learning better work techniques and improving postures in manual handling. This study aimed to evaluate the short term effect of real-time vibrotactile feedback on postural exposure using a smart workwear system for work postures intervention in simulated industrial order picking. Fifteen workers at an industrial manufacturing plant performed order-picking tasks, in which the vibrotactile feedback was used for postural training at work. The system recorded the trunk and upper arm postures. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were conducted about the users' experience of the system. The results showed reduced time in trunk inclination ≥20°, ≥30° and ≥45° and dominant upper arm elevation ≥30° and ≥45° when the workers received feedback, and for trunk inclination ≥20°, ≥30° and ≥45° and dominant upper arm elevation ≥30°, after feedback withdrawal. The workers perceived the system as useable, comfortable, and supportive for learning. The system has the potential of contributing to improved postures in order picking through an automated short-term training program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Mikael Lind
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, SE-113 65, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Ergonomics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11C, SE-141 57, Huddinge, Sweden.
| | - Liyun Yang
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, SE-113 65, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Ergonomics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11C, SE-141 57, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Farhad Abtahi
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, SE-113 65, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Ergonomics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11C, SE-141 57, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Lars Hanson
- The Virtual Systems Research Centre, School of Engineering Science, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden; User Centred Product Design, Global Industrial Development, Scania CV, Södertälje, Sweden
| | - Kaj Lindecrantz
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, SE-113 65, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Ergonomics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11C, SE-141 57, Huddinge, Sweden; Faculty of Textiles, University of Borås, SE-501 90, Borås, Sweden
| | - Ke Lu
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, SE-113 65, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Ergonomics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11C, SE-141 57, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Mikael Forsman
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, SE-113 65, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Ergonomics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11C, SE-141 57, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Jörgen Eklund
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, SE-113 65, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Ergonomics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11C, SE-141 57, Huddinge, Sweden
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Lind CM, Diaz-Olivares JA, Lindecrantz K, Eklund J. A Wearable Sensor System for Physical Ergonomics Interventions Using Haptic Feedback. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 20:E6010. [PMID: 33113922 PMCID: PMC7660182 DOI: 10.3390/s20216010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a major concern globally affecting societies, companies, and individuals. To address this, a new sensor-based system is presented: the Smart Workwear System, aimed at facilitating preventive measures by supporting risk assessments, work design, and work technique training. The system has a module-based platform that enables flexibility of sensor-type utilization, depending on the specific application. A module of the Smart Workwear System that utilizes haptic feedback for work technique training is further presented and evaluated in simulated mail sorting on sixteen novice participants for its potential to reduce adverse arm movements and postures in repetitive manual handling. Upper-arm postures were recorded, using an inertial measurement unit (IMU), perceived pain/discomfort with the Borg CR10-scale, and user experience with a semi-structured interview. This study shows that the use of haptic feedback for work technique training has the potential to significantly reduce the time in adverse upper-arm postures after short periods of training. The haptic feedback was experienced positive and usable by the participants and was effective in supporting learning of how to improve postures and movements. It is concluded that this type of sensorized system, using haptic feedback training, is promising for the future, especially when organizations are introducing newly employed staff, when teaching ergonomics to employees in physically demanding jobs, and when performing ergonomics interventions.
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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, Hälsovägen 11C, 14157 Huddinge, Sweden; (J.A.D.-O.); (K.L.); (J.E.)
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, 11365 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jose Antonio Diaz-Olivares
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11C, 14157 Huddinge, Sweden; (J.A.D.-O.); (K.L.); (J.E.)
- Department of Biosystems, Biosystems Technology Cluster Campus Geel, KU Leuven, Kleinhoefstraat 4, 2440 Geel, Belgium
| | - Kaj Lindecrantz
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11C, 14157 Huddinge, Sweden; (J.A.D.-O.); (K.L.); (J.E.)
- Science Park Borås, University of Borås, SE-501 90 Borås, Sweden
| | - Jörgen Eklund
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11C, 14157 Huddinge, Sweden; (J.A.D.-O.); (K.L.); (J.E.)
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, 11365 Stockholm, Sweden
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Patrick Neumann W, Steege LM, Jun GT, Wiklund M. Ergonomics and Human Factors in Healthcare System Design – An Introduction to This Special Issue. IISE Trans Occup Ergon Hum Factors 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/24725838.2018.1560927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- W. Patrick Neumann
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Linsey M. Steege
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Michael Wiklund
- Emergo by UL, Concord, MA, USA
- Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
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