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Brandl C, Bender A, Schmachtenberg T, Dymke J, Damm P. Comparing risk assessment methods for work-related musculoskeletal disorders with in vivo joint loads during manual materials handling. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6041. [PMID: 38472286 PMCID: PMC10933320 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56580-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The validity of observational methods in ergonomics is still challenging research. Criterion validity in terms of concurrent validity is the most commonly studied. However, studies comparing observational methods with biomechanical values are rare. Thus, the aim of this study is to compare the Ovako Working Posture Analysing System (OWAS) and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) with in vivo load measurements at hip, spine, and knee during stoop and squat lifting of 14 participants. The results reveal that OWAS and REBA action levels (AL) can distinguish between different in vivo load measurements during manual lifting. However, the results also reveal that the same OWAS- and REBA-AL do not necessarily provide equal mean values of in vivo load measurements. For example, resultant contact force in the vertebral body replacement for squat lifting ranged from 57% body weight (%BW) in OWAS-AL1 to 138%BW in OWAS-AL3 compared to 46%BW in REBA-AL0 and 173%BW in REBA-AL3. Furthermore, the results suggest that the performed squat lifting techniques had a higher risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders than the performed stoop lifting techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Brandl
- Institute of Industrial Engineering and Ergonomics, RWTH Aachen University, Eilfschornsteinstr. 27, 52062, Aachen, Germany.
- Fraunhofer Institute for Communication, Information Processing and Ergonomics FKIE, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Alwina Bender
- Julius Wolff Institute of Biomechanics and Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tim Schmachtenberg
- Institute of Industrial Engineering and Ergonomics, RWTH Aachen University, Eilfschornsteinstr. 27, 52062, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jörn Dymke
- Julius Wolff Institute of Biomechanics and Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Damm
- Julius Wolff Institute of Biomechanics and Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Cheragh ZA, Gandomi F, Sakinehpoor A. Effects of typing positions on the upper trapezius and neck extensor muscles electromyography in office employees: A single-blind cross-sectional study. Work 2023; 74:255-263. [PMID: 36214012 DOI: 10.3233/wor-210909] [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: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Holding incorrect postures over a long period could lead to chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNNP) in office employees. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of different typing positions on the activity of the neck extensor and upper trapezius (UT) muscles of office employees diagnosed with CNNP. METHODS This assessor-blinded cross-sectional study was performed on 22 female subjects with the mean age of 39.95±5.30 years. The neck extensors and UT muscle activities of the participants were assessed in the upright, forward, and slouching postures by electromyography (EMG). In addition, neck proprioception and the performance of the cervical stabilizer muscles were evaluated using an inclinometer and biofeedback pressure unit, respectively. RESULTS A significant difference was observed between the cervical erector spine (CES) and UT muscle activities in the upright, forward, and slouching typing positions (P < 0.05). In addition, a difference was observed between the upright and slouching postures in these muscles. A positive correlation was denoted between CES muscle activity in the slouching and forward postures and the activation index of neck muscles (P < 0.05). Furthermore, a significant, negative correlation was observed between the UT muscle activity in the slouching posture and neck proprioception (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was also noted between the pain index and repositioning error rates (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION CES muscle activity increased in a forward head posture, which could damage neck proprioception through causing early fatigue and stimulating a cumulative damage cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Ataei Cheragh
- Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercises Department, Physical Education and Sport Sciences Faculty, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Gandomi
- Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercises Department, Physical Education and Sport Sciences Faculty, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Aynollah Sakinehpoor
- Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercises Department, Physical Education and Sport Sciences Faculty, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
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Sugama A, Nishimura T, Doi K, Shimada S, Chikai M, Nunokawa K, Ino S. Evaluation of musculoskeletal workload of manual operating tasks using a hydraulic jack based on ergonomic postural analysis and electromyography: A case study of non-professional young male users. Work 2022; 72:677-685. [PMID: 35527602 PMCID: PMC9277677 DOI: 10.3233/wor-210079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Manual operations of the hydraulic jack device can become ergonomic stressors for the musculoskeletal system because of the required operational forces, muscle activities, or working postures. However, the usability of the hydraulic jack has not been fully explored for non-professional personnel. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the musculoskeletal loads during manual operations of a hydraulic jack based on the ergonomic postural analysis and electromyography METHODS: Nine men operated the lever of a hydraulic jack with three positions: parallel to and near (P-N), parallel to and far from (P-F), and orthogonal to the jack lever (O). Postural loads were evaluated by Loading on the Upper Body Assessment (LUBA), an ergonomic observational method, and were classified into action categories. The surface electromyogram of eight muscles and the subjective sense of burden were also measured. RESULTS: The initial force for lever pushing reached 40–80 N and exceeded the recommended forces for the unusual postures. The overall assessment of LUBA showed that 31% of working postures observed in O position require immediate consideration and corrective action and the maximum holding time estimated was < 1 minute. The postural load increased due to the shoulder joint abduction in the P-F and O positions and due to the trunk rotation in O position. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that operating the hydraulic jack cause considerable postural loads and manual forces insufficient for several minutes of manual task. Therefore, improving working methods and tool designs are needed to improve usability and decrease the risk of musculoskeletal disorders during jack operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Sugama
- Risk Management Research Group, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Japan, Kiyose, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Nishimura
- Department of Teacher Training, National Institute of Special Needs Education, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kouki Doi
- Faculty of Human Life and Science, Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shigenobu Shimada
- Technology and Management Support Department, Technology Evaluation Support Section, Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Technology Research Institute, Koto, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Manabu Chikai
- Behavior Information Design Group, Human Informatics and Interaction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kiyohiko Nunokawa
- School of Human and Social Sciences, Tokyo International University, Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shuichi Ino
- Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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Effect of Rounded and Hunched Shoulder Postures on Myotonometric Measurements of Upper Body Muscles in Sedentary Workers. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12073333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Shoulder pain is prominent among sedentary employees who make motions of the upper limbs on a regular basis. Rounded shoulder posture (RSP) and hunched shoulder posture (HSP) are the most common clinical postural misalignments. These causes the spine to bend and raise tension on the nerve roots, which has a negative impact on upper-extremity muscular strength and function. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the effect of RSP and HSP on the mechanical parameters of the upper body muscles in clinically asymptomatic sedentary workers. Methods: Twenty office workers with RSP, 20 with HSP, and 20 with normal shoulder posture (NSP) were matched for age, BMI, and type of job. Volunteers were split into groups based on photometric shoulder angle measurements. Mechanical properties such as muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity of the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, posterior deltoid, and pectoralis major were assessed in sedentary postures. Results: The study revealed a significant decrease in muscle tone for the pectoralis major and a significant increase in muscle stiffness for the poster deltoid in both RSP and HSP as compared to NSP. Specifically, muscle tone decreased from 20.1 ± 4.0 to 12.4 ± 3.1 Hz (38.3%), (p ≤ 0.001) in RSP and from 20.1 ± 4.0 to 14.0 ± 4.8 Hz (30.3%), (p ≤ 0.001) in HSP. Muscle stiffness increased from 309.9 ± 70.7 to 348.15 ± 68.7 N/m (11%), (p ≤ 0.001) in RSP and from 309.9 ± 70.7 to 441.7 ± 45.9 N/m (29.8%), (p ≤ 0.001) in HSP. Conclusions: RSP and HSP have an impact on the tone, stiffness, and elasticity of upper body muscles in healthy asymptomatic sedentary workers. These postures, on a regular basis, may affect physical health and decrease workers’ productivity. In addition, it is recommended for sedentary workers to take regular breaks and attend training that could help improve their physical health.
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Al-Qaisi S, Saba A, Alameddine I. Electromyography analysis: Comparison of maximum voluntary contraction exercises for the latissimus dorsi. Work 2022; 71:803-808. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-213629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: A prerequisite for interpreting electromyography (EMG) data is to normalize them to a maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), expressing them as percentage of the MVC. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare different recommended MVC exercises for the latissimus dorsi and identify the exercise that elicits the highest EMG amplitude. METHODS: Fifteen male participants were recruited. Five recommended MVC exercises were investigated, including chest-supported shoulder extension, prone shoulder extension, lat-pull down, abducted shoulder flexion, and internal shoulder rotation. RESULTS: Chest-supported shoulder extension reported the highest mean EMG, which was not significantly different from the mean EMG of prone shoulder extension. Both of these exercises led to significantly greater EMG means than the other exercises. Sixty percent of the participants achieved their highest EMG amplitude with chest-supported shoulder extension and 40% with prone shoulder extension. None of the other exercises elicited the highest EMG amplitude in any of the participants. CONCLUSIONS: Both chest-supported shoulder extension and prone shoulder extension proved to be effective MVC exercises, with the former showing more consistency in eliciting the highest EMG amplitude. If the true MVC is desired, the authors recommend performing both exercises and then using the overall highest EMG amplitude for normalization purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saif Al-Qaisi
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Alif Saba
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ibrahim Alameddine
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Joshi M, Deshpande V. An investigative sensitivity study of Ovako working posture analyzing system (OWAS). THEORETICAL ISSUES IN ERGONOMICS SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/1463922x.2022.2036859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mangesh Joshi
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Shri Ramdeobaba College of Engineering and Management, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vishwas Deshpande
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Shri Ramdeobaba College of Engineering and Management, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
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Kee D. Systematic Comparison of OWAS, RULA, and REBA Based on a Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19010595. [PMID: 35010850 PMCID: PMC8744662 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to systematically compare three representative observational methods for assessing musculoskeletal loadings and their association with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs): Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS), Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). The comparison was based on a literature review without time limitations and was conducted on various factors related to observational methods. The comparisons showed that although it has a significant limitation of comprising only two classifications for the leg postures, (1) the RULA is the most frequently used method among the three techniques; (2) many studies adopted the RULA even in evaluation of unstable lower limb postures; (3) the RULA assessed postural loads as higher risk levels in most studies reviewed in this research; (4) the intra- and inter-reliabilities for the RULA were not low; and (5) the risk levels assessed by the RULA were more significantly associated with postural load criteria such as discomfort, MHTs and % capable at the trunk, and MSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dohyung Kee
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Korea
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Joshi M, Deshpande V. Study of association between OWAS, REBA and RULA with perceived exertion rating for establishing applicability. THEORETICAL ISSUES IN ERGONOMICS SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/1463922x.2021.1958951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mangesh Joshi
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Shri. Ramdeobaba College of Engineering and Management, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vishwas Deshpande
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Shri. Ramdeobaba College of Engineering and Management, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
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Ezeukwu OA, Ojukwu CP, Okemuo AJ, Anih CF, Ikele IT, Chukwu SC. Biomechanical analysis of the three recommended breastfeeding positions. Work 2020; 66:183-191. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-203162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adaora Justina Okemuo
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Chinagozim Faith Anih
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | | | - Sylvester Caesar Chukwu
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria
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Valenzuela-Gómez SA, Rey-Galindo JA, Aceves-Gonzlez C. Analyzing working conditions for classical guitarists: Design guidelines for new supports and guitar positioning. Work 2020; 65:891-901. [PMID: 32310218 DOI: 10.3233/wor-203140] [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: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND When performing, classical guitarists interact with many elements which constitute their own "workstation". One of those elements is the support for guitar positioning. Support dimensions, form and materials may determine posture and affect the musician's comfort and performance. OBJECTIVE To propose design requirements for new supports for guitar positioning, based on postural assessment, anthropometric criteria, self-efficacy and comfort perception. METHODS Nine healthy Classical Guitar students were recruited. A postural assessment was undertaken using REBA, and 3DSSPP software with three different supports for guitar positioning. After the use of each support, a questionnaire about self-efficacy and comfort perception was completed by the participants. RESULTS The higher scores of risk and a significant difference (ANOVA, p =≤05) regarding the left leg elevation were found with footstool usage. However, this one was identified by participants as the best support in terms of self-efficacy and comfort assessment. CONCLUSIONS To improve performance and prevent physical injuries for guitarists, there is a need for designing guitar positionings supports based on ergonomics principles. This paper proposes eleven guidelines for designing these supports.
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