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Ergonomic Assessment of a Lower-Limb Exoskeleton through Electromyography and Anybody Modeling System. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19138088. [PMID: 35805747 PMCID: PMC9265844 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19138088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the muscle load reduction of the upper extremities and lower extremities associated with wearing an exoskeleton, based on analyses of muscle activity (electromyography: EMG) and the AnyBody Modeling System (AMS). Twenty healthy males in their twenties participated in this study, performing bolting tasks at two working heights (60 and 85 cm). The muscle activities of the upper trapezius (UT), middle deltoid (MD), triceps brachii (TB), biceps brachii (BB), erector spinae (ES), biceps femoris (BF), rectus femoris (RF), and tibialis anterior (TA) were measured by EMG and estimated by AMS, respectively. When working at the 60 cm height with the exoskeleton, the lower extremity muscle (BF, RF, TA) activities of EMG and AMS decreased. When working at the 85 cm height, the lower extremity muscle activity of EMG decreased except for TA, and those of AMS decreased except for RF. The muscle activities analyzed by the two methods showed similar patterns, in that wearing the exoskeleton reduced loads of the lower extremity muscles. Therefore, wearing an exoskeleton can be recommended to prevent an injury. As the results of the two methods show a similar tendency, the AMS can be used.
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Lee HJ, Oh JH, Yoo JR, Ko SY, Kang JH, Lee SK, Jeong W, Seong GM, Kang CH, Song SW. Prevalence of Low Back Pain and Associated Risk Factors among Farmers in Jeju. Saf Health Work 2021; 12:432-438. [PMID: 34900361 PMCID: PMC8640578 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2021.06.003] [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: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We aimed to investigate the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and its associated agricultural work-related, biomechanical factors among this population. Methods We analyzed initial survey data from the Safety for Agricultural Injury of Farmers cohort study involving adult farmers in Jeju Island. The prevalence of LBP was calculated with associated factors. Results In total, 1,209 participants were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of LBP was 23.7%. Significant associations for LBP were the type of farming activity, length of farming career, prior agricultural injury within 1 year, and stress levels. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed three biomechanical factors significantly related to LBP: repetitive use of particular body parts; the inappropriate posture of the lower back and neck. Conclusions Some occupational, and biomechanical risk factors contribute to LBP. Therefore, postural education, injury prevention education, and psychological support will be needed to prevent LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jung Lee
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, Republic of Korea.,Graduate Program of Medicine, Ajou University Graduate School, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hwan Oh
- Department of Neurology, Jeju National University College of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Rae Yoo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo Young Ko
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Ho Kang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Kgun Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Wooseong Jeong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Gil Myeong Seong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul Hoo Kang
- Department of Neurology, Jeju National University College of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Wook Song
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Jeju, Republic of Korea.,Center for Farmers' Safety and Health, Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, Republic of Korea
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Kong YK, Park CW, Cho MU, Kim SY, Kim MJ, Hyun DJ, Bae K, Choi JK, Ko SM, Choi KH. Guidelines for Working Heights of the Lower-Limb Exoskeleton (CEX) Based on Ergonomic Evaluations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18105199. [PMID: 34068352 PMCID: PMC8153283 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the muscle activities and subjective discomfort according to the heights of tasks and the lower-limb exoskeleton CEX (Chairless EXoskeleton), which is a chair-type passive exoskeleton. Twenty healthy subjects (thirteen males and seven females) participated in this experiment. The independent variables were wearing of the exoskeleton (w/ CEX, w/o CEX), working height (6 levels: 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, and 140 cm), and muscle type (8 levels: upper trapezius (UT), erector spinae (ES), middle deltoid (MD), triceps brachii (TB), biceps brachii (BB), biceps femoris (BF), rectus femoris (RF), and tibialis anterior (TA)). The dependent variables were EMG activity (% MVC) and subjective discomfort rating. When wearing the CEX, the UT, ES, RF, and TA showed lower muscle activities at low working heights (40-80 cm) than not wearing the CEX, whereas those muscles showed higher muscle activities at high working heights (100-140 cm). Use of the CEX had a positive effect on subjective discomfort rating at lower working heights. Generally, lower discomfort was reported at working heights below 100 cm when using the CEX. At working heights of 100-140 cm, the muscle activity when wearing the CEX tended to be greater than when not wearing it. Thus, considering the results of this study, the use of the lower-limb exoskeleton (CEX) at a working height of 40-100 cm might reduce the muscle activity and discomfort of whole body and decrease the risk of related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Ku Kong
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (Y.-K.K.); (C.-W.P.); (M.-U.C.); (S.-Y.K.); (M.-J.K.)
| | - Chae-Won Park
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (Y.-K.K.); (C.-W.P.); (M.-U.C.); (S.-Y.K.); (M.-J.K.)
| | - Min-Uk Cho
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (Y.-K.K.); (C.-W.P.); (M.-U.C.); (S.-Y.K.); (M.-J.K.)
| | - Seoung-Yeon Kim
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (Y.-K.K.); (C.-W.P.); (M.-U.C.); (S.-Y.K.); (M.-J.K.)
| | - Min-Jung Kim
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (Y.-K.K.); (C.-W.P.); (M.-U.C.); (S.-Y.K.); (M.-J.K.)
| | - Dong Jin Hyun
- Robotics Lab in the R&D Division, Hyundai Motor Company, Uiwang 16082, Korea; (D.J.H.); (K.B.); (J.K.C.); (S.M.K.)
| | - Kihyeon Bae
- Robotics Lab in the R&D Division, Hyundai Motor Company, Uiwang 16082, Korea; (D.J.H.); (K.B.); (J.K.C.); (S.M.K.)
| | - Jong Kyu Choi
- Robotics Lab in the R&D Division, Hyundai Motor Company, Uiwang 16082, Korea; (D.J.H.); (K.B.); (J.K.C.); (S.M.K.)
| | - Sang Min Ko
- Robotics Lab in the R&D Division, Hyundai Motor Company, Uiwang 16082, Korea; (D.J.H.); (K.B.); (J.K.C.); (S.M.K.)
| | - Kyeong-Hee Choi
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (Y.-K.K.); (C.-W.P.); (M.-U.C.); (S.-Y.K.); (M.-J.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-31-290-7629
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Lee H, Cho SY, Kim JS, Yoon SY, Kim BI, An JM, Kim KB. Difference in health status of Korean farmers according to gender. Ann Occup Environ Med 2019; 31:7. [PMID: 30899524 PMCID: PMC6407243 DOI: 10.1186/s40557-019-0287-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The objective of this study was to compare differences in lifestyle diseases, musculoskeletal pain, psychosocial stress, and self-health awareness according to gender in Korean farmers. Methods The study population comprised 436 farmers residing in rural areas in Korea. A self-administered questionnaire was used to survey demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, and musculoskeletal pain. The psychosocial well-being index short form (PWI-SF) was used to survey psychosocial stress, and the 12-item short form health survey (SF-12) was used to survey self-health awareness. In addition, a clinical examination was performed for each participant, and lifestyle diseases were identified through a health checkup. Results Among lifestyle diseases, females showed a significantly higher proportion than males for metabolic syndrome (OR: 4.57 [95% CI, 1.67-12.51]). For musculoskeletal pain, females again showed significantly higher proportion than males for hand pain (OR: 16.79 [95% CI, 3.09-91.30]), and pain in at least one body part (OR: 2.34 [95% CI, 1.16-4.70]). For psychosocial stress, females showed a significantly higher proportion than males for high-risk stress (OR: 3.10 [95% CI, 1.17-8.24]). Among the items in self-health awareness, females showed significantly higher proportion than males for mental component score (MCS) (OR: 3.10 [95% CI, 1.52-6.31]) and total score (OR: 2.34 [95% CI, 1.11-4.90]). Conclusions For all items that showed significant differences, females showed higher proportion than males, which indicates that female farmers tended to have poorer overall health than male farmers. Therefore, specialized programs will have to be developed to improve the health of female farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, 179, 1gongdan-ro, Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk-do Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Yong Cho
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, 179, 1gongdan-ro, Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk-do Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Seok Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, 179, 1gongdan-ro, Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk-do Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Yong Yoon
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, 179, 1gongdan-ro, Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk-do Republic of Korea
| | - Bu-Il Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, 179, 1gongdan-ro, Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk-do Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Min An
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, 179, 1gongdan-ro, Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk-do Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Beom Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, 179, 1gongdan-ro, Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk-do Republic of Korea
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Hong WK, Lee CG, Ko DS. Effect of thigh muscle fatigue on the biomechanical factors of the lower limbs when walking in a squatted position. J Phys Ther Sci 2016; 28:1007-11. [PMID: 27134402 PMCID: PMC4842414 DOI: 10.1589/jpts.28.1007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the effects of thigh muscle fatigue caused by walking in a squatted position on biomechanical factors, to evaluate the risk of a job performed sitting in a squatted position for a long period of time. [Subjects and Methods] Eighteen right foot dominant women without any injuries in their joints and body in the last 6 months were selected. They walked in a squatted position, and then muscle fatigue was induced by using an isokinetic muscular function measuring device (CSMI, USA). After the CSMI measurement, the participants performed walking in a squatted position again. [Results] After inducing thigh muscle fatigue, the knee joint maximum adduction moment significantly increased and the required duration was reduced. The muscle fatigue index was positively correlated with adduction moment and negatively with the duration. It influenced the changes of maximum adduction moment; 55.0% of the adduction moment change was explained by the degree of fatigue. [Conclusion] A quantitative analysis of working in a squatted position was performed. The thigh muscle fatigue index negatively the knee joint during walking in a squatted position. Therefore, this experiment can be used as an ergonomic analysis tool of general farm work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Ki Hong
- Department of Physical Education, College of Physical
Education, Chosun University, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul-Gab Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine,
School of Medicine, Chosun University, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Sik Ko
- Department of Emergency Medical Service, College of Health
Science, Honam University, Republic of
Korea
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Min D, Baek S, Park HW, Lee SA, Moon J, Yang JE, Kim KS, Kim JY, Kang EK. Prevalence and Characteristics of Musculoskeletal Pain in Korean Farmers. Ann Rehabil Med 2016; 40:1-13. [PMID: 26949663 PMCID: PMC4775741 DOI: 10.5535/arm.2016.40.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of musculoskeletal pain (MSK) pain in Korean farmers using initial survey data of Farmers' Cohort for Agricultural Work-Related MSK pain (FARM) study. METHODS Farmers (534 females and 479 males; mean age 57.2±7.5 years) who owned or rented a farm and belonged to an agricultural cooperative unit were recruited. Presence of pain for each body part (neck, shoulder, arm/elbow, wrist/hand/finger, low back, leg/foot), and characteristics of MSK pain (prevalence, location, duration, severity, and frequency) during the last year was assessed. Additionally, demographic data such as farming duration, history of prior injury, and workload (low, moderate, somewhat hard, or hard) were collected using structured questionnaires. RESULTS Almost all subjects (n=925; 91.3%) complained of pain in more than one body part. The frequency order was low back (63.8%), leg/foot (43.3%), shoulder (42.9%), wrist/hand/finger (26.6%), arm/elbow (25.3%), and neck (21.8%). Low back pain was more frequent in those with over 30 years of farming experience (odds ratio [OR], 1.40; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.81). MSK pain was related to history of prior injury (OR, 2.18-5.24; p<0.05) in all body parts except for leg/foot, and very hard workload was associated with low back, leg/foot, neck, shoulder, and wrist/hand/finger pain (OR, 2.88-10.83; p<0.05). CONCLUSION Most Korean farmers experience MSK pain; furthermore, there is a significant association between pain, history of prior injury, and workload, suggestive of the necessity of coping and preventive strategies to reduce injury or workload.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Min
- Center for Farmer's Safety and Health, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon, Korea.; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Sora Baek
- Center for Farmer's Safety and Health, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon, Korea.; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon, Korea.; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Hee-Won Park
- Center for Farmer's Safety and Health, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon, Korea.; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon, Korea.; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea.; Gangwon-Do Rehabilitation Hospital, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Sang-Ah Lee
- Center for Farmer's Safety and Health, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon, Korea.; Department of Preventive Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Jiyoung Moon
- Center for Farmer's Safety and Health, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon, Korea.; Department of Preventive Medicine, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Jae E Yang
- Center for Farmer's Safety and Health, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon, Korea.; Department of Biological Environment, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Ki Sung Kim
- Center for Farmer's Safety and Health, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon, Korea.; Department of Regional Infrastructure Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Jee Yong Kim
- Center for Farmer's Safety and Health, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon, Korea.; NongTeo Co. Ltd., Chuncheon, Korea.; Gangwon Rural Revitalization Support Center, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Eun Kyoung Kang
- Center for Farmer's Safety and Health, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon, Korea.; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon, Korea.; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
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Ng YG, Shamsul Bahri MT, Irwan Syah MY, Mori I, Hashim Z. Ergonomics observation: Harvesting tasks at oil palm plantation. J Occup Health 2013; 55:405-14. [PMID: 23892641 DOI: 10.1539/joh.13-0017-fs] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Production agriculture is commonly associated with high prevalence of ergonomic injuries, particularly during intensive manual labor and during harvesting. This paper intends to briefly describe an overview of oil palm plantation management highlighting the ergonomics problem each of the breakdown task analysis. METHODS Although cross-sectional field visits were conducted in the current study, insight into past and present occupational safety and health concerns particularly regarding the ergonomics of oil palm plantations was further exploited. Besides discussion, video recordings were extensively used for ergonomics analysis. RESULTS The unique commodity of oil palm plantations presents significantly different ergonomics risk factors for fresh fruit bunch (FFB) cutters during different stages of harvesting. Although the ergonomics risk factors remain the same for FFB collectors, the intensity of manual lifting increases significantly with the age of the oil palm trees-weight of FFB. CONCLUSIONS There is urgent need to establish surveillance in order to determine the current prevalence of ergonomic injuries. Thereafter, ergonomics interventions that are holistic and comprehensive should be conducted and evaluated for their efficacy using approaches that are integrated, participatory and cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee Guan Ng
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia
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