[Analysis of Heart Rate related to height and frequency of manual lifting]. / Análisis de la Frecuencia Cardiaca relacionada con las variables de altura y frecuencia en el Levantamiento de cargas.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of vertical height and lifting frequency on the physiological response in workers during lifting of loads. METHODS: Factorial experimental design with blocks, considering vertical height and lifting frequency as independent variables; the dependent variable was defined as the heart rate. The experiment was conducted in 20 workers between the ages of 18 and 40 years with at least six months of experience in warehouse and packaging tasks at a dairy products company. We calculated the FRIMAT coefficient to determine the physiological load of the task. RESULTS: We found a significant effect on the heart rate response due to the interaction of the rate and the vertical height of the lift. Based on the FRIMAT coefficient, we obtained a rating of "minimal workload" for 85% of the treatments; for one treatment there was a rating of "somewhat difficult." CONCLUSIONS: Height and frequency of lift do not act separately and have an effect on the physiological load of the worker during manual lifting, reflected by changes in the heart rate.

OBJETIVO: Analizar los efectos de las variables altura vertical y la frecuencia de levantamiento sobre la frecuencia cardiaca en trabajadores en la tarea de levantamiento de cargas. MÉTODO: Diseño experimental factorial con bloques, considerando como variables independientes la altura vertical y la frecuencia de levantamiento y la dependiente la frecuencia cardiaca. El experimento se desarrolló con 20 trabajadores entre 18 y 40 años con al menos seis meses de experiencia en tareas de almacén y empaque en una empresa de productos lácteos. Se calculó el coeficiente FRIMAT para determinar la carga fisiológica de la tarea. RESULTADOS: Existe un efecto significativo sobre la respuesta de la frecuencia cardiaca debido a la interacción de la frecuencia y la altura vertical del levantamiento. Además, basados en el coeficiente FRIMAT, se obtuvo una calificación de "carga de trabajo mínima" para el 85% de los tratamientos, y en un tratamiento, se presentó una calificación de "algo difícil". CONCLUSIONS: La altura y frecuencia de levantamiento no actúan de manera independiente y tienen un efecto sobre la carga fisiológica del trabajador en el levantamiento manual de cargas manifestada en la frecuencia cardiaca.

Análisis de la Frecuencia Cardiaca relacionada con las variables de altura y frecuencia en el Levantamiento de cargas / Analysis of Heart Rate related to height and frequency of manual lifting

OBJETIVO: Analizar los efectos de las variables altura vertical y la frecuencia de levantamiento sobre la frecuencia cardiaca en trabajadores en la tarea de levantamiento de cargas. MÉTODO: Diseño experimental factorial con bloques, considerando como variables independientes la altura vertical y la frecuencia de levantamiento y la dependiente la frecuencia cardiaca. El experimento se desarrolló con 20 trabajadores entre 18 y 40 años con al menos seis meses de experiencia en tareas de almacén y empaque en una empresa de productos lácteos. Se calculó el coeficiente FRIMAT para determinar la carga fisiológica de la tarea. RESULTADOS: Existe un efecto significativo sobre la respuesta de la frecuencia cardiaca debido a la interacción de la frecuencia y la altura vertical del levantamiento. Además, basados en el coeficiente FRIMAT, se obtuvo una calificación de "carga de trabajo mínima" para el 85% de los tratamientos, y en un tratamiento, se presentó una calificación de "algo difícil". CONCLUSIONES: La altura y frecuencia de levantamiento no actúan de manera independiente y tienen un efecto sobre la carga fisiológica del trabajador en el levantamiento manual de cargas manifestada en la frecuencia cardiaca

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of vertical height and lifting frequency on the physiological response in workers during lifting of loads. METHODS: Factorial experimental design with blocks, considering vertical height and lifting frequency as independent variables; the dependent variable was defined as the heart rate. The experiment was conducted in 20 workers between the ages of 18 and 40 years with at least six months of experience in warehouse and packaging tasks at a dairy products company. We calculated the FRIMAT coefficient to determine the physiological load of the task. RESULTS: We found a significant effect on the heart rate response due to the interaction of the rate and the vertical height of the lift. Based on the FRIMAT coefficient, we obtained a rating of "minimal workload" for 85% of the treatments; for one treatment there was a rating of "somewhat difficult". CONCLUSIONS: Height and frequency of lift do not act separately and have an effect on the physiological load of the worker during manual lifting, reflected by changes in the heart rate

Understanding users' characteristics in the selection of vehicle seating configurations and positions in fully automated vehicles.

OBJECTIVE: To understand which users' characteristics influence their preferences in the selection of vehicle seating configurations and positions across different traveling scenarios involving a fully automated vehicle (FAV). METHODS: Participants (n = 730) completed an online survey in which they were asked to imagine traveling in a FAV across three hypothetical scenarios. Participants were asked to select between five different seating configurations and four positions for each scenario and about their anthropometry and their driving/riding experience. Multinomial regression analyses were conducted to identify the factors that influenced users' preferences. RESULTS: FAV Configuration #3 (traditional light vehicle seating configuration) was the preferred seating configuration for 74% of the participants, followed by FAV #2 (in which the two seating rows face each other, 13%) in Scenario 1 (riding by oneself). Similar numbers were observed in Scenario 3 (riding with an unknown person). In Scenario 2 (riding with their partner), participants preferred FAV #2 (12.5%) and FAV #5 (in which the front seat passengers point toward a common point in the front, conventional rear seat configuration, 17.5%). Having close family was significant to choose the traditional vehicle configuration over other vehicle configurations, but only when the participants were driving by themselves. Having previously experienced motion sickness was significant to prefer a forward seating configuration when the trip was shared with partners. Belonging to a particular height or weight group was significantly associated with the preferred seat within the preferred FAV configuration (the driver's position in FAV #3; a rear-facing seat in FAV #2), although there was not a clear trend between increasing weight and/or height and preferring one seating position over the others. CONCLUSIONS: Previous work had shown differences in participants' preferences for seating configurations and positions depending on age, sex and country. While increasing the sample size, the current study analyses other factors that were associated with choosing one vehicle configuration and seating position over others. As these factors are directly related to the likelihood of sustaining injuries in the event of a crash, the current study provides important insights regarding the potential risk factors for FAV occupants.

EFECTO DE DIFERENTES EXPLANTES IRRADIADOS EN LA REGENERACIÓN in vitro DE FRIJOL COMÚN (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) CULTIVAR "ICA Pijao" / Effect of Different Irradiated Explants in the in vitro Regeneration of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Cultivar "ICA Pijao"

RESUMEN El mejoramiento genético convencional en frijol común resulta difícil debido a que presenta una base genética estrecha y muy estable. En este sentido, la combinación de la mutagénesis y el cultivo de tejidos, es una alternativa para inducir variabilidad genética en la búsqueda de tolerancia a factores bióticos y abióticos. Es por ello, que el presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo determinar el efecto de diferentes explantes irradiados en la regeneración in vitro de frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar "ICA Pijao". Se aplicaron radiaciones gamma en callos, en el nudo cotiledonal con un cotiledón (NC-1) con dosis de 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 y 60 Gy y semillas con 0, 100, 200, 300 y 400 Gy. Se evaluó el porcentaje de germinación, longitud de las raíces, porcentaje de explantes que formaron callos, masa fresca (g) de los callos, número de brotes por callo y el número de brotes con raíces. La radiación gamma provocó una disminución en la masa fresca del callo y NC-1. Los callos y el NC-1 solamente formaron brotes con las dosis de 10 y 20 Gy, pero estos fueron hiperhíricos. Los resultados demostraron que la semilla irradiada fue el explante con el que se logró la regeneración in vitro de plantas con hojas definidas, por lo que se recomienda como explante inicial para el uso combinado de mutagénesis y regeneración in vitro de plantas para el cultivar P. vulgaris "ICA Pijao" a través de la organogénesis indirecta.

ABSTRACT Conventional breeding in common bean is difficult because they have a close and very stable genetic base. In this connection the combination of mutagenesis and tissue culture is an alternative to induce genetic variability in the search for tolerance to biotic and abiotic factors. For this reason, the present study aimed to determine the effect of different irradiated explants in the in vitro regeneration of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar "ICA Pijao". To do this, were applied doses gamma radiation in callus, cotiledonary node with one cotyledon (NC-1) with doses of radiation 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 Gy and seeds with 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 Gy. The length of roots in the germinated seeds, fresh mass (g) of the callus and the number of shoots per callus were determined. The gamma radiation caused a decrease in the fresh weight of callus and NC-1. The callus and NC-1, irradiated with doses of 10 and 20 Gy they formed buds but these were hyperhydric. Results demonstrated that the irradiated seed was the explant with which it was achieved regeneration of shoots with leaves defined, so it is recommended as initial explant for combined use of mutagenesis and in vitro regeneration of plants for P. vulgaris cultivar "ICA Pijao" via organogenesis indirect.

Cognitive Model of a Semi-Mechanized Picking Operation / Modelo cognitivo de una operación de recolección semi-mecanizada / Modelo cognitivo de uma operação de colheita semimecanizada

Abstract Introduction: The current paper develops a pioneering approach to the human factors of picking operations, which are addressed from a cognitive perspective. Materials and methods: The model thus contributed is established through a qualitative methodology which, based on several theories, is articulated and applied to the real situation of a dry foods company's semi mechanized picking operation. Results: The results combine the cognitive architecture of the operation and its relations with logistic factors, in order to decrease human error and, therefore, increase service level. Conclusion: The current model provides elements for quantitative modeling, which could include this type of factors in order to optimize the picking operation of a supply chain.

Resumen Introducción: Este documento desarrolla un enfoque pionero sobre los factores humanos de las operaciones semi mecanizadas de selección, las cuales se abordan desde una perspectiva cognitiva. Materiales y métodos: El modelo aportado establece a través de una metodología cualitativa y a partir de varias teorías, es articulado y aplicado a la situación real de una operación de selección (picking semi) mecanizada de una empresa de alimentos secos. Resultados: Los resultados combinan la arquitectura cognitiva de la operación y sus relaciones con factores logísticos, para disminuir el error humano y, por lo tanto, aumentar el nivel de servicio. Conclusión: El modelo actual proporciona elementos para el modelado cuantitativo, el cual incluye este tipo de factores para optimizar la operación de picking de una cadena de suministro.

Resumo Introdução: Este documento desenvolve um enfoque pioneiro sobre os fatores humanos das operações semimecanizadas de seleção, as quais se abordam desde uma perspectiva cognitiva. Materiais e métodos: O modelo aportado estabelece através de uma metodologia qualitativa e a partir de várias teorias, é articulado e aplicado à situação real de uma operação de seleção (picking) semimecanizada de uma empresa de alimentos secos. Resultados: Os resultados combinam a arquitetura cognitiva da operação e suas relações com fatores logísticos, para diminuir o erro humano e, portanto, aumentar o nível de serviço. Conclusão: O modelo atual fornece elementos para modelagem quantitativa, que inclui este tipo de fatores para otimizar a operação de picking de uma cadeia de suprimentos.

Influence of seat tilt motion on discomfort perception during a simulated driving activity.

BACKGROUND: Discomfort perceived in activities where there is a prolonged sitting posture are normally compensated in a natural way by means of macro-repositioning movements in the seat. Nevertheless, evidence shows that such movements are not able to palliate discomfort due to lumbar pain. OBJECTIVE: This study involves research performed to demonstrate whether induced postural changes are able to mitigate this type of discomfort during a simulated driving activity. METHODS: Twenty-four subjects with lumbar pain (LBP) and without lumbar pain (WLBP) underwent 90 min of simulated driving activities while periodic variations of seat tilt (Tt) were implemented. RESULTS: Discomfort perception due to lumbar pain significantly decreased in the case of Tt compared with the case of WTt (without seat tilt), and significant differences were found (p = 0.02). However, treatments with Tt indicated that no substantial differences exist between LBP and WLBP subjects when considering discomfort perception due to lumbar pain and the erector spinae activity. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that periodic variations on seat tilt can help to reduce discomfort perception due to lumbar pain during driving activities, regardless of the health condition of the subject.

Epidemiological Differences Between Localized and Nonlocalized Low Back Pain.

STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey with a longitudinal follow-up. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that pain, which is localized to the low back, differs epidemiologically from that which occurs simultaneously or close in time to pain at other anatomical sites SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA.: Low back pain (LBP) often occurs in combination with other regional pain, with which it shares similar psychological and psychosocial risk factors. However, few previous epidemiological studies of LBP have distinguished pain that is confined to the low back from that which occurs as part of a wider distribution of pain. METHODS: We analyzed data from CUPID, a cohort study that used baseline and follow-up questionnaires to collect information about musculoskeletal pain, associated disability, and potential risk factors, in 47 occupational groups (office workers, nurses, and others) from 18 countries. RESULTS: Among 12,197 subjects at baseline, 609 (4.9%) reported localized LBP in the past month, and 3820 (31.3%) nonlocalized LBP. Nonlocalized LBP was more frequently associated with sciatica in the past month (48.1% vs. 30.0% of cases), occurred on more days in the past month and past year, was more often disabling for everyday activities (64.1% vs. 47.3% of cases), and had more frequently led to medical consultation and sickness absence from work. It was also more often persistent when participants were followed up after a mean of 14 months (65.6% vs. 54.1% of cases). In adjusted Poisson regression analyses, nonlocalized LBP was differentially associated with risk factors, particularly female sex, older age, and somatizing tendency. There were also marked differences in the relative prevalence of localized and nonlocalized LBP by occupational group. CONCLUSION: Future epidemiological studies should distinguish where possible between pain that is limited to the low back and LBP that occurs in association with pain at other anatomical locations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

Análisis de la disminución de fuerza de agarre en la mano por uso de guantes en actividades de aseo y cafetería / Hand Grip Strength Analysis Due to Glove Use in Cleaning and Cafeteria Activities / Análise da diminuição de força de preensão na mão por uso de luvas em atividades de asseio e cafetaria

Introducción: existen en la literatura estudios relacionados con la disminución de fuerza por el uso de guantes en actividades de riesgo, como aviación o mantenimiento eléctrico. Sin embargo, no ha sido estudiado este factor en tareas de aseo y cafetería, donde el uso de guantes es necesario. Se pretende entonces responder a la pregunta, si existe efecto en la fuerza de agarre por el uso de guantes y postura en esta población que se caracteriza por su vulnerabilidad e incidencia en lesiones musculo esqueléticas. Materiales y métodos: diseño experimental 2 x 3 con dos variables independientes: la postura en tres niveles diferentes (postura neutral, codo inclinado 90° y antebrazo extendido) y el uso o no de guantes, así la variable dependiente es la fuerza de agarre. El experimento se desarrolló con 11 mujeres pertenecientes al área de aseo y cafetería de una empresa de servicios. Resultados: el factor guante ejerce un efecto significativo sobre la fuerza de agarre con un nivel de significancia de 0,000. La disminución de fuerza de agarre oscila entre 18% y 54%, según la postura de medición de la fuerza. Discusión. la relación de la fuerza desarrollada con la naturaleza de la tarea y el uso de guantes genera recomendaciones para futuras investigaciones, como materiales, detalles en la fuerza y diseño de artefactos entre otros.

Introduction: The literature reports studies related to grip strength decrease due to gloves in risk activities such as aviation or electricity maintenance. However, this factor has not been studied in cleaning tasks where the use of gloves is needed. Therefore, the need arises for measuring the strength which may be lost by the use of gloves and its implications in the performance of duties in different positions, in a population characterized by their vulnerability and muskulosqueletal injuries. Materials and methods: A 2x3 experimental design was made with two independent variables: the position into three different levels (neutral position, leaning on elbow and keeping forearm extended) and the use / not use of gloves so that the dependent variable was the grip strength. The experiment was made among 11 women who belonged to the cleaning and cafeteria area in a services company. Results: The glove factor exerts meaningful effect over grip strength with a significance level of 0.000. In addition, the decrease of the grip strength fluctuates from 18% to 54% according to the position of the measuring. Discussion: the relation between the strength developed the nature of the task and the use of gloves produces suggestions to future researches such as, materials, strength detail measuring, and design of tools between others.

Introdução: existem na literatura estudos relacionados com a diminuição de força pelo uso de luva em atividades de risco, como aviação ou manutenção elétrica. No entanto, não tem sido estudado este fator em tarefas de asseio e cafetaria onde o uso de luvas é necessário. Pretende-se então responder à pergunta, se existe efeito na força de preensão pelo uso de luva e postura nesta população que se caracteriza pela sua vulnerabilidade e incidência em lesões musculoesqueléticas. Materiais e métodos: Desenho experimental 2x3 com duas variáveis independentes: a postura em três níveis diferentes (postura neutral, cotovelo inclinado 90° e antebraço estendido) e o uso ou não de luva, assim a variável dependente é a força de preensão. O experimento se desenvolveu com 11 mulheres pertencentes à área de asseio e cafetaria de uma empresa de serviços. Resultados: o fator luva exerce efeito significativo sobre a força de preensão com um nível de significância de 0.000. A diminuição de força de preensão oscila entre 18% e 54% segundo a postura de medição da força. Discussão: A relação da força desenvolvida com a natureza da tarefa e o uso de luva gera recomendações para futuras pesquisas, como materiais, detalhes na força e desenho de artefatos entre outros.

Descriptive Epidemiology of Somatising Tendency: Findings from the CUPID Study.

Somatising tendency, defined as a predisposition to worry about common somatic symptoms, is importantly associated with various aspects of health and health-related behaviour, including musculoskeletal pain and associated disability. To explore its epidemiological characteristics, and how it can be specified most efficiently, we analysed data from an international longitudinal study. A baseline questionnaire, which included questions from the Brief Symptom Inventory about seven common symptoms, was completed by 12,072 participants aged 20-59 from 46 occupational groups in 18 countries (response rate 70%). The seven symptoms were all mutually associated (odds ratios for pairwise associations 3.4 to 9.3), and each contributed to a measure of somatising tendency that exhibited an exposure-response relationship both with multi-site pain (prevalence rate ratios up to six), and also with sickness absence for non-musculoskeletal reasons. In most participants, the level of somatising tendency was little changed when reassessed after a mean interval of 14 months (75% having a change of 0 or 1 in their symptom count), although the specific symptoms reported at follow-up often differed from those at baseline. Somatising tendency was more common in women than men, especially at older ages, and varied markedly across the 46 occupational groups studied, with higher rates in South and Central America. It was weakly associated with smoking, but not with level of education. Our study supports the use of questions from the Brief Symptom Inventory as a method for measuring somatising tendency, and suggests that in adults of working age, it is a fairly stable trait.

Classification of neck/shoulder pain in epidemiological research: a comparison of personal and occupational characteristics, disability, and prognosis among 12,195 workers from 18 countries.

To inform case definition for neck/shoulder pain in epidemiological research, we compared levels of disability, patterns of association, and prognosis for pain that was limited to the neck or shoulders (LNSP) and more generalised musculoskeletal pain that involved the neck or shoulder(s) (GPNS). Baseline data on musculoskeletal pain, disability, and potential correlates were collected by questionnaire from 12,195 workers in 47 occupational groups (mostly office workers, nurses, and manual workers) in 18 countries (response rate = 70%). Continuing pain after a mean interval of 14 months was ascertained through a follow-up questionnaire in 9150 workers from 45 occupational groups. Associations with personal and occupational factors were assessed by Poisson regression and summarised by prevalence rate ratios (PRRs). The 1-month prevalence of GPNS at baseline was much greater than that of LNSP (35.1% vs 5.6%), and it tended to be more troublesome and disabling. Unlike LNSP, the prevalence of GPNS increased with age. Moreover, it showed significantly stronger associations with somatising tendency (PRR 1.6 vs 1.3) and poor mental health (PRR 1.3 vs 1.1); greater variation between the occupational groups studied (prevalence ranging from 0% to 67.6%) that correlated poorly with the variation in LNSP; and was more persistent at follow-up (72.1% vs 61.7%). Our findings highlight important epidemiological distinctions between subcategories of neck/shoulder pain. In future epidemiological research that bases case definitions on symptoms, it would be useful to distinguish pain that is localised to the neck or shoulder from more generalised pain that happens to involve the neck/shoulder region.

Influencia de los movimientos lumbopélvicos en la percepción de dolor lumbar en postura sedente prolongada en conductores, realizados a partir de un dispositivo colocado sobre el asiento / Lumbopelvic Movements Influencing the Perception of Back Pain in a Driving Static Posture, Made from a Device Placed on the Seat / Influência dos movimentos lombo-pélvicos na percepção de dor lombar em postura sentada prolongada em motoristas, Realizados a partir de um dispositivo colocado sobre o assento

Introducción: la evidencia muestra que existe una asociación entre dolor lumbar y postura sedente. Por otra parte, los macrorreposicionamientos efectuados sobre el asiento son la respuesta natural del cuerpo debido a la incomodidad percibida en función del tiempo prolongado, pero la evidencia muestra que estos movimientos realizados por los sujetos no mitigan el dolor lumbar y la percepción de incomodidad aumenta. Materiales y métodos: se realizaron varios estudios experimentales para realizar los movimientos de macrorreposicionamiento con ayuda de un asiento, se desarrolló un dispositivo para colocarse sobre este, se registraron las siguientes variables: 1) la variación del ángulo del asiento bajo los criterios de menor demanda biomecánica y menor percepción de incomodidad, 2) la velocidad de variación del ángulo del asiento bajo el criterio de menor percepción de inestabilidad y 3) la frecuencia en que se deben efectuar estos reposicionamientos. Resultados: se demostró que los sujetos asintomáticos se mueven menos que los sintomáticos y que las estrategias de movimiento son diferentes; además, los macrorreposicionamientos se llevan a cabo con una frecuencia de 12,6 minutos y la velocidad sin percepción de inestabilidad es de 0,17 rad/s; la inclinación del asiento influye en la presión intradiscal (p= 0,003) y, en inclinaciones negativas del asiento, la carga que no se transmite a las tuberosidades isquiáticas es transferida a las rodillas y a los pies. Conclusión: el estudio se encuentra en la validación de su hipótesis principal, que, de ser cierta, podrá generar nuevas pistas en el diseño de asientos para mitigar el dolor lumbar en conductores que laboran en postura sedente prolongada.

Introduction: Evidence shows an association between lbp and sitting posture there. Moreover, the macro repositioning effected on the seat is the natural response of the body because of the perceived inconvenience versus time prolonged, but the evidence shows that these movements made by the subjects not mitigate low-back pain and the perception of discomfort increases. Materials and methods: Several experimental studies were conducted for macro repositioning movements using a seat, a device placed on it developed, the following variables were recorded: 1) the variation of the angle of the seat under the criteria of less biomechanical demand and lower perception of discomfort, 2) the rate of change of the angle of the seat under the criteria of lower perception of instability and 3) how often you should perform these repositioning. Results: The macro repositioning are performed with a frequency of 12.6 minutes and speed without perception of instability is 0.17 rad/s; the seat tilt affects intradisk pressure (sig 0,003) and in negative inclinations of the seat charge which is not transmitted to the ischial tuberosities is transferred to the knees and feet. Conclusion: This studio is located in the validation of their main hypothesis, which if true, is to create new tracks in the design of seats to alleviate lumbar pain in drivers working in prolonged sitting position.

Introdução: a evidência mostra que existe uma associação entre dor lombar e postura sentada. Por outra parte, os macro reposicionamentos efetuados sobre o assento, são a resposta natural do corpo devido à incomodidade percebida em função do tempo prolongado, mas a evidência mostra que estes movimentos realizados pelos sujeitos não mitigam a dor lombar e a percepção de incomodidade aumenta. Materiais e métodos: realizaram-se vários estudos experimentais para realizar os de macro reposicionamento com ajuda de um assento, desenvolveu-se um dispositivo para ser colocado sobre este; registraram-se as seguintes variáveis: 1) a variação do ângulo do assento baixo os critérios de menor demanda biomecânica e menor percepção de incomodidade, 2) a velocidade de variação do ângulo do assento baixo o critério de menor percepção de instabilidade e 3) a frequência em que se devem realizar estes reposicionamentos. Resultados: demonstrou-se que os sujeitos assintomáticos se movem menos que os sintomáticos e que as estratégias de mvimento são diferentes; além disso, os macro reposicionamentos se realizam com uma frequência de 12,6 minutos e que a velocidade sem percepção de instabilidade é de 0,17 rad/seg; a inclinação do assento influi na pressão intradiscal (p= 0,003) e que em inclinações negativas do assento a carga que não se transmite à tuberosidades isquiáticas, é transferida aos joelhos e aos pés. Conclusão: ainda que o estudo encontra-se na validação de sua hipótese principal, de ser certa, poderá se gerar novas pistas na criação de assentos para mitigar a dor lombar em motoristas que laboram em postura sentada prolongada.

Patterns of multisite pain and associations with risk factors.

To explore definitions for multisite pain, and compare associations with risk factors for different patterns of musculoskeletal pain, we analysed cross-sectional data from the Cultural and Psychosocial Influences on Disability (CUPID) study. The study sample comprised 12,410 adults aged 20-59 years from 47 occupational groups in 18 countries. A standardised questionnaire was used to collect information about pain in the past month at each of 10 anatomical sites, and about potential risk factors. Associations with pain outcomes were assessed by Poisson regression, and characterised by prevalence rate ratios (PRRs). Extensive pain, affecting 6-10 anatomical sites, was reported much more frequently than would be expected if the occurrence of pain at each site were independent (674 participants vs 41.9 expected). In comparison with pain involving only 1-3 sites, it showed much stronger associations (relative to no pain) with risk factors such as female sex (PRR 1.6 vs 1.1), older age (PRR 2.6 vs 1.1), somatising tendency (PRR 4.6 vs 1.3), and exposure to multiple physically stressing occupational activities (PRR 5.0 vs 1.4). After adjustment for number of sites with pain, these risk factors showed no additional association with a distribution of pain that was widespread according to the frequently used American College of Rheumatology criteria. Our analysis supports the classification of pain at multiple anatomical sites simply by the number of sites affected, and suggests that extensive pain differs importantly in its associations with risk factors from pain that is limited to only a small number of anatomical sites.

Disabling musculoskeletal pain in working populations: is it the job, the person, or the culture?

To compare the prevalence of disabling low back pain (DLBP) and disabling wrist/hand pain (DWHP) among groups of workers carrying out similar physical activities in different cultural environments, and to explore explanations for observed differences, we conducted a cross-sectional survey in 18 countries. Standardised questionnaires were used to ascertain pain that interfered with everyday activities and exposure to possible risk factors in 12,426 participants from 47 occupational groups (mostly nurses and office workers). Associations with risk factors were assessed by Poisson regression. The 1-month prevalence of DLBP in nurses varied from 9.6% to 42.6%, and that of DWHP in office workers from 2.2% to 31.6%. Rates of disabling pain at the 2 anatomical sites covaried (r = 0.76), but DLBP tended to be relatively more common in nurses and DWHP in office workers. Established risk factors such as occupational physical activities, psychosocial aspects of work, and tendency to somatise were confirmed, and associations were found also with adverse health beliefs and group awareness of people outside work with musculoskeletal pain. However, after allowance for these risk factors, an up-to 8-fold difference in prevalence remained. Systems of compensation for work-related illness and financial support for health-related incapacity for work appeared to have little influence on the occurrence of symptoms. Our findings indicate large international variation in the prevalence of disabling forearm and back pain among occupational groups carrying out similar tasks, which is only partially explained by the personal and socioeconomic risk factors that were analysed.

Pedestrians' Beliefs about Road Crossing in Bogotá: Questionnaire Development / Puntos de Vista de peatones en un cruce de vías en Bogotá: desarrollo de cuestionario

Understanding the pedestrian choices is essential for the design of safe road systems. This study develops methods for self-reported assessment of pedestrian behavior. A self-report instrument was developed to investigate the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) constructs in relation to pedestrians' road crossing using a convenient sample. Internal consistency and factor analysis were conducted to test the reliability and construct validity of the instrument. Self-reported intention to execute risky behavior was compared with observed behaviors. The developed questionnaire showed high internal consistency for most of the TPB constructs (Chronbach's alpha>0.7). Factor analyses confirmed that questions grouped in constructs, as hypothesized. Pedestrians' intention to execute risky behavior was related to pedestrians' perceived physical capability and to the simultaneous crossing of other pedestrians. However, this intention correlated moderately with observed risky behavior (Rs = 0.35). The potential to understand the mechanisms of pedestrian choices using the developed instrument are considered exploratory, yet promising.

El poder entender las decisiones que toma un peatón es esencial para el diseño de sistemas viales seguros. Este estudio desarrolla métodos para la medición del comportamiento del peatón por medio de auto-reportes. Se desarrolló un instrumento de auto-reporte para investigar los constructos de la Teoría del Comportamiento Planeado (TPB, por sus siglas en inglés) en relación al cruce de las vías por parte de los peatones, usando una muestra conveniente. Se condujeron análisis de consistencia interna y de factores para probar la confiabilidad y validez de constructos del instrumento. La intención auto-reportada de ejecutar comportamientos riesgosos fue comparada con los comportamientos observados. El desarrollo del cuestionario mostró una alta consistencia interna para la mayoría de los constructos del TPB (alfa de Cronbach > 0.7). El análisis de factores confirmó que las preguntas se agrupaban en constructos, tal y como se hipotetizó; la intención de los peatones de ejecutar comportamientos riesgosos estuvo relacionada con la posibilidad física percibida por los peatones y con el cruce simultáneo de otros peatones. Sin embargo, esta intención se correlacionó solo moderadamente con el comportamiento riesgoso observado (Rs = 0.35). En conclusión, el potencial para entender los mecanismos de las elecciones de los peatones, usando el instrumento desarrollado, se considera aún exploratorio, pero sin embargo prometedor.

The CUPID (Cultural and Psychosocial Influences on Disability) study: methods of data collection and characteristics of study sample.

BACKGROUND: The CUPID (Cultural and Psychosocial Influences on Disability) study was established to explore the hypothesis that common musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and associated disability are importantly influenced by culturally determined health beliefs and expectations. This paper describes the methods of data collection and various characteristics of the study sample. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A standardised questionnaire covering musculoskeletal symptoms, disability and potential risk factors, was used to collect information from 47 samples of nurses, office workers, and other (mostly manual) workers in 18 countries from six continents. In addition, local investigators provided data on economic aspects of employment for each occupational group. Participation exceeded 80% in 33 of the 47 occupational groups, and after pre-specified exclusions, analysis was based on 12,426 subjects (92 to 1018 per occupational group). As expected, there was high usage of computer keyboards by office workers, while nurses had the highest prevalence of heavy manual lifting in all but one country. There was substantial heterogeneity between occupational groups in economic and psychosocial aspects of work; three- to five-fold variation in awareness of someone outside work with musculoskeletal pain; and more than ten-fold variation in the prevalence of adverse health beliefs about back and arm pain, and in awareness of terms such as "repetitive strain injury" (RSI). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The large differences in psychosocial risk factors (including knowledge and beliefs about MSDs) between occupational groups should allow the study hypothesis to be addressed effectively.

Analysis of the lifted weight including height and frequency factors for workers in Colombia.

Factors related to the height of the load and the frequency of handling have become a way to predict the acceptable standard weight lifted for workers whose main task is the manual lifting of materials and measuring the conditions is important to determine a maximum weight lifted. This study was conducted to twenty (20) workers between eighteen (18) and forty (40) years old with a minimum six months experience and belonging to the warehouse and packaging area of a dairy products company. Consideration was given to three different heights such as knuckle, shoulder and total height as well as frequencies of 2, 4 and 6 times per minute. Average values for lifted weight were 17.9306 ± 2.37 kg. The conclusions and recommendations included a review of legislation related to Colombian maximum acceptable weight of lifting due to the current law does not match the acceptable weight handled in this research.

Control centers design for ergonomics and safety.

This paper shows the general design conditions about ergonomics and safety for control centers in the petrochemical process industry. Some of the topics include guidelines for the optimized workstation design, control room layout, building layout, and lighting, acoustical and environmental design. Also takes into account the safety parameters in the control rooms and centers design. The conditions and parameters shown in this paper come from the standards and global advances on this topic on the most recent publications. And also the work was supplemented by field visits of our team to the control center operations in a petrochemical company, and technical literature search efforts. This guideline will be useful to increase the productivity and improve the working conditions at the control rooms.

Ergonomics, automation and logistics: practical and effective combination of working methods, a case study of a baking company.

The aim of this study was to combine three different analytical methods from three different disciplines to diagnose the ergonomic conditions, manufacturing and supply chain operation of a baking company. The study explores a summary of comprehensive working methods that combines the ergonomics, automation and logistics study methods in the diagnosis of working conditions and productivity. The participatory approach of this type of study that involves the feelings and first-hand knowledge of workers of the operation are determining factors in defining points of action and ergonomic interventions, as well as defining opportunities in the automation of manufacturing and logistics, to cope with the needs of the company. The study identified an ergonomic situation (high prevalence of wrist-hand pain), and the combination of interdisciplinary techniques applied allowed to improve this condition in the company. This type of study allows a primary basis of the opportunities presented by the combination of specialized methods of different disciplines, for the definition of comprehensive action plans for the company. Additionally, it outlines opportunities for improvement and recommendations to mitigate the burden associated with occupational diseases and as an end result improve the quality of life and productivity of workers.

Prevención de trastornos musculoesqueléticos de las extremidades superiores relacionados con el trabajo: revisión sistemática / Prevention of upp er-extremity musculoskeletal work-related disor ders: a systematic review

Objetivos: Revisar la evidencia disponible sobre la efectividad de las intervenciones que buscan reducir la ocurrenciade trastornos musculoesqueléticos de extremidad superior o sus factores de riesgo en el ámbito laboral.Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda en OVID, Cochrane y EBSCO Host de artículos publicados en revistas científicasentre 1990 y 2008. Se excluyeron aquellos estudios donde las intervenciones no se llevaron a cabo en ambientes laborales.Dos pares académicos seleccionaron y revisaron los artículos. Los resultados se generaron a partir de la cantidad y calidadde artículos con conclusiones similares en relación a diversos tipos de intervención.Resultados: Cincuenta y un estudios fueron seleccionados en esta revisión. Todos ellos describen distintas intervencionespreventivas en los lugares de trabajo y sobre los trabajadores, principalmente entre usuarios de pantallas de visualizaciónde datos (PVDs). Solo doce estudios fueron considerados de alta calidad. Se encontró evidencia moderada del beneficio decambios integrales en el puesto de trabajo, de actividades formativas sobre los trabajadores y del uso de algunos teclados yratones alternativos que permiten adoptar posturas más apropiadas de la extremidad superior.Conclusiones: La heterogeneidad y frecuente debilidad metodológica de los estudios encontrados impide que se puedaconcluir sobre la efectividad de la mayoría de las intervenciones descritas en la literatura. Se hacen especialmente necesariasevaluaciones de intervenciones sobre puestos de trabajo con riesgos diferentes de los derivados del uso de PVDs (AU)

Objectives: To study the effectiveness of workplace interventions aimed at reducing the occurrence of upper-extremitymusculoskeletal disorders or their related risk factors.Methods: Articles published between 1990 and 2008 were searched in OVID, Cochrane, y EBSCO Host databases.Interventions not conducted at the workplace were excluded. Two peers selected and reviewed the articles. The results are based on the quantity and quality of articles providing similar conclusions regarding different types of interventions. Results: Fifty-one studies were included in this review, all describing a variety of preventive interventions in workplacesand on workers, mainly among visual display unit (VDUs) users. Only twelve studies in the review were considered of highquality. We found moderate evidence for the benefits of comprehensive changes in workplaces, educational interventionsin workers and use of alternative computer input devices intended to achieve more adequate upper-extremity postures.Conclusions: The heterogeneity and frequent methodological flaws of reviewed studies do not allow us to reach conclusiveresults on the effectiveness of the most reviewed interventions. Evaluation studies of interventions for risks other thancomputer-related ones are greatly needed (AU)

Breve historia de la salud ocupacional en Colombia / A brief description of occupational health developments in Colombia

Este artículo presenta los desarrollos de la salud ocupacional en Colombia desde principios del siglo XX hasta nuestros días, incluyendo los avances en legislación que han sido objeto de estudio y aplicación en Colombia para el mejoramiento de la salud y las condiciones de trabajo de la fuerza laboral. Se han hecho grandes esfuerzos en el país por parte de entidades gubernamentales y privadas para la protección de la salud de los trabajadores; sin embargo, hoy en día se siguen presentando los mismos riesgos y enfermedades asociadas con ciertas actividades económicas, especialmente las agrícolas, donde la automatización ha sido escasa y la mayoría de actividades siguen realizándose de forma manual. Sin embargo no toda la responsabilidad recae en el estado y sus políticas; gran parte de ésta radica en el compromiso por parte de los empresarios, que deben entender que la salud ocupacional es una inversión, y no un gasto, porque la protección del trabajador acaba repercutiendo favorablemente en la producción (AU)

This article presents a brief overview of occupational health developments in Colombia from the early 20th century to present times. It includes advances in legislation and insights into the results of its application. Many efforts have been made in the country by governmental and private sector institutions to substantially improve the health and well-being of workers. Nevertheless, risks and work-related injury and illness statistics remain worrisome, especially in the agricultural sector, where industrialization is lagging and many tasks are still done by hand. Nevertheless, the responsibility should not fall solely on the state’s shoulders: a good deal of the burden points to employers, who must understand that investments in occupational health and safety are not a nuisance, but worth while and can ultimately result in improved productivity (AU)