A home environment-moderated model of the influence of ergonomics on individual work performance among Filipino nurse educators working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic: An interaction moderation analysis using structural equation model.

AIM: To determine the influence of ergonomics on individual work performance of nurse educators working at home during the COVID-19 pandemic and to develop a model of the moderating effect of home environment. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, predictive-correlational design. METHODS: Utilizing interaction moderation and structural equation modeling, 214 consecutively-selected educators from nursing schools in the Greater Manila Area, Philippines completed a four-part online survey. RESULTS: Physical, cognitive, and organizational ergonomics positively influenced individual work performance. Home environment had a linear, positive moderation on the effects of physical and cognitive ergonomics on individual work performance but had a negative moderating effect with organizational ergonomics. CONCLUSION: The moderated model underscored the positive effects of ergonomics and the moderating effect of home environment on the individual work performance of nurse educators working at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this knowledge can be used in developing appropriate programs, strategies, and policies. IMPACT: The moderated model highlights the need for policies and programs, training and education, and organizational evaluation geared towards promoting healthy workplace and work-life balance among nurse educators transitioning to remote work and online teaching. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Eligible participants contributed in the data collection with the survey responses.

An Ergonomics Analysis of Archers through Motion Tracking to Prevent Injuries and Improve Performance.

Archery ranks among the sports with a high incidence of upper extremity injuries, particularly affecting the drawing shoulder and elbow, as well as inducing stress on the lower back. This study seeks to bridge the gap by integrating real-time human motion with biomechanical software to enhance the ergonomics of archers. Thirteen participants were involved in four tasks, using different bows with varied draw weights and shooting distances. Through the application of advanced integrative technology, this study highlights the distinct postures adopted by both males and females, which indicate the biomechanical differences between genders. Additionally, an analysis of the correlation between exposed spinal forces and these adopted postures provides insights into injury risk assessment during the key archery movements. The findings of this study have the potential to significantly enhance the application of training methodologies and the design of assistive devices. These improvements are geared towards mitigating injury risks and enhancing the overall performance of archers.

Overcoming Barriers: Sex Disparity in Surgeon Ergonomics.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal discomfort is widely experienced by surgeons across multiple surgical specialties. Developing technologies and new minimally invasive techniques add further complexity and ergonomic stressors. These stressors differentially affect male and female surgeons, but little is known about the role these sex disparities play in surgical ergonomic stress. We reviewed existing literature to better understand how ergonomic stress varies between male and female surgeons. STUDY DESIGN: A literature search was performed via PubMed including but not limited to the following topics: ergonomics, surgeons, female surgeons, women surgeons, pregnancy, and operating room. A review of available quantitative data was performed. RESULTS: Female surgeons endure more pronounced ergonomic discomfort than their male counterparts, with added ergonomic stress associated with pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: A 4-fold method is proposed to overcome ergonomic barriers, including (1) improved education on prevention and treatment of ergonomic injury for active surgeons and trainees, (2) increased departmental and institutional support for ergonomic solutions for surgeons, (3) partnerships with industry to study innovative ergonomic solutions, and (4) additional research on the nature of surgical ergonomic challenges and the differential effects of surgical ergonomics on female surgeons.

Optimization of the seat position for a personal vehicle equipped with a crankset: pilot study.

The aim of the study was to optimize the seat for a personal vehicle equipped with a crankset mechanism, meant for everyday use. The inclination of the seat backrest was selected on the basis of theoretical considerations. Then dynamic tests were carried out on a group of young, healthy men in order to verify the ergonomic aspects of the seat position in relation to the crankset and determine the efficiency of the human-mechanism system with a load of 50 W. The data obtained from the dynamic tests were subject to statistical analysis. Research has shown that higher seat positions result in statistically higher efficiencies. In addition, a holistic analysis of the personal vehicle design problem shows that the upper position of the seat is also the best. The results of the research can be used to optimize personal vehicles using human force as a drive.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of musculoskeletal disorders among firefighters.

INTRODUCTION: Due to the nature of their job, firefighters face many ergonomic risk factors and are exposed to several musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the prevalence of MSDs among firefighters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted based on preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The literature search was conducted in the databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, SID, ISC and Google Scholar without applying a time limitation until the end of July 2022. The random effects model was used for meta-analysis, and the I2 index was used to check heterogeneity among studies. The data were analyzed using STATA version 14 software. RESULTS: The primary literature searches in the databases identified 1,291 articles, 26 of which were entered the meta-analysis stage after screening, study selection, and quality assessment, including 36,342 firefighters. Based on the results of a meta-analysis, the overall prevalence of MSDs among firefighters was 46.39% (95% CI: 32.45-60.32, I2 = 99.7%, P < 0.001). The prevalence of MSDs was also investigated at neck (18.36%), low back (34.32%), shoulder (18.68%), hands (7.43%), upper back (10.15%), knee (19.97%) and foot (6.66%). CONCLUSION: Considering the relatively high prevalence of MSDs among firefighters and their higher exposition to specific job-related risk factors of MSDs compared to other professions, it is suggested to provide firefighters with appropriate training, implement ergonomic interventions, and regularly screen them to reduce MSDs.

[(Un)ergonomic working conditions for a paramedic in a medical ambulance]. / (Nie)ergonomiczne warunki pracy ratownika w ambulansie medycznym.

BACKGROUND: The work of a paramedic, is characterised by a high risk of injury. Ergonomic, psychological, and biomechanical factors are considered risk factors in the profession of emergency medical technicians. Ensuring ergonomic working conditions for emergency medical technicians is a priority and requires a thorough assessment both in the design process and during the operation of the ambulance, to provide a diagnosis of the current state and present necessary recommendations for modernization. Identifying stressors will enable the design of an ergonomic interior for the ambulance, ensuring comfort and reliability for members of the emergency medical team, thereby reducing the risk of injuries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors of this article developed a comprehensive methodology for assessing the nuisances occurring during the paramedic's work, which required specialised preliminary research. The research included the measurement and analysis of the paramedic's movement kinematics during typical medical procedures, both at a standstill and while driving the ambulance. For the analysis of motion kinematics, a non-invasive method called myoMotion was employed, and the study was conducted in a Mercedes ambulance. RESULTS: This article contains preliminary results on the evaluation of movement kinematics. These demonstrated the necessity for the paramedic to adopt forced positions when performing medical procedures. The ranges of movement of the individual body parts of the paramedic deviated from accepted norms, resulting in musculoskeletal overload. CONCLUSIONS: The acquired knowledge forms the basis for a detailed analysis of tasks performed within each procedure from the perspective of the spatial structure of the ambulance, the arrangement of equipment and medical supplies, their accessibility during work, and the organization of work within the ambulance. Additional identification of musculoskeletal system stress, its sources, and the formulation of modification recommendations for the ambulance interior will enable ensuring the comfort and reliability of the work for emergency medical teams, thereby reducing the risk of injuries in the workplace. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(1):31-44.

[Ergonomics and organization of remote work - health aspect and recommendations for home office organization]. / Ergonomia i organizacja pracy zdalnej ­ aspekt zdrowotny i zalecenia dotyczace organizacji biura domowego.

Analyses of the economic activity of the Polish population indicate that in 2023, about 7% of all employees performed, usually or sometimes, their work in the form of remote work. The purpose of this publication is to analyze the impact of working with screen-monitor devices on computer vision syndromes, musculoskeletal disorders, circadian rhythm, and to identify recommendations for the proper organization of the home office. A narrative review of the existing literature on the impact of work with the use of devices equipped with screen monitors on the health of employees was performed, as well as recommendations in the above-mentioned area were presented. The most important factors determining the load on the visual organs and musculoskeletal system and affecting the overall health and well-being of employees during remote work are the proper arrangement of the workstation (in accordance with ergonomic principles) and the organization of work (limiting the time spent working at the computer/laptop, systematic active breaks) and healthy sleep habits. It is crucial that both employers, occupational health professionals and employees themselves are aware of the importance to their health of correct preparation of the home office, and have adequate knowledge in this regard. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(1):69-80.

Cognitive ergonomics and robotic surgery.

Cognitive ergonomics refer to mental resources and is associated with memory, sensory motor response, and perception. Cognitive workload (CWL) involves use of working memory (mental strain and effort) to complete a task. The three types of cognitive loads have been divided into intrinsic (dependent on complexity and expertise), extraneous (the presentation of tasks) and germane (the learning process) components. The effect of robotic surgery on CWL is complex because the postural, visualisation, and manipulation ergonomic benefits for the surgeon may be offset by the disadvantages associated with team separation and reduced situation awareness. Physical fatigue and workflow disruptions have a negative impact on CWL. Intraoperative CWL can be measured subjectively post hoc with the use of self-reported instruments or objectively with real-time physiological response metrics. Cognitive training can play a crucial role in the process of skill acquisition during the three stages of motor learning: from cognitive to integrative and then to autonomous. Mentorship, technical practice and watching videos are the most common traditional cognitive training methods in surgery. Cognitive training can also occur with computer-based cognitive simulation, mental rehearsal, and cognitive task analysis. Assessment of cognitive skills may offer a more effective way to differentiate robotic expertise level than automated performance (tool-based) metrics.

Preliminary Feasibility and Acceptability Examination of Using a Novel Ergonomic Chinrest with a Low Shoulder Rest by a Viola Player: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: High-string players, such as violinists and violists, are prone to neck problems. One factor can be their body posture, with often a rotated and flexed neck position with the jaw placed on a flat chinrest. The Kréddle chinrest (EC) was specifically designed to promote a more neutral neck position and prevent musculoskeletal problems among high-string players. This case report aims to evaluate the preliminary feasibility and acceptability of using the EC, with a low shoulder rest, in a pain-free professional high-string player. A secondary aim was to register newly developed pain and fatigue. METHODS: A 32-year-old professional viola player was instructed to use the EC for most of her playing time during a 6-week trial period. Outcome measures such as compliance (% of use out of total playing time over the last 7 days), performance, comfort and acceptability were assessed at baseline and at the end of each trial week. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) tool was used to evaluate the body posture at baseline when using the EC versus her own chinrest and shoulder rest. RESULTS: The initial trial period was interrupted after 2 days due to pain. A second 6-week period was completed. While compliance was high and there was positive feedback on how the EC affected her performance and comfort while holding the instrument, the case report identified a challenge with the complex instruction material, which made it difficult to install and adjust the product. The viola player was positive towards using EC in the end despite pain and fatigue during the trial period. CONCLUSION: This case report examined a professional viola player's 6-week experience with an EC. While positive outcomes were observed in posture, performance, and product acceptance, issues with complex instructions were noted. This study marks the first exploration of individual challenges with EC use.

Assessing Workplace Violence: Methodological Considerations.

The risk of violence is present in all workplaces. It must be accurately assessed to establish prevention and protection measures tailored to the features of each situation. The risk management process requires compliance in a sequential order: 1) risk identification, 2) quantitative risk assessment, and 3) impact assessment. Gathering workers' experiences using lists, focus groups, or participatory ergonomics groups is necessary to identify the phenomenon. For risk assessment, spontaneous reporting of events is often insufficient. It may be complemented with two methods: systematic recording of violent events that occurred in the past year during periodic medical examinations of workers and targeted surveys. The epidemiological analysis of data from individual interviews and surveys provides the phenomenon's prevalence, incidence, and evolution. Moreover, reporting the harm suffered by victims of violence allows constructing impact matrices to allocate resources where they are most needed.

Impact of Fatigue on Ergonomic Risk Scores and Foot Kinetics: A Field Study Employing Inertial and In-Shoe Plantar Pressure Measurement Devices.

(1) Background: Occupational fatigue is a primary factor leading to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). Kinematic and kinetic experimental studies have been able to identify indicators of WRMSD, but research addressing real-world workplace scenarios is lacking. Hence, the authors of this study aimed to assess the influence of physical strain on the Borg CR-10 body map, ergonomic risk scores, and foot pressure in a real-world setting. (2) Methods: Twenty-four participants (seventeen men and seven women) were included in this field study. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) (n = 24) and in-shoe plantar pressure measurements (n = 18) captured the workload of production and office workers at the beginning of their work shift and three hours later, working without any break. In addition to the two 12 min motion capture processes, a Borg CR-10 body map and fatigue visual analog scale (VAS) were applied twice. Kinematic and kinetic data were processed using MATLAB and SPSS software, resulting in scores representing the relative distribution of the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Computer-Assisted Recording and Long-Term Analysis of Musculoskeletal Load (CUELA), and in-shoe plantar pressure. (3) Results: Significant differences were observed between the two measurement times of physical exertion and fatigue, but not for ergonomic risk scores. Contrary to the hypothesis of the authors, there were no significant differences between the in-shoe plantar pressures. Significant differences were observed between the dominant and non-dominant sides for all kinetic variables. (4) Conclusions: The posture scores of RULA and CUELA and in-shoe plantar pressure side differences were a valuable basis for adapting one-sided requirements in the work process of the workers. Traditional observational methods must be adapted more sensitively to detect kinematic deviations at work. The results of this field study enhance our knowledge about the use and benefits of sensors for ergonomic risk assessments and interventions.

From CySkin to ProxySKIN: Design, Implementation and Testing of a Multi-Modal Robotic Skin for Human-Robot Interaction.

The Industry 5.0 paradigm has a human-centered vision of the industrial scenario and foresees a close collaboration between humans and robots. Industrial manufacturing environments must be easily adaptable to different task requirements, possibly taking into account the ergonomics and production line flexibility. Therefore, external sensing infrastructures such as cameras and motion capture systems may not be sufficient or suitable as they limit the shop floor reconfigurability and increase setup costs. In this paper, we present the technological advancements leading to the realization of ProxySKIN, a skin-like sensory system based on networks of distributed proximity sensors and tactile sensors. This technology is designed to cover large areas of the robot body and to provide a comprehensive perception of the surrounding space. ProxySKIN architecture is built on top of CySkin, a flexible artificial skin conceived to provide robots with the sense of touch, and arrays of Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors. We provide a characterization of the arrays of proximity sensors and we motivate the design choices that lead to ProxySKIN, analyzing the effects of light interference on a ToF, due to the activity of other sensing devices. The obtained results show that a large number of proximity sensors can be embedded in our distributed sensing architecture and incorporated onto the body of a robotic platform, opening new scenarios for complex applications.

Factors Affecting Perioperative Nurse Adherence to Ergonomic Safety Measures.

AORN has identified safety risks unique to the perioperative setting and has developed ergonomic safety measures to help prevent musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. Little is known about adherence to these safety measures or the perceived barriers and facilitators to adherence. This study used a cross-sectional survey to determine the prevalence of pain and occurrence of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. We asked perioperative staff members about their perceived barriers and facilitators to adherence with safety measures. A total of 155 perioperative nurses in one health system completed the online survey (55% response rate). Most (93%) had experienced at least one musculoskeletal injury or disorder or related pain. Years worked as a perioperative nurse and having neck pain were associated with safety measure adherence. The most reported barrier to safety measure adherence was inadequate staffing. Study findings highlight the need for increased attention to the physical workload demands in the perioperative setting.

Clinical Issues - March 2024.

Exoskeleton use in the OR Key words: exoskeleton, exosuit, ergonomics, musculoskeletal injury, fatigue and pain. The Revised National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Lifting Equation Key words: ergonomic risk, Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation (RNLE), lifting index (LI), load, lifting task. Surgical smoke safety during transurethral resection of the prostate procedures Key words: surgical smoke, smoke evacuation, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), vaporization, resectoscope. Preventing accidental dislodgement of tubes, drains, and catheters Key words: patient transfer, dislodgement, catheters, tubes, drains.

Human factor engineering of point-of-care near infrared spectroscopy device for intracranial hemorrhage detection in Traumatic Brain Injury: A multi-center comparative study using a hybrid methodology.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed machine learning powered Near-infrared spectroscopy based (mNIRS) device's usability and human factor ergonomics in four distinct healthcare provider groups. BACKGROUND: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a global concern with significant well-being implications. Timely intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) detection is crucial. mNIRS offers efficient non-invasive TBI screening. METHODS: Two device utilization stages involved operators (N = 21) and TBI-suspected subjects (n = 120). A hybrid approach used qualitative and quantitative methods, utilizing a 57-item survey and task completion time. RESULTS: All groups positively perceived user-interface, physical, cognitive, and organizational ergonomics. The device's ease of use, calibration, size, cognitive support, and integration gained appreciation. Training reduced task completion time from 16.5 to 13.2 s. CONCLUSION: mNIRS-based CEREBO® proves usable for TBI point-of-care assessment. Positive feedback from diverse healthcare groups validates design and cost-effectiveness alignment. A hybrid approach, training, and practice scans enhance usage and experience.

Updating design guidelines for cognitive ergonomics in human-centred collaborative robotics applications: An expert survey.

Within the framework of Industry 5.0, human factors are essential for enhancing the work conditions and well-being of operators interacting with even more advanced and smart manufacturing systems and machines and increasing production performances. Nevertheless, cognitive ergonomics is often underestimated when implementing advanced industrial human-robot interaction. Thus, this work aims to systematically update, develop, and validate guidelines to assist non-experts in the early stages of the design of anthropocentric and collaborative assembly applications by focusing on the main features that have positively influenced workers' cognitive responses. A methodology for structured development has been proposed. The draft guidelines have been created starting from the outcomes of a systematic and extended screening of the scientific literature. Preliminary validation has been carried out with the help of researchers working in the field. Inputs on comprehensibility and relevance have been gathered to enhance the guidelines. Lastly, a survey was used to examine in depth how international experts in different branches can interpret such guidelines. In total, 108 responders were asked to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the guideline's comprehensibility and provide general comments or suggestions for each guideline. Based on the survey's results, the guidelines have been validated and some have been reviewed and re-written in their final form. The present work highlights that integrating human factors into the design of collaborative applications can significantly bolster manufacturing operations' resilience through inclusivity and system adaptability by enhancing worker safety, ergonomics, and wellbeing.

simMACT, a Software Demonstrator to Improve Maximum Actuation Joint Torques Simulation for Ergonomics Assessment.

The maximum actuation joint torques that operators can perform at the workplace are essential parameters for biomechanical risk assessment. However, workstation designers generally only have at their disposal the imprecise and sparse estimates of these quantities provided with digital manikin digital human model (DHM) software. For instance, such tools consider only static postures and ignore important specificities of the human musculoskeletal system such as interjoints couplings. To alleviate the weaknesses of existing approaches implemented in digital human modeling tools relying on torque databases, this paper describes a methodology based on a class of polytopes called zonotopes and musculoskeletal simulation to assess maximum actuation torques. It has two main advantages, the ability to estimate maximum joint torques for any posture and taking into account musculoskeletal specificities unlike existing digital human modeling tools. As a case study, it also compares simulated maximum actuation torques to those recorded during an experiment described in the literature, focusing on an isometric task of the upper limb. This simulation has led to similar or smaller errors than DHM software tools. Hence, this methodology may help in interpreting interjoint couplings, choosing appropriate mathematical models or design experimental protocols. It may also be implemented in DHM software to provide designers with more comprehensive and more reliable data.

Hierarchical clustering analysis of musculoskeletal stress factors and their risk level in cardboard manufacturing: research from PLIBEL.

OBJECTIVE: A hierarchical cluster analysis for the cardboard manufacturing industry was developed with the aim of identifying similarities between workstations in terms of musculoskeletal stress factors (MSFs) and their impact on workers' bodies. METHODS: The hierarchical clustering analysis was conducted using data from 44 workstations, which included 6 body part divisions and 51 stress factors as variables with 36 answer options. Firstly, the content of the dataset was defined. Secondly, the data were agglomerated and classified into 3 clusters using Ward's method based on the presence or absence of stress factors. Finally, the multivariable matrix was reduced to 2 factors: the x-axis representing the risk level of the workstation, and the y-axis representing the impact on the workers' health. RESULTS: The study found that workers' knees were the most affected body parts, with 47 cases. The resulting work-related musculoskeletal disorders included tendinitis, arthralgia, chondromalacia, and gonarthrosis. The MSF with the most significant impact on the body's health was fatiguing work that involves repeated jumps, prolonged squatting, or kneeling, present in cluster 1 and cluster 3. Moreover, two of the most common MSFs associated with repeated work positions were identified: a mild forward flexion of the back (63 cases) in combination with one leg being used more often to support the body (56 cases). CONCLUSIONS: It was possible to identify the main work-related musculoskeletal disorders and the associated stress factors for the cardboard manufacturing industry by using hierarchical cluster classification and analysis, enabling the classification of risk levels and the impact on body health for each workstation.