Work-A Journal of Prevention Assessment & Rehabilitation最新文献

BackgroundIn recent years in-chair movements (ICM) have gained attention in comfort and discomfort studies, but the role of these movements in preventing and/or alleviating discomfort remains unclear. Furthermore, differences in study design and terminology make cross-study comparisons difficult.ObjectiveThis study aims to synthesize current research on ICM, particularly the categorization of different ICM types. It also aims to provide an overview of ICM over time, focusing on their progressions, characteristics, and possible patterns.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted based on the PRISMA framework using Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. Data from the included studies were extracted and organized according to three ICM descriptors: frequency, amplitude, and posture change.ResultsEighteen out of 230 identified papers met the inclusion criteria. Substantial heterogeneity in terminology and measurement partly explains inconsistencies in findings. Across most studies, ICM frequency increased over time, although a minority reported decreased movement or a "stiffening effect". Findings regarding ICM amplitude were inconsistent, while a shift or change toward more slumped posture appears to be especially common during driving activities. These variations suggest that ICM patterns are influenced by task demands, seat characteristics, and individual differences.ConclusionICM patterns are not solely time-dependent but are shaped by seat characteristics, task demands, and individual factors. While several studies suggest correlations between ICM strategies and discomfort, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Developing a comprehensive ICM framework that integrates movement strategies, and active or dynamic seating approaches will benefit cross-study comparability and provide directions for future ICM research.

BackgroundManual lifting tasks are a leading cause of occupational low back disorders (LBD).ObjectiveThis study aimed to predict the compressive force (CPF) at L5/S1 among young Thai lifting workers.MethodsSixty healthy Thais aged from 18 to 24, evenly divided by gender, performed repetitive lifting tasks with five different lifting frequencies (1, 2, 4, 6, and 12 lifts/minute). A three-dimension static strength prediction program (3D SSPP) was used to identify the injury risk on the low back L5/S1 using biomechanical criteria (compression and shear forces) at extreme postures. Multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA) was used to predict factors related to the CPF.ResultsThe load weight significantly impacted the CPF at L5/S1 joint for both the lift origin and destination. Lift origin, load weight, trunk angle, body mass index (BMI), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) significantly affected the CPF exerted at L5/S1 for lift origin (p < 0.001). In part of the CPF for the lift destination, load weight, trunk angle, forearm angle, BMI, lifting frequency, and gender were significantly influential. The CPF at L5/S1 for the lift origin and destination in males exceeded that of females at every lifting frequency.ConclusionsThis study helps identify ergonomics risks and may be used to determine the proper weight load for reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries (MSI). Therefore, based on the findings of this study, the ergonomic training programs focusing on lifting techniques should consider to improve awareness of MSI.

BackgroundWork is essential for social inclusion, yet individuals with physical, sensory, or chronic pain disabilities face unique barriers to employment despite existing laws and policies. This study aimed to model the different employment integration pathways for people with these disabilities.ObjectiveThe objective was to explore and categorize employment integration pathways for individuals with physical, sensory, or chronic pain disabilities, identifying key factors influencing their journey into the workforce.MethodsA qualitative phenomenological approach was used, involving semi-structured interviews with 83 participants from urban, semi-urban, and rural areas, either employed or seeking employment. The interviews were analyzed thematically to identify patterns and construct a typology of pathways.ResultsThree distinct pathways emerged: linear, obstacle-ridden, and reorientation. All participants reported facing discrimination, with the obstacle-ridden pathway seeing the highest incidence. Many participants across all pathways were overqualified for their jobs. The integration of virtual platforms in the workplace was seen as beneficial, reducing barriers related to travel and communication.ConclusionsThis study enhances understanding of employment integration for people with physical disabilities in Quebec's workplace and educational systems. Despite laws and policies aimed at promoting inclusion, individuals with disabilities continue to encounter systemic barriers. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address these challenges and improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities.

BackgroundAutism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), present challenges, particularly with respect to employment. The Roim-Rachok Program (RRP) trains individuals with ASD for roles in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), to enhance these individuals' workforce integration. To date, no studies have investigated the professional work performance of RRP participants from the perspective of their military commanders.ObjectiveThis study evaluated IDF commanders' perceptions of the work performance of RRP soldiers and assessed the support these soldiers need for optimal accomplishment of their job profiles.MethodsA cross-sectional quantitative study of 45 commanders (M = 27.0, SD = 7.5) was conducted. Data was collected using a 12-item Commanders' Questionnaire (TCQ) that assessed the task performance, independence, work quality, and perseverance of the 70 ASD soldiers under their orders. Descriptive and non-parametric analyses were applied to explore the associations between the commanders' background and their perceptions of these soldiers' performance.ResultsVarimax rotation yielded four domains: Performance at Work, Work Quality, Independence, and Perseverance. The commanders rated RRP soldiers similarly to non-ASD soldiers, but gave higher ratings for accuracy and task persistence, and lower ratings for work pace. Older and more senior commanders rated the soldiers' perseverance and independence more highly. No significant associations were found for gender or soldiers' length of service.ConclusionsRRP soldiers excel on tasks requiring accuracy, perseverance, and routines, but face challenges with task versatility and learning new tasks. The structured military environment accommodates ASD individuals well and can serve as a foundation for future civilian employment.

Comfort is a pivotal construct in human-centered design, connecting technical functionality with well-being across products, services, and systems. The 2023 International Comfort Congress (ICC2023) brought together researchers and practitioners to explore how new contexts of use, predictive approaches, and user diversity are reshaping this field. Contributions in this special issue address comfort in automated driving and turboprop aviation, where physical, psychological, and environmental factors converge. Advances in predictive comfort science demonstrate how objective measures, physiological sensing, and modeling complement traditional self-reports. At the same time, inclusive design approaches-ranging from XR-based co-creation to analyses of posture and movement variability-highlight the importance of accounting for heterogeneous user needs and comfort trade-offs. Together, these studies illustrate a shift toward more adaptive, accessible, and sustainable systems, underscoring comfort as a multidimensional construct that evolves with technological innovation and societal change.

BackgroundAutomated driving offers enjoyable and comfortable trips, though not everyone will find the experience pleasant. Some special populations such as elderly people, individuals with physical or cognitive impairments, and pregnant women face different difficulties in mobility services to conduct their daily activities and, consequently, also in using new technologies like autonomous vehicles.ObjectiveThis study aims to review the specific needs, concerns, and difficulties of special populations when using autonomous vehicles and to highlight the primary issues affecting their acceptance of these technologies.MethodsA review of 48 papers was conducted to identify the special needs, concerns, and difficulties faced by various demographic groups, including elderly individuals, people with physical disabilities, and pregnant women, in using or approaching the use of autonomous vehicles.ResultsThe review revealed that aging individuals have received more attention by scientific community compared to other disabled populations. Acceptance of autonomous vehicles was identified as the primary issue across all surveyed groups. Safety, comfort, and dependability were also significant concerns, particularly among individuals with special needs.ConclusionsThis study outlines the unique concerns of various demographic groups using autonomous vehicles, with acceptance highlighted as a common issue. Designing user-friendly interfaces tailored to diverse demographics could enhance acceptance and improve the overall travel experience for those needing constant support.

BackgroundIn an era of rapid technological advancements and globalization, start-ups face increased pressure to innovate continuously to maintain competitiveness and ensure long-term success. Cultural intelligence (CQ), which involves the ability to adapt to diverse cultural contexts, is increasingly recognized as a vital factor for driving innovation. However, there is limited research on how CQ influences innovation in start-ups, especially considering its various components.ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the relationship between cultural intelligence and innovation in start-ups, with a particular focus on the components of CQ: metacognition, cognition, motivation, behavior, and interpersonal confidence. The research seeks to identify how these components contribute to fostering innovation within start-ups.MethodsThe study used a structured questionnaire with 35 items, distributed to 320 start-ups across India. Data were analyzed using Deep Belief Networks (DBN) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to assess the relationships between cultural intelligence components and start-up innovation.ResultsThe findings reveal that motivation, behavior, work commitment, and interpersonal confidence significantly influence start-up innovation. Additionally, interpersonal confidence was found to enhance cultural intelligence, particularly in adapting to cultural differences. The study underscores the importance of CQ in fostering innovation in a culturally diverse business environment.ConclusionsThis research highlights that start-ups with higher cultural intelligence are better positioned to drive innovation and succeed in today's globalized market. Start-up managers and entrepreneurs should prioritize developing CQ, particularly in areas such as interpersonal confidence and work commitment, to enhance their innovation capabilities and long-term sustainability.

BackgroundCurrent jet airplanes are not sustainable, and turboprop aircraft can be a more sustainable alternative for regional travels. However, the noise levels in turboprops can range from 83 to 92 dB(A), which is higher than jets and is the largest contributor to discomfort in turboprops.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of utilizing noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs in mitigating (dis)comfort experienced by passengers aboard turboprop aircraft.MethodsAn experiment was designed in a grounded Boeing 737 cabin with the sound source inside. Twenty-four participants experienced four conditions: jet sound (Boeing 737), turboprop (ATR 72) sound, turboprop sound with active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones, and turboprop sound with earplugs. The sound level used for all conditions in this test ranged between 84.2 and 86.3 dB(A). Passenger experiences were measured using questionnaires, including a newly developed Ear Local Discomfort questionnaire.ResultsThe comfort and discomfort scores for the conditions involving ANC headphones and earplugs are significantly improved compared to the conditions without hearing protection. The impact of noise on discomfort is mitigated in these two conditions, though it remains the most prominent factor. ANC headphones cause more discomfort around the ear, while earplugs cause discomfort inside the ear.ConclusionThe use of ANC headphones and earplugs in a turboprop airplane might increase the acceptance of these airplanes. ANC headphones are slightly preferred over earplugs, but both solutions have specific limitations.

BackgroundPoultry industry is vital to the Indian economy, significantly contributing to agriculture and providing low-cost animal protein. India ranks third globally in egg production, with southern states like Tamil Nadu, a major hub for egg and broiler production. Workers in poultry farms face serious health hazards because of their physically demanding jobs, which include handling heavy loads and performing repetitive motions. Individuals with mental stress often experience higher frequencies of musculoskeletal pain. The physically demanding nature of these jobs exacerbates musculoskeletal pain and fatigue that can affect one's QOL and mental well-being.ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and fatigue and their associations with quality of life and mental health among poultry farm workers.MethodsAn observational study was conducted from May 2024 to July 2024, involving 369 poultry farm workers in southern Tamilnadu district. Data were collected using the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (Tamil version) to assess musculoskeletal pain, the Fatigue Assessment Scale to measure fatigue levels, the WHOQOL-BREF (Tamil version) to evaluate quality of life, and the GHQ-28 (Tamil version) to assess mental health status.ResultsChi-square analysis showed significant associations between pain and physical QoL (χ² = 203.08), psychological QoL (χ² = 125.25), and mental health (χ² = 196.59) (p < 0.05). Fatigue was also significantly associated with physical QoL (χ² = 22.80), psychological QoL (χ² = 8.03), and mental health (χ² = 26.71) (p < 0.05).ConclusionThis study highlights the high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and fatigue among poultry farm workers and their significant associations with QoL and mental health.