Applied Ergonomics最新文献

{"title":"Evaluation of sizing system structure and reliability in firefighting gloves","authors":"Kyurey Park ,&nbsp;Milo Tacheny ,&nbsp;Rui Li ,&nbsp;Mengying Zhang ,&nbsp;Guowen Song ,&nbsp;Linsey Griffin","doi":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104722","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104722","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ill-fitting firefighter gloves negatively impact firefighters’ work efficiency, performance, and safety. Although the NFPA 1971 Standard defines recommended glove sizing parameters, it remains unclear whether these sizing frameworks are accurately implemented during manufacturing. Previous studies have developed sizing systems through statistical analysis or applied population-based approaches; however, there has been a lack of research that systematically evaluates the consistency and reliability of sizing systems in actual manufactured products. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the dimensional structure and manufacturability of firefighter glove sizing systems across five commercially available manufacturers. Using 3D scanning and key dimension analysis of index finger length and hand breadth, the research assessed the degree of linearity, size interval consistency, accommodation of the target population, and alignment with NFPA standards. Findings revealed pervasive inconsistencies, including reverse intervals, irregular size progression, gaps and substantial overlaps in size distributions. These issues indicate a fundamental disconnect between intended sizing logic and the physical dimensions of manufactured gloves, leading to unreliable fit and reduced population accommodation. The study underscores that designing more size options or applying advanced statistical models alone cannot resolve fit issues if sizing systems are developed in isolation from production realities and material constraints. An integrated approach—incorporating sizing development, design specifications, and manufacturing feasibility—is essential for achieving reliable and inclusive fit outcomes. The sizing evaluation framework presented provides a quantitative, reusable method for assessing and improving glove fit in future product development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55502,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ergonomics","volume":"134 ","pages":"Article 104722"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928129","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Do you trust what an automated vehicle shows you? The effects of presenting dynamic system certainty information on driver behavior","authors":"Micah Wilson George ,&nbsp;Zachary Hass ,&nbsp;Brandon J. Pitts","doi":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104719","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104719","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As automated vehicle (AV) systems become increasingly more intelligent and self-aware of their capabilities, understanding drivers' interactions with AVs is paramount for successful integration of these vehicles into the broader transportation landscape. One area that needs more attention is understanding the effects of displaying AV self-assessed system certainty – regarding its navigability around roadway obstacles – on drivers' trust, decision-making, and behavioral responses. To contribute to the existing body of work, the current study evaluated a set of dynamic and continuous human-machine interfaces (HMIs) that present 2-dimensional AV system certainty information to drivers. A simulated driving study was conducted wherein participants were exposed to four different linear and curvilinear system certainty patterns (Linear Up, Linear Down, Convex, and Concave) on an HMI that represented an AV's confidence in its ability to safely avoid a construction zone ahead in its lane. Using this information, drivers decided whether or not (and when) to take over from the vehicle. The AV's true reliability and system certainty were not directly proportional to one-another. Trust, workload, takeover decisions and performance, eye movement behavior, and heart rate measures were captured during the study to understand drivers' responses to the vehicle certainty information. Overall, system certainty information had a significant effect on drivers' takeover response times and eye gaze behavior but did not affect their trust nor workload. In 24 % of all cases, participants either voluntarily took control of the AV when it was reliable or did not take over when the AV was unreliable. Trust was higher for participants who did not take over. The results of this work can be used to inform the design of in-vehicle interfaces in future autonomous vehicles, aiming to enhance decision-making and safety during driving.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55502,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ergonomics","volume":"134 ","pages":"Article 104719"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928135","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Can you hear me? An exploratory study on the technological barriers experienced by Brazilian teleworkers","authors":"Gisele de Macedo Steffen ,&nbsp;Daniel Pacheco Lacerda ,&nbsp;Douglas Corrêa Rodrigues ,&nbsp;Rodrigo Frank de Souza Gomes","doi":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104717","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104717","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the way we work. The advance of communication and information technologies, partly stimulated by the crisis, has strengthened flexible working models. The shift from well-established office activities to remote working can present challenges for workers. This qualitative study therefore aims to investigate the technological barriers faced by tele workers. An exploratory analysis was carried out using content analysis. Knowledge workers from three different organizations were interviewed. The results indicated that the barriers faced by workers were usability and familiarity with ICTs, quality and access to ICTs, and digital interaction dynamics. These barriers operate through mechanisms that contribute to phenomena such as digital fatigue and technostress. It should be noted that barriers are influenced by the individual, social, and organizational contexts experienced by workers. In the face of digital transformations, organizations need to rethink their management models, taking technological impacts into account.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55502,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ergonomics","volume":"134 ","pages":"Article 104717"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928136","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Eco-productivity in ergonomic-sustainable design: A systematic review from an ergoecological perspective as a basis for future applications","authors":"Carolina Daza-Beltrán ,&nbsp;Gabriel García-Acosta ,&nbsp;Martha Helena Saravia-Pinilla","doi":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104718","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104718","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The traditional notion of productivity in ergonomics —primarily focused on efficiency and performance— is insufficient to address environmental responsibility in the sustainable management of resources. <em>Eco-productivity</em> has emerged as a concept that can transform ergonomic design and product development through regenerative models that optimize the use of materials, energy, and other resources.</div><div>This study aims to examine how eco-productivity is defined and discussed in the literature and to explore its application in ergonomic-sustainable design from an ergoecological perspective. Eco-productivity incorporates systemic and regenerative principles aimed at reducing environmental degradation while enhancing human and ecological well-being —which are consistent with the contemporary scope of ergonomics. Despite its conceptual relevance, eco-productivity remains less developed than related approaches such as eco-efficiency and eco-effectiveness.</div><div>The findings highlight the need for clear metrics and interdisciplinary methodologies to effectively operationalize eco-productivity. By linking energy, material, and information flows with ergonomic practices, this concept offers an integrative framework for advancing ergonomic-sustainable design and promoting more balanced interactions among humans, technology, and the environment.</div><div>Using the Roses standard, this study conducts a systematic review of the eco-productivity concept. This analysis deepens understanding of how eco-productivity can guide future ergonomic research and practice within sustainability transitions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55502,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ergonomics","volume":"134 ","pages":"Article 104718"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145901734","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Systematic review of usability evaluations in medical devices: Methodological choices, heuristic application, and confounding factors","authors":"Ana Cristina Beitia Kraemer Moraes ,&nbsp;Shiren Fathi Yusef Bakri ,&nbsp;Caroline Karlinski Scherer ,&nbsp;Larissa Oliveira Daneluz Vaz ,&nbsp;Jaqueline Yonara da Silva Galhardo ,&nbsp;Everton Granemann Souza ,&nbsp;Chiara das Dores do Nascimento ,&nbsp;Rafael Guerra Lund","doi":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104715","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104715","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Usability evaluation is a regulatory and safety requirement in medical device development, as defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) IEC 62366-1/2 and the United States Food and Drug Administration FDA guidance. These frameworks establish processes for identifying and mitigating risks associated with device use under normal conditions, but they do not guarantee methodological consistency or scientific reproducibility. Consequently, usability testing is often implemented as a procedural step rather than as an evidence-based validation strategy.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study systematically examines how usability evaluations are selected and conducted during medical device development, analyzing the application of heuristic, formative, and summative approaches, and identifying confounding factors that affect scientific consistency and external validation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, and Google Scholar (April 2024–January 2025). Of 2600 records, 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. Qualitative synthesis followed Bardin's content analysis, and evidence quality was appraised using the GRADE and ROBINS-I frameworks to assess bias and methodological strength.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Most studies demonstrated strong methodological rigor and moderate risk of bias, yielding moderate-to-high confidence evidence. Simulation-based evaluations effectively identified usability issues under controlled conditions, but their limited ecological validity restricted generalization to clinical contexts. Recurrent inconsistencies in sampling, participant training, and instrument standardization were major confounders limiting comparability and reproducibility.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Usability evaluations of medical devices remain methodologically rigorous yet scientifically fragmented. The persistent gap between regulatory compliance and scientific validation underscores the need for standardized hybrid protocols integrating simulation and real-world clinical testing. Embedding Human Factors Engineering principles as a continuous, evidence-based process is essential to strengthen safety, performance, and user-centered innovation in medical technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55502,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ergonomics","volume":"134 ","pages":"Article 104715"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145886532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Implementation of a participatory ergonomic program to reduce musculoskeletal pains among micro-enterprise workers: social network as data transformative pathway","authors":"Naghi Gholizadeh-cholmoradi ,&nbsp;Hajiomid Kalteh ,&nbsp;Siavash Etemadinezhad ,&nbsp;Seyed-Nouraddin Mousavinasab","doi":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104714","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104714","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated the effectiveness of a participatory ergonomics program to reduce musculoskeletal pain among car repair technicians in small workshops (&lt;5 employees) in Iran. Thirty-six participants assessed ergonomic risks and interventions before and after implementation using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and ergonomic checkpoints. WhatsApp was used to facilitate communication and feedback due to geographical dispersion. Five key ergonomic interventions were implemented across 36 micro-enterprises, with 31 participants (86 %) completing all stages of the program. In total, 44 ergonomic improvements were carried out across four major risk domains: manual material handling, workstation design, hand tools, and lighting. Six months after implementation, the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain decreased significantly—by 73 % in the neck, 80 % in the shoulders, 86 % in the elbows, 50 % in the wrists/hands, and 47 % in the knees (p &lt; 0.05). These findings demonstrate that participatory, low-cost interventions supported by social networking tools can effectively improve ergonomic risk factors in micro-enterprises.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55502,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ergonomics","volume":"133 ","pages":"Article 104714"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145812431","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pilot response to somatogravic illusion in a simulated environment: Implications for early instrument flight training","authors":"Vladimir Socha ,&nbsp;Lenka Hanakova ,&nbsp;Boris Oniscenko ,&nbsp;Robert O. Walton","doi":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104713","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104713","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The somatogravic illusion, a vestibular misperception caused by linear acceleration in the absence of visual cues, poses a significant safety risk during flight, particularly under instrument meteorological conditions. Despite its operational relevance, current pilot training programs emphasize theoretical instruction and lack practical exposure to such illusions. This study aimed to assess the behavioral effects of the somatogravic illusion in a controlled simulator environment and to evaluate the potential for adaptation through repeated exposure. A total of 114 pilots were assigned to four groups based on IFR experience. Each participant completed two simulator sessions one week apart, each comprising flights with and without induced somatogravic illusions. Illusion induction was achieved using cabin pitch motion within a fixed-base disorientation trainer. Altitude trajectories during the illusion interval were extracted, L2-normalized, and analyzed using principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering. Cluster transitions were evaluated to identify adaptation patterns. Post-exposure questionnaires assessed perceptual awareness and training utility. Illusion exposure caused systematic suppression of climb performance, independent of IFR experience. Unsupervised clustering revealed two dominant trajectory patterns corresponding to affected and unaffected responses. In the second session, 32% of previously affected pilots transitioned to the unaffected cluster, indicating behavioral adaptation. Perceptual awareness of the illusion remained low (23%–29%), yet 95.6% of participants endorsed the inclusion of vestibular illusion scenarios in IFR training. Controlled simulator exposure to the somatogravic illusion elicits measurable disruptions in altitude control that are not mitigated by experience alone but can improve with brief, repeated exposure. The findings support the integration of illusion-focused modules into early instrument training to enhance resilience to spatial disorientation. The use of fixed-base simulators for such training is feasible and well-received by pilots.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55502,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ergonomics","volume":"133 ","pages":"Article 104713"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145798479","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Independent versus collaborative double-checking for errors on a simulated rail control task","authors":"Ryan D. McMullan ,&nbsp;Nanda Aryal ,&nbsp;Ling Li ,&nbsp;Mark Wiggins ,&nbsp;Joanna Clive ,&nbsp;Johanna I. Westbrook","doi":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104716","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104716","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Double-checking is a safety practice performed by workers across high-risk industries.</div><div>We aimed to examine the effectiveness of two types of double-checking (independent versus collaborative) for the detection of errors. We also examined the effect of two classes of checking tasks (matching versus critical analysis and assimilation) and interruptions on error detection. A total of 198 participants completed a 32-min rail control simulation. The primary objective for participants was to identify misrouted trains. Participants worked in pairs and performed tasks that involved matching versus critical analysis and assimilation, with interruptions occurring during the tasks. Independent double-checking was associated with greater response accuracy for identifying misrouted trains compared with collaborative double-checking. Response accuracy was also greater when participants engaged in matching compared to critical analysis and assimilation. Interruptions were not associated with task performance. Our findings suggest that independent double-checking may be superior to collaborative double-checking for the detection of errors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55502,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ergonomics","volume":"133 ","pages":"Article 104716"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145795646","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Using wearable measures to infer moments in workload from Electrodermal Activity and individual workload from Heart Rate Variability during a simulated railway signalling task","authors":"Abigail Fowler ,&nbsp;Catherine Harvey ,&nbsp;Max L. Wilson ,&nbsp;Sarah Sharples","doi":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104710","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104710","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Physiological measures offer potential for real-time collection of data to inform understanding of the nature of work in safety critical settings. This study collected physiological data from wearable measures to assess the Mental Workload (MWL) of twenty participants whilst they completed a simulated railway signalling task. Electrodermal Activity (EDA) and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) temporal data were compared to task demand (number of trains) and subjective workload. Average HRV showed a strong negative correlation with average subjective workload. EDA peaks indicated moments in workload including moments of realisation, uncertainty, or time pressure during the task in some participants. HRV and EDA results imply individuals vary in their experience of workload and physiological data can detect variation between participants. Results suggest EDA and HRV data could supplement existing measures of MWL during continuous tasks, through detecting both the timing of individuals’ changing experience of workload and underlying physiological state.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55502,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ergonomics","volume":"133 ","pages":"Article 104710"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145776742","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of an electric drive wheel on hand forces, muscle activity, spinal load, perceived exertion and usability during hospital bed transport by nursing staff","authors":"Niels Hinricher ,&nbsp;Alina Bola ,&nbsp;Chris Schröer ,&nbsp;Hendrik Ludewig ,&nbsp;Claus Backhaus","doi":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104712","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104712","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated a novel motorized drive wheel designed to replace one of the four outer castors of a hospital bed. Existing beds can be retrofitted using a plug-and-play approach, offering considerable potential to reduce the physical burden on healthcare workers during bed transport. Thirteen nurses moved a standardized hospital bed—with and without the drive wheel—through a realistic course including ramps, curves, and elevators. Objective biomechanical parameters (hand forces, spinal compression, muscle activity) and subjective assessments (Borg scale, System Usability Scale) were recorded. The drive wheel significantly reduced physical load, lowering hand forces by 22 % and spinal compression by 20 %. Shoulder, neck, and lower-back muscle activity also decreased significantly. Perceived exertion was reduced by 69 %, and usability was rated as “excellent.” The motorized drive wheel evaluated in this study substantially reduced physical load in everyday clinical care, although recommended ergonomic limits were not met in all situations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55502,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ergonomics","volume":"133 ","pages":"Article 104712"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145747003","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}