Pub Date : 2016-10-01DOI: 10.1080/21577323.2016.1242943
{"title":"End-of-Volume Editorial Board","authors":"","doi":"10.1080/21577323.2016.1242943","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21577323.2016.1242943","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":73331,"journal":{"name":"IIE transactions on occupational ergonomics and human factors","volume":"4 1","pages":"259 - 259"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21577323.2016.1242943","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60126414","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-09-15DOI: 10.1080/21577323.2016.1226991
K. Babski-Reeves, Alex Calhoun
OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS We found differences in muscle activity, joint angles, and discomfort ratings between seated versus standing computerized work, with the standing phase resulting in “better” measures. Given that sit-to-stand workstations are gaining popularity, identifying such differences can help minimize exposure to ergonomic risks during computing tasks—particularly during the standing phase of the work task. For example, workers positioned themselves closer to the work station while standing, which resulted in reduced muscular loads and more neutral joint angles. By adjusting seated postures to more closely reflect standing postures, low level muscle fatigue and discomfort can be minimized. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Prolonged seated work has been associated with a number of adverse health conditions, and the use of sit-to-stand workstations have been shown to provide benefits for those employed in primarily sedentary work tasks, such as computer tasks. However, little research has been reported on potential differences in musculoskeletal loading and postures during the sit versus stand phases of data entry tasks. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to quantify differences in muscle activity level, joint angle, discomfort in the trunk and upper extremity, and body positioning relative to the workstation while using a sit-to-stand workstation for a simulated data entry task. Methods: A repeated measures design was used to study the effects of computer configuration (desktop, docked laptop with peripherals, and laptop) and sit/stand phase (seated or standing) on muscle activity, posture, and reports of discomfort. Twenty-four participants (12 males and 12 females) completed three cycles of a 20/5 sit-to-stand ratio (20 minutes seated, 5 minutes standing) during a data entry task. Surface electromyography of the shoulders, forearm, and lower back were used to estimate muscle activity levels; electrogoniometers were used to track elbow, neck, and back angles, and discomfort was measured using a body discomfort map. Repeated measures analysis of variance and Tukey's honest significant difference post hoc tests were used to determine statistical differences between conditions. Results: Computer configuration, in general, was not found to significantly affect the dependent measures, though the sit/stand phase did. The seated phase resulted in more non-neutral working postures than standing, which were likely associated with body positioning relative to the workstation and computer. Participants positioned themselves further from the computer and workstation while seated than while standing. Seated work resulted in higher upper trapezius activity than when standing (4.9% versus 2.4%). Conclusions: While sit-to-stand workstations may present long term health benefits, there are likely tradeoffs for the musculoskeletal system—particularly during the seated phase of the work. Workers may benefit from training on body positioning during
{"title":"Muscle Activity and Posture Differences in the Sit and Stand Phases of Sit-to-Stand Workstation Use: A Comparison of Computer Configurations","authors":"K. Babski-Reeves, Alex Calhoun","doi":"10.1080/21577323.2016.1226991","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21577323.2016.1226991","url":null,"abstract":"OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS We found differences in muscle activity, joint angles, and discomfort ratings between seated versus standing computerized work, with the standing phase resulting in “better” measures. Given that sit-to-stand workstations are gaining popularity, identifying such differences can help minimize exposure to ergonomic risks during computing tasks—particularly during the standing phase of the work task. For example, workers positioned themselves closer to the work station while standing, which resulted in reduced muscular loads and more neutral joint angles. By adjusting seated postures to more closely reflect standing postures, low level muscle fatigue and discomfort can be minimized. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Prolonged seated work has been associated with a number of adverse health conditions, and the use of sit-to-stand workstations have been shown to provide benefits for those employed in primarily sedentary work tasks, such as computer tasks. However, little research has been reported on potential differences in musculoskeletal loading and postures during the sit versus stand phases of data entry tasks. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to quantify differences in muscle activity level, joint angle, discomfort in the trunk and upper extremity, and body positioning relative to the workstation while using a sit-to-stand workstation for a simulated data entry task. Methods: A repeated measures design was used to study the effects of computer configuration (desktop, docked laptop with peripherals, and laptop) and sit/stand phase (seated or standing) on muscle activity, posture, and reports of discomfort. Twenty-four participants (12 males and 12 females) completed three cycles of a 20/5 sit-to-stand ratio (20 minutes seated, 5 minutes standing) during a data entry task. Surface electromyography of the shoulders, forearm, and lower back were used to estimate muscle activity levels; electrogoniometers were used to track elbow, neck, and back angles, and discomfort was measured using a body discomfort map. Repeated measures analysis of variance and Tukey's honest significant difference post hoc tests were used to determine statistical differences between conditions. Results: Computer configuration, in general, was not found to significantly affect the dependent measures, though the sit/stand phase did. The seated phase resulted in more non-neutral working postures than standing, which were likely associated with body positioning relative to the workstation and computer. Participants positioned themselves further from the computer and workstation while seated than while standing. Seated work resulted in higher upper trapezius activity than when standing (4.9% versus 2.4%). Conclusions: While sit-to-stand workstations may present long term health benefits, there are likely tradeoffs for the musculoskeletal system—particularly during the seated phase of the work. Workers may benefit from training on body positioning during ","PeriodicalId":73331,"journal":{"name":"IIE transactions on occupational ergonomics and human factors","volume":"4 1","pages":"236 - 246"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21577323.2016.1226991","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60126844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-08-15DOI: 10.1080/21577323.2016.1214635
Sunwook Kim, M. Nussbaum, Joseph L. Gabbard
OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Given advances in augmented reality head-worn display (AR HWD) technologies, “smart glasses” may become an everyday workplace tool in the foreseeable future, allowing workers to perform tasks hands-free while viewing real-time, task-relevant information within their visual field of view. Interviews with experts in several industries (e.g., chemical, medical, manufacturing, distribution) supported such future opportunities for AR HWD development, and underlined important practical concerns that should be overcome to bring smart glasses into mainstream, effective industrial use. Particularly, almost all interviewees believed that poorly designed interfaces for smart glasses may distract workers, yet saw potential in using well-designed AR HWD technology to improve workplace safety and health. This and earlier studies suggest that smart glasses can have important implications for human/task performance as well as workplace safety and health. Future research directions are discussed to promote and accelerate the safe adoption and implementation of AR HWD technologies in the workplace.
{"title":"Augmented Reality “Smart Glasses” in the Workplace: Industry Perspectives and Challenges for Worker Safety and Health","authors":"Sunwook Kim, M. Nussbaum, Joseph L. Gabbard","doi":"10.1080/21577323.2016.1214635","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21577323.2016.1214635","url":null,"abstract":"OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Given advances in augmented reality head-worn display (AR HWD) technologies, “smart glasses” may become an everyday workplace tool in the foreseeable future, allowing workers to perform tasks hands-free while viewing real-time, task-relevant information within their visual field of view. Interviews with experts in several industries (e.g., chemical, medical, manufacturing, distribution) supported such future opportunities for AR HWD development, and underlined important practical concerns that should be overcome to bring smart glasses into mainstream, effective industrial use. Particularly, almost all interviewees believed that poorly designed interfaces for smart glasses may distract workers, yet saw potential in using well-designed AR HWD technology to improve workplace safety and health. This and earlier studies suggest that smart glasses can have important implications for human/task performance as well as workplace safety and health. Future research directions are discussed to promote and accelerate the safe adoption and implementation of AR HWD technologies in the workplace.","PeriodicalId":73331,"journal":{"name":"IIE transactions on occupational ergonomics and human factors","volume":"4 1","pages":"253 - 258"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21577323.2016.1214635","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60126493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-08-02DOI: 10.1080/21577323.2016.1214767
Angela C. Marsalia, T. Ferris, M. Benden, Qi Zheng
OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS We evaluated prototype vibrotactile warning systems for supporting pedestrian awareness of approaching hazards. Mobile devices are used by people on the move for leisure and essential task activities in many work domains. While they can be a source of distraction, they also offer sensing capabilities and computing power that can detect and direct attention to approaching hazards. By presenting vibrations from devices distributed around the body, as if embedded in personal protective equipment, these systems can quickly and intuitively convey the risk of collision with a hazard and its approach direction to guide avoidance maneuvers. Results of a simulator study suggest these vibratory warnings improve response time to and avoidance of true hazards, especially when conducting distracting secondary tasks. Future developments of such systems offer promise for increasing safety for distracted pedestrians, as well as for workers in domains that impose high demand on visual and/or auditory senses. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Mobile devices can be considered essential tools for many daily activities, though there are potential safety risks associated with distraction when hazards are present (e.g., pedestrians near heavily-trafficked roads or workers in industrial settings). Yet, these devices offer onboard sensor and computing capabilities that can be leveraged to improve safety by capturing and guiding attention to approaching hazards. In domains that heavily load vision and audition, vibrotactile cues can reliably support hazard awareness and provide guidance for hazard avoidance. Purpose: We evaluated the effectiveness of prototype vibrotactile warning systems in enhancing recognition of hazards and appropriate avoidance maneuvers. Methods: Participants (n = 27) walked on a treadmill, following a virtual pedestrian path, under varied distracting task conditions. Vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists approached from multiple directions, representing “true” (would result in a collision if not avoided) and “false” hazards. Performance was compared with and without each of two experimental displays that presented directional vibrations via devices affixed to suspenders and to an industrial helmet. Signal detection theory and response time analyses were used to determine how well each display supported detection and avoidance of true hazards under each task condition. Results: Each vibrotactile display (suspenders- or helmet-mounted) significantly improved hazard detection in terms of hit rates and response times. Task conditions that included texting and (to a lesser extent) music negatively impacted performance, but decrements were smaller when vibrotactile displays were used. Although conditions involving the vibrotactile displays did not differ significantly in response times or signal detection theory measures, subjective ratings suggested the suspenders display was more comfortable and preferred overall. Conclusions: Vi
{"title":"Evaluation of Vibrotactile Warning Systems for Supporting Hazard Awareness and Safety of Distracted Pedestrians","authors":"Angela C. Marsalia, T. Ferris, M. Benden, Qi Zheng","doi":"10.1080/21577323.2016.1214767","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21577323.2016.1214767","url":null,"abstract":"OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS We evaluated prototype vibrotactile warning systems for supporting pedestrian awareness of approaching hazards. Mobile devices are used by people on the move for leisure and essential task activities in many work domains. While they can be a source of distraction, they also offer sensing capabilities and computing power that can detect and direct attention to approaching hazards. By presenting vibrations from devices distributed around the body, as if embedded in personal protective equipment, these systems can quickly and intuitively convey the risk of collision with a hazard and its approach direction to guide avoidance maneuvers. Results of a simulator study suggest these vibratory warnings improve response time to and avoidance of true hazards, especially when conducting distracting secondary tasks. Future developments of such systems offer promise for increasing safety for distracted pedestrians, as well as for workers in domains that impose high demand on visual and/or auditory senses. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Mobile devices can be considered essential tools for many daily activities, though there are potential safety risks associated with distraction when hazards are present (e.g., pedestrians near heavily-trafficked roads or workers in industrial settings). Yet, these devices offer onboard sensor and computing capabilities that can be leveraged to improve safety by capturing and guiding attention to approaching hazards. In domains that heavily load vision and audition, vibrotactile cues can reliably support hazard awareness and provide guidance for hazard avoidance. Purpose: We evaluated the effectiveness of prototype vibrotactile warning systems in enhancing recognition of hazards and appropriate avoidance maneuvers. Methods: Participants (n = 27) walked on a treadmill, following a virtual pedestrian path, under varied distracting task conditions. Vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists approached from multiple directions, representing “true” (would result in a collision if not avoided) and “false” hazards. Performance was compared with and without each of two experimental displays that presented directional vibrations via devices affixed to suspenders and to an industrial helmet. Signal detection theory and response time analyses were used to determine how well each display supported detection and avoidance of true hazards under each task condition. Results: Each vibrotactile display (suspenders- or helmet-mounted) significantly improved hazard detection in terms of hit rates and response times. Task conditions that included texting and (to a lesser extent) music negatively impacted performance, but decrements were smaller when vibrotactile displays were used. Although conditions involving the vibrotactile displays did not differ significantly in response times or signal detection theory measures, subjective ratings suggested the suspenders display was more comfortable and preferred overall. Conclusions: Vi","PeriodicalId":73331,"journal":{"name":"IIE transactions on occupational ergonomics and human factors","volume":"4 1","pages":"222 - 235"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21577323.2016.1214767","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60126657","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-07-07DOI: 10.1080/21577323.2016.1200162
M. Obeidat, M. Rys, Juan Du, H. Alshraideh
OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATION Roadway guide signs provide directional and mileage information to specific destinations. These signs are produced by combining different types of retroreflective sheeting materials along with different font types. Some sheeting-font combinations increase nighttime visibility to drivers, while other combinations do not. We compared two types of sheeting materials along with two font types. A field experiment was conducted at night, in the presence of glare from an oncoming vehicle's low beam headlights. A cost comparison was also performed. The most cost-effective sheeting-font combination was type XI sheeting and ClearviewHwy™ font. These results may be useful for Departments of Transportation to increase legibility distance and the visibility of shoulder-mounted guide signs for drivers, and consequently help increase roadway safety. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Driver safety remains an important issue, and improving roadway guide sign visibility is an important step in increasing safety on roadways and thus reducing crashes. Currently, two types of retroreflective sheeting materials (type IV and type XI) and either Series E (Modified) or ClearviewHwy font types are used for signs in the United States. Glare from an oncoming vehicle's low beam headlights, however, can create visual difficulty for drivers at night. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of two retroreflective sheeting materials and two font types, for use on shoulder-mounted guide signs (i.e., mounted on the shoulder of a roadway) in the presence of glare. Methods: Four sheeting-font combinations, involving type IV and type XI sheeting materials and Series E (Modified) and ClearviewHwy fonts were compared in a field experiment. Participants were asked to read the legend of four signs during nighttime driving, in the presence of glare from an oncoming low beam headlight vehicle. The legibility distance at which the participant read the sign was recorded as the dependent variable. A cost comparison was also performed for the four signs. Results: Type XI sheeting combined with ClearviewHwy font provided the maximum legibility distance. The cost analysis showed that type XI was less expensive over a 60-year timeframe (∼9.3% lower) versus type IV. Conclusions: Use of type XI sheeting and ClearviewHwy font is recommended for shoulder-mounted roadway signs to enhance legibility. However, future work is needed to verify these results under more general conditions and with a broader range of participants.
{"title":"Selecting the Optimal Sheeting-Font Combination to Increase the Visibility of Roadway Guide Signs in the Presence of Glare","authors":"M. Obeidat, M. Rys, Juan Du, H. Alshraideh","doi":"10.1080/21577323.2016.1200162","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21577323.2016.1200162","url":null,"abstract":"OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATION Roadway guide signs provide directional and mileage information to specific destinations. These signs are produced by combining different types of retroreflective sheeting materials along with different font types. Some sheeting-font combinations increase nighttime visibility to drivers, while other combinations do not. We compared two types of sheeting materials along with two font types. A field experiment was conducted at night, in the presence of glare from an oncoming vehicle's low beam headlights. A cost comparison was also performed. The most cost-effective sheeting-font combination was type XI sheeting and ClearviewHwy™ font. These results may be useful for Departments of Transportation to increase legibility distance and the visibility of shoulder-mounted guide signs for drivers, and consequently help increase roadway safety. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Driver safety remains an important issue, and improving roadway guide sign visibility is an important step in increasing safety on roadways and thus reducing crashes. Currently, two types of retroreflective sheeting materials (type IV and type XI) and either Series E (Modified) or ClearviewHwy font types are used for signs in the United States. Glare from an oncoming vehicle's low beam headlights, however, can create visual difficulty for drivers at night. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of two retroreflective sheeting materials and two font types, for use on shoulder-mounted guide signs (i.e., mounted on the shoulder of a roadway) in the presence of glare. Methods: Four sheeting-font combinations, involving type IV and type XI sheeting materials and Series E (Modified) and ClearviewHwy fonts were compared in a field experiment. Participants were asked to read the legend of four signs during nighttime driving, in the presence of glare from an oncoming low beam headlight vehicle. The legibility distance at which the participant read the sign was recorded as the dependent variable. A cost comparison was also performed for the four signs. Results: Type XI sheeting combined with ClearviewHwy font provided the maximum legibility distance. The cost analysis showed that type XI was less expensive over a 60-year timeframe (∼9.3% lower) versus type IV. Conclusions: Use of type XI sheeting and ClearviewHwy font is recommended for shoulder-mounted roadway signs to enhance legibility. However, future work is needed to verify these results under more general conditions and with a broader range of participants.","PeriodicalId":73331,"journal":{"name":"IIE transactions on occupational ergonomics and human factors","volume":"4 1","pages":"247 - 252"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21577323.2016.1200162","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60126174","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-07-02DOI: 10.1080/21577323.2016.1191560
Lin Cheng, H. Ayaz, Junfeng Sun, S. Tong, B. Onaral
OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Our results illustrate the enhanced functional connectivity between motor-related brain regions and high-level cognitive brain regions during the transition period between rest and hand movements. These results suggest that the sensorimotor network is interacting with prefrontal areas during the transition period to maintain the preparation state. Both actual movement and the transition period without actual movement modulate brain activities. Capturing the detailed relationship of movement intention could be utilized to improve precision and latency of anticipation-based brain–computer interfaces. Furthermore, consistent with the neuroergonomic approach, this study demonstrates that functional near-infrared spectroscopy is a suitable tool for region-specific, task-related, and resting-state functional connectivity analysis. Our findings could enhance the development of more intuitive and natural interfaces between human and machine systems in diverse areas. The approach presented here could help create assistive devices that perceive and predict operators' intention of movements. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Introduction: Traditional and new generations of neuroimaging techniques allow observing the modulation of brain activities during transition periods between rest and physical movement execution. A thorough understanding of the brain activity and functional connectivity changes during these transitions could contribute to increasing the precision and decreasing the latency of anticipation-based brain–computer interfaces, and improving human-system integration in general. Consistent with the neuroergonomic approach, functional near-infrared spectroscopy can monitor the outer cortex during extensive physical movement and in realistic settings using wearable and portable sensors. Methods: In this study, 19 healthy subjects were monitored with functional near-infrared spectroscopy during rest, a fist opening and closing task, and the transition period preceding the task. Functional connectivity analysis was used to evaluate how the transition period preceding the task modulated the brain activities. Results: There were several increases in functional connectivity during the transition period, especially between the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the contralateral primary somatosensory and primary motor cortices, as well as the functional connectivity connecting the contralateral primary somatosensory cortex with the ipsilateral primary somatosensory cortex and the primary motor cortex. Regions located in the sensorimotor networks and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex were also found to be activated during the transition period. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the sensorimotor network is interacting with the high-level cognitive brain network during the transition period to maintain the preparation state. Furthermore, functional near-infrared spectroscopy is an emerging tool well-suited for region specific
{"title":"Modulation of Functional Connectivity and Activation during Preparation for Hand Movement","authors":"Lin Cheng, H. Ayaz, Junfeng Sun, S. Tong, B. Onaral","doi":"10.1080/21577323.2016.1191560","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21577323.2016.1191560","url":null,"abstract":"OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Our results illustrate the enhanced functional connectivity between motor-related brain regions and high-level cognitive brain regions during the transition period between rest and hand movements. These results suggest that the sensorimotor network is interacting with prefrontal areas during the transition period to maintain the preparation state. Both actual movement and the transition period without actual movement modulate brain activities. Capturing the detailed relationship of movement intention could be utilized to improve precision and latency of anticipation-based brain–computer interfaces. Furthermore, consistent with the neuroergonomic approach, this study demonstrates that functional near-infrared spectroscopy is a suitable tool for region-specific, task-related, and resting-state functional connectivity analysis. Our findings could enhance the development of more intuitive and natural interfaces between human and machine systems in diverse areas. The approach presented here could help create assistive devices that perceive and predict operators' intention of movements. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Introduction: Traditional and new generations of neuroimaging techniques allow observing the modulation of brain activities during transition periods between rest and physical movement execution. A thorough understanding of the brain activity and functional connectivity changes during these transitions could contribute to increasing the precision and decreasing the latency of anticipation-based brain–computer interfaces, and improving human-system integration in general. Consistent with the neuroergonomic approach, functional near-infrared spectroscopy can monitor the outer cortex during extensive physical movement and in realistic settings using wearable and portable sensors. Methods: In this study, 19 healthy subjects were monitored with functional near-infrared spectroscopy during rest, a fist opening and closing task, and the transition period preceding the task. Functional connectivity analysis was used to evaluate how the transition period preceding the task modulated the brain activities. Results: There were several increases in functional connectivity during the transition period, especially between the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the contralateral primary somatosensory and primary motor cortices, as well as the functional connectivity connecting the contralateral primary somatosensory cortex with the ipsilateral primary somatosensory cortex and the primary motor cortex. Regions located in the sensorimotor networks and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex were also found to be activated during the transition period. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the sensorimotor network is interacting with the high-level cognitive brain network during the transition period to maintain the preparation state. Furthermore, functional near-infrared spectroscopy is an emerging tool well-suited for region specific","PeriodicalId":73331,"journal":{"name":"IIE transactions on occupational ergonomics and human factors","volume":"4 1","pages":"175 - 187"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21577323.2016.1191560","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60126100","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-07-01DOI: 10.1080/21577323.2016.1183534
Gregory A. Garrett, M. Benden, Ranjana K. Mehta, A. Pickens, S. Peres, Hongwei Zhao
OCCUPATIONAL ABSTRACT Stand-capable desks have been shown to successfully reduce sedentary behavior in the modern office, but whether their utilization improves cognitive productivity is not known. We compared productivity between stand-capable desk users and traditional seated desk users in a call center environment. Data were collected daily over a continuous 6-month period. We found that increased stand-capable desk use is a likely contributor to increased productivity over traditional seated desk use. These findings indicate that use of stand-capable desks as ergonomic interventions to improve physical health among employees may also positively impact their work productivity. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Many office employees are spending up to 90% of their workday seated, and employers are considering stand-capable desks as a way to increase physical activity throughout the day. When deciding on adoption of stand-capable workstations, a major concern for employers is that the benefits, over time, may not offset the initial cost of implementation. Methods: This study compared objective measures of productivity over time between a group of stand-capable desk users and a seated control group in a call center. Comparison analysis was completed for continuous 6-month secondary data for 167 employees, across two job categories. Results: Users of stand-capable desks were ∼45% more productive on a daily basis compared to their seated counterparts. Further, productivity of the stand-capable desk users significantly increased over time, from ∼23% in the 1st month to ∼53% over the next 6 months. Finally, this productivity increase was similar for employees across both job categories. Conclusions: These findings suggest important benefits of employing stand-capable desks in the work force to increase productivity. Prospective studies that include employee health status, perceptions of (dis)comfort and preference over time, along with productivity metrics, are needed to test the effectiveness of stand-capable desks on employee health and performance.
{"title":"Call Center Productivity Over 6 Months Following a Standing Desk Intervention","authors":"Gregory A. Garrett, M. Benden, Ranjana K. Mehta, A. Pickens, S. Peres, Hongwei Zhao","doi":"10.1080/21577323.2016.1183534","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21577323.2016.1183534","url":null,"abstract":"OCCUPATIONAL ABSTRACT Stand-capable desks have been shown to successfully reduce sedentary behavior in the modern office, but whether their utilization improves cognitive productivity is not known. We compared productivity between stand-capable desk users and traditional seated desk users in a call center environment. Data were collected daily over a continuous 6-month period. We found that increased stand-capable desk use is a likely contributor to increased productivity over traditional seated desk use. These findings indicate that use of stand-capable desks as ergonomic interventions to improve physical health among employees may also positively impact their work productivity. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Many office employees are spending up to 90% of their workday seated, and employers are considering stand-capable desks as a way to increase physical activity throughout the day. When deciding on adoption of stand-capable workstations, a major concern for employers is that the benefits, over time, may not offset the initial cost of implementation. Methods: This study compared objective measures of productivity over time between a group of stand-capable desk users and a seated control group in a call center. Comparison analysis was completed for continuous 6-month secondary data for 167 employees, across two job categories. Results: Users of stand-capable desks were ∼45% more productive on a daily basis compared to their seated counterparts. Further, productivity of the stand-capable desk users significantly increased over time, from ∼23% in the 1st month to ∼53% over the next 6 months. Finally, this productivity increase was similar for employees across both job categories. Conclusions: These findings suggest important benefits of employing stand-capable desks in the work force to increase productivity. Prospective studies that include employee health status, perceptions of (dis)comfort and preference over time, along with productivity metrics, are needed to test the effectiveness of stand-capable desks on employee health and performance.","PeriodicalId":73331,"journal":{"name":"IIE transactions on occupational ergonomics and human factors","volume":"4 1","pages":"188 - 195"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21577323.2016.1183534","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60125816","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-06-29DOI: 10.1080/21577323.2016.1198732
Christina R. Garman, M. Nussbaum, C. Franck, M. Madigan
OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS A higher percentage of young adults with a higher body mass index (BMI) fell after a laboratory-induced trip compared to young adults with a lower BMI, although this difference did not reach statistical significance. Young adults with a higher BMI also exhibited a kinematic response to the trip that was less favorable than adults with a lower BMI. This study provides preliminary evidence that obesity may increase the risk of falls after tripping among young obese workers, and that this increased risk may be due to a less favorable balance recovery response after tripping. Additional larger scale studies are needed to better understand contributing and modifiable factors that can be targeted via intervention or other fall prevention strategies. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Obese adults are reported to fall at a higher rate than non-obese adults. Purpose: To help determine the reason for this higher fall rate, we quantified fall rates, kinematics at trip onset, and kinematics during the response to a laboratory-induced trip among two groups of young adults with higher and lower body mass indexes (BMI) that approximated obese and healthy-weight ranges. Our focus was on young adults given that they comprise a substantial portion of the workforce. Methods: Twenty-one young adult subjects, including 10 with a lower BMI (19.4–25.7 kg/m2) and 11 with a higher BMI (29.8–42.9 kg/m2), walked along a 10 m walkway at a purposeful speed. During a randomly selected walking trial, an obstacle was raised to elicit a trip. Results: Among the 19 subjects who unambiguously fell or recovered, 30% of subjects with higher BMI fell and 0% of lower BMI subjects fell, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. Among the 15 subjects who used an elevating strategy, all recovered balance, and the only kinematic response variable that differed between BMI groups was that recovery step time was longer among the higher BMI group. Among the four subjects who used a lowering strategy, no statistical analysis was possible due to a small number of subjects, but several measures were consistent with a less favorable kinematic response among the three higher BMI fallers compared to the one lower BMI subject who recovered. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence that obesity may adversely influence fall rate and recovery kinematics after tripping among young adults. Additional larger scale studies are needed to better understand contributing and modifiable factors that can be targeted via intervention.
{"title":"A Pilot Study Exploring Obesity-Related Differences in Fall Rate and Kinematic Response Resulting From a Laboratory-Induced Trip","authors":"Christina R. Garman, M. Nussbaum, C. Franck, M. Madigan","doi":"10.1080/21577323.2016.1198732","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21577323.2016.1198732","url":null,"abstract":"OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS A higher percentage of young adults with a higher body mass index (BMI) fell after a laboratory-induced trip compared to young adults with a lower BMI, although this difference did not reach statistical significance. Young adults with a higher BMI also exhibited a kinematic response to the trip that was less favorable than adults with a lower BMI. This study provides preliminary evidence that obesity may increase the risk of falls after tripping among young obese workers, and that this increased risk may be due to a less favorable balance recovery response after tripping. Additional larger scale studies are needed to better understand contributing and modifiable factors that can be targeted via intervention or other fall prevention strategies. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Obese adults are reported to fall at a higher rate than non-obese adults. Purpose: To help determine the reason for this higher fall rate, we quantified fall rates, kinematics at trip onset, and kinematics during the response to a laboratory-induced trip among two groups of young adults with higher and lower body mass indexes (BMI) that approximated obese and healthy-weight ranges. Our focus was on young adults given that they comprise a substantial portion of the workforce. Methods: Twenty-one young adult subjects, including 10 with a lower BMI (19.4–25.7 kg/m2) and 11 with a higher BMI (29.8–42.9 kg/m2), walked along a 10 m walkway at a purposeful speed. During a randomly selected walking trial, an obstacle was raised to elicit a trip. Results: Among the 19 subjects who unambiguously fell or recovered, 30% of subjects with higher BMI fell and 0% of lower BMI subjects fell, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. Among the 15 subjects who used an elevating strategy, all recovered balance, and the only kinematic response variable that differed between BMI groups was that recovery step time was longer among the higher BMI group. Among the four subjects who used a lowering strategy, no statistical analysis was possible due to a small number of subjects, but several measures were consistent with a less favorable kinematic response among the three higher BMI fallers compared to the one lower BMI subject who recovered. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence that obesity may adversely influence fall rate and recovery kinematics after tripping among young adults. Additional larger scale studies are needed to better understand contributing and modifiable factors that can be targeted via intervention.","PeriodicalId":73331,"journal":{"name":"IIE transactions on occupational ergonomics and human factors","volume":"4 1","pages":"211 - 221"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21577323.2016.1198732","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60126360","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-06-29DOI: 10.1080/21577323.2016.1207475
Ranjana K. Mehta
Ranjana K. Mehta Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M University, 1266 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA The field of human factors and ergonomics (HF/E), since its inception, has been instrumental in developing methods, tools, and solutions when considering cognitive and physical systems independently. However, every human action is orchestrated by mind (and brain) and body interactions. To comprehensively understand how humans (from the neck up and down) interact with their environments, it is necessary to employ approaches that effectively identify, assess, and facilitate development of controls and remedial measures that address these mind-body interactions. The study of physical ergonomics is concerned with human anatomic, anthropometric, physiological, and biomechanical characteristics as they relate to physical work systems. The study of cognitive human factors is concerned with mental processes, such as perception, memory, reasoning, and motor response, as they affect interactions among humans and other elements of a system. Most work systems involve some level of mental or cognitive processing in addition to physical efforts, so that ideally physical and cognitive demands should be considered together when examining human behavior at work. High cognitive demands can influence physical capabilities, and physical demands can influence cognitive processing. So, while HF/E is a highly multidisciplinary field that considers humans relative to some aspect of their work environment, efforts are needed to integrate physical and cognitive subsystems during evaluation and (re)design when considering the human in the context of the work situation. The goal of this special issue is to contribute to the growing body of scientific literature on integrating physical and cognitive ergonomics that brings researchers closer as an interdisciplinary HF/E field. The breadth of topics covered includes studies that focus on quantifying human behavior when interacting with physical and cognitive subsystems, applied research that proposes predictive tools to assess multidimensional work demands, theoretical positions and new methodologies that challenge how we currently examine these interactions, and finally, evidence that highlights business outcomes of the interplay between physical and cognitive processes. Mental workload, fatigue, and stress, stemming from an overloaded cognitive subsystem, have been shown consistently to affect several aspects of human physical capabilities. For example, cognitive distractors and social stress can alter biomechanical strategies during controlled processes such as upper extremity and low back exertions ( Marras, Davis, Heaney, Maronitis, & Allread, 2000; Mehta & Agnew, 2011; Mehta, Nussbaum, & Agnew, 2012) as Corresponding author. E-mail: rmehta@tamu.edu
{"title":"Integrating Physical and Cognitive Ergonomics","authors":"Ranjana K. Mehta","doi":"10.1080/21577323.2016.1207475","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21577323.2016.1207475","url":null,"abstract":"Ranjana K. Mehta Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M University, 1266 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA The field of human factors and ergonomics (HF/E), since its inception, has been instrumental in developing methods, tools, and solutions when considering cognitive and physical systems independently. However, every human action is orchestrated by mind (and brain) and body interactions. To comprehensively understand how humans (from the neck up and down) interact with their environments, it is necessary to employ approaches that effectively identify, assess, and facilitate development of controls and remedial measures that address these mind-body interactions. The study of physical ergonomics is concerned with human anatomic, anthropometric, physiological, and biomechanical characteristics as they relate to physical work systems. The study of cognitive human factors is concerned with mental processes, such as perception, memory, reasoning, and motor response, as they affect interactions among humans and other elements of a system. Most work systems involve some level of mental or cognitive processing in addition to physical efforts, so that ideally physical and cognitive demands should be considered together when examining human behavior at work. High cognitive demands can influence physical capabilities, and physical demands can influence cognitive processing. So, while HF/E is a highly multidisciplinary field that considers humans relative to some aspect of their work environment, efforts are needed to integrate physical and cognitive subsystems during evaluation and (re)design when considering the human in the context of the work situation. The goal of this special issue is to contribute to the growing body of scientific literature on integrating physical and cognitive ergonomics that brings researchers closer as an interdisciplinary HF/E field. The breadth of topics covered includes studies that focus on quantifying human behavior when interacting with physical and cognitive subsystems, applied research that proposes predictive tools to assess multidimensional work demands, theoretical positions and new methodologies that challenge how we currently examine these interactions, and finally, evidence that highlights business outcomes of the interplay between physical and cognitive processes. Mental workload, fatigue, and stress, stemming from an overloaded cognitive subsystem, have been shown consistently to affect several aspects of human physical capabilities. For example, cognitive distractors and social stress can alter biomechanical strategies during controlled processes such as upper extremity and low back exertions ( Marras, Davis, Heaney, Maronitis, & Allread, 2000; Mehta & Agnew, 2011; Mehta, Nussbaum, & Agnew, 2012) as Corresponding author. E-mail: rmehta@tamu.edu","PeriodicalId":73331,"journal":{"name":"IIE transactions on occupational ergonomics and human factors","volume":"4 1","pages":"83 - 87"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21577323.2016.1207475","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60126818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-06-21DOI: 10.1080/21577323.2016.1194912
T. Patel, J. Sanjog, Abhirup Chatterjee, S. Karmakar
OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Integrated applications of ergonomics and human factors are crucial for designers of agricultural tools and equipment, to improve performance and to enhance safety and productivity. Tools and equipment that do not fit properly with a user's physical characteristics can cause discomfort and fatigue, and may result in low productivity and a higher incidence of accidents/injuries. For workers in the northeastern region of India, it is often not possible to manufacture or adapt user-compatible tools and equipment due to the limited availability of anthropometric and biomechanical data. The anthropometric database developed here is intended to address this lack of information and to assist in the development of anthropometrically compatible tools and equipment for the Assamese population (residents of “Assam,” a state from the northeast region of India). Statistical analyses (principal component and regression analysis) are also reported to help in identifying key anthropometric characteristics to be measured to derive other pertinent anthropometric variables. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Well-being, efficiency, and productivity of workers can depend substantially on the tools and equipment that they use. To enhance these, along with comfort and safety, tools and equipment should be compatible with the anthropometric characteristics of the intended user. Although anthropometric data are essential for effective equipment design, there is often little published anthropometric data for a given target population, and this is specifically the case for male Assamese agricultural workers. Purpose: To develop an anthropometric database (n = 130) of male agricultural workers within the “Kamrup” district of Assam. Collected data were compared with national and international databases to justify the need to develop local and regional databases. Method: Following a pilot study involving 20 participants, to evaluate the reliability of the anthropometric measurements, the main field study was conducted on 130 male agricultural workers (age range: 17 to 62 years) for a set of 26 body dimensions (along with age and body mass). Results: Mean (standard deviation) of age, stature, and body mass were 37.3 (11.7) years, 1,627.5 (45.9) mm and 55.2 (7.0) kg, respectively. Following principal component analysis of 25 anthropometric variables, six variables were representative of six principal components/factors. Linear regression analysis was used to predict some pertinent body dimensions. Some significant differences were found when comparing the current anthropometric data with databases from other zones of India (Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western, Central, and Northeast) and with male anthropometric data of other countries. Conclusions: Differences in anthropometric data within and between countries indicate that simple adoption of agricultural tools and equipment from specific regions might lead to occupational health hazards in the target
{"title":"Statistical Interpretation of Collected Anthropometric Data of Agricultural Workers From Northeast India and Comparison With National and International Databases","authors":"T. Patel, J. Sanjog, Abhirup Chatterjee, S. Karmakar","doi":"10.1080/21577323.2016.1194912","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/21577323.2016.1194912","url":null,"abstract":"OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Integrated applications of ergonomics and human factors are crucial for designers of agricultural tools and equipment, to improve performance and to enhance safety and productivity. Tools and equipment that do not fit properly with a user's physical characteristics can cause discomfort and fatigue, and may result in low productivity and a higher incidence of accidents/injuries. For workers in the northeastern region of India, it is often not possible to manufacture or adapt user-compatible tools and equipment due to the limited availability of anthropometric and biomechanical data. The anthropometric database developed here is intended to address this lack of information and to assist in the development of anthropometrically compatible tools and equipment for the Assamese population (residents of “Assam,” a state from the northeast region of India). Statistical analyses (principal component and regression analysis) are also reported to help in identifying key anthropometric characteristics to be measured to derive other pertinent anthropometric variables. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Well-being, efficiency, and productivity of workers can depend substantially on the tools and equipment that they use. To enhance these, along with comfort and safety, tools and equipment should be compatible with the anthropometric characteristics of the intended user. Although anthropometric data are essential for effective equipment design, there is often little published anthropometric data for a given target population, and this is specifically the case for male Assamese agricultural workers. Purpose: To develop an anthropometric database (n = 130) of male agricultural workers within the “Kamrup” district of Assam. Collected data were compared with national and international databases to justify the need to develop local and regional databases. Method: Following a pilot study involving 20 participants, to evaluate the reliability of the anthropometric measurements, the main field study was conducted on 130 male agricultural workers (age range: 17 to 62 years) for a set of 26 body dimensions (along with age and body mass). Results: Mean (standard deviation) of age, stature, and body mass were 37.3 (11.7) years, 1,627.5 (45.9) mm and 55.2 (7.0) kg, respectively. Following principal component analysis of 25 anthropometric variables, six variables were representative of six principal components/factors. Linear regression analysis was used to predict some pertinent body dimensions. Some significant differences were found when comparing the current anthropometric data with databases from other zones of India (Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western, Central, and Northeast) and with male anthropometric data of other countries. Conclusions: Differences in anthropometric data within and between countries indicate that simple adoption of agricultural tools and equipment from specific regions might lead to occupational health hazards in the target ","PeriodicalId":73331,"journal":{"name":"IIE transactions on occupational ergonomics and human factors","volume":"52 1","pages":"197 - 210"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/21577323.2016.1194912","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60126219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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