The prolonged standing posture during work affects the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders of the lower limbs, especially in lack of alternative sitting. While different ergonomic tools are ...available to assess and manage the postural risk of the back and the upper limbs, there is a dearth of methods relative to the lower limbs.
The aim of this study is to assess the postural risk of sales assistants working in a prolonged standing posture, focusing on critical issues for the lower limbs.
and criteria: 70 sales assistants employed among 9 apparel stores in northern Italy participated in the study. An observational approach was adopted, together with the application of standard ergonomic tools (Rula, Reba, Strain Index, Ocra) to assess the postural risk. Estimates of energy expenditure and movement's patterns were obtained through continuous monitoring with the Sense Wear Armband. Discomfort of the lower limbs was subjectively rated on the Borg's Cr-10 scale at the end of the work shift. The leg circumference was measured on each worker at intervals along the work shift.
The work of sales assistants in the apparel retail sector is characterized by the prolonged standing posture which accounts for more than 80% of the work shift duration; alternation with walking phases occurs according to assigned tasks and work organization.
Activities of the upper limbs and occasional adopted awkward postures are observed, with the postural indexes varying between medium-high level of risk. The average distance walked during the work shift is 3,4 km. The musculoskeletal discomfort of the lower limbs reaches a medium-high intensity (CR 4–5) in 75% of the workers at the end of the work shift. Small but significant variations in the leg circumference were detected between beginning-end of the work shift (increase) and between beginning-end of the break interval (decrease).
Our data suggest that an indefinite level of risk of developing discomfort and musculoskeletal disorders of the lower limbs is real in sales assistants who work in a prolonged standing posture. The lack of specific assessment tool and of preventive measures could aggravate the exposure level.
•The sales assistants’ work is characterized by the prolonged standing posture for more than 80% of the work shift duration.•The discomfort of the lower limbs reaches a medium-high intensity in 75% of the workers at the end of the work shift.•Leg circumference significantly increased between beginning-end of the work shift and decreased during the break interval.•Prolonged fixed postures without proper rest could long-term lead to major pathologies affecting the lower limbs.
Many activities may elicit a biomechanical overload. Among these, lifting loads can cause work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Aspiring to improve risk prevention, the National Institute for ...Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) established a methodology for assessing lifting actions by means of a quantitative method based on intensity, duration, frequency and other geometrical characteristics of lifting. In this paper, we explored the machine learning (ML) feasibility to classify biomechanical risk according to the revised NIOSH lifting equation. Acceleration and angular velocity signals were collected using a wearable sensor during lifting tasks performed by seven subjects and further segmented to extract time-domain features: root mean square, minimum, maximum and standard deviation. The features were fed to several ML algorithms. Interesting results were obtained in terms of evaluation metrics for a binary risk/no-risk classification; specifically, the tree-based algorithms reached accuracies greater than 90% and Area under the Receiver operating curve characteristics curves greater than 0.9. In conclusion, this study indicates the proposed combination of features and algorithms represents a valuable approach to automatically classify work activities in two NIOSH risk groups. These data confirm the potential of this methodology to assess the biomechanical risk to which subjects are exposed during their work activity.
This paper presents a new wearable e-textile based system, named SWEET Sock, for biomedical signals remote monitoring. The system includes a textile sensing sock, an electronic unit for data ...transmission, a custom-made Android application for real-time signal visualization, and a software desktop for advanced digital signal processing. The device allows the acquisition of angular velocities of the lower limbs and plantar pressure signals, which are postprocessed to have a complete and schematic overview of patient's clinical status, regarding gait and postural assessment. In this work, device performances are validated by evaluating the agreement between the prototype and an optoelectronic system for gait analysis on a set of free walk acquisitions. Results show good agreement between the systems in the assessment of gait cycle time and cadence, while the presence of systematic and proportional errors are pointed out for swing and stance time parameters. Worse results were obtained in the comparison of spatial metrics. The "wearability" of the system and its comfortable use make it suitable to be used in domestic environment for the continuous remote health monitoring of de-hospitalized patients but also in the ergonomic assessment of health workers, thanks to its low invasiveness.
This study investigates the biomechanical impact of a passive Arm-Support Exoskeleton (ASE) on workers in wool textile processing. Eight workers, equipped with surface electrodes for electromyography ...(EMG) recording, performed three industrial tasks, with and without the exoskeleton. All tasks were performed in an upright stance involving repetitive upper limbs actions and overhead work, each presenting different physical demands in terms of cycle duration, load handling and percentage of cycle time with shoulder flexion over 80°. The use of ASE consistently lowered muscle activity in the anterior and medial deltoid compared to the free condition (reduction in signal Root Mean Square (RMS) -21.6% and -13.6%, respectively), while no difference was found for the Erector Spinae Longissimus (ESL) muscle. All workers reported complete satisfaction with the ASE effectiveness as rated on Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST), and 62% of the subjects rated the usability score as very high (>80 System Usability Scale (SUS)). The reduction in shoulder flexor muscle activity during the performance of industrial tasks is not correlated to the level of ergonomic risk involved. This preliminary study affirms the potential adoption of ASE as support for repetitive activities in wool textile processing, emphasizing its efficacy in reducing shoulder muscle activity. Positive worker acceptance and intention to use ASE supports its broader adoption as a preventive tool in the occupational sector.
The objective was to determine the impact of a 1-year mixed strength-training programme on muscle function, functional ability, physical activity and life style. Twice-a-week hospital-based exercise ...classes and a once-a-week home session were conducted. Nineteen healthy community-dwelling training (T) men (76.6 +/- 3.1 years), 19 women (77.5 +/- 4.0 years) and 20 matched controls (C) participated in this study. Training was given with a two multi-gym machines for the lower limbs (Sitting calf and Leg press, TECHNOGYM, Italy) at 60% of the repetition maximum (1 RM) and at home it was with elastic bands. The following were the measurements made: muscle function-maximum isometric strength of the knee extensors (KE) and ankle plantar flexors (PF) measured with a Cybex Norm dynamometer, leg extensor power (LEP) with the Nottingham Power Rig; functional abilities-functional reach, chair rise, bed rise, 6-min walking test, stair climbing, get up and go, one-leg standing; physical activity-aerobic activities over 3 MET intensity (AA3), intensity classes; life-style-mean daily energy expenditure (MDEE). Significant gains in muscle function and functional abilities in both training females and males were observed, but females improved significantly more than males. Males (T + C) showed higher AA3 times than females (T + C) (P = 0.02), with females significantly more involved in light-intensity activities. We observed a 60% increase (t = 2.45) in AA3 time in T, but no increase in C. Trained males increased Class 2 physical activity time by 146% (t = 2.82) and trained females by 16% (t = 2.23). MDEE increased by 10% (t=2.62) in trained males. Our long-term mixed programme can improve muscle function and functional abilities in elderly females and functional abilities in males. It can positively affect the amount of habitual physical activity and the life-style of males and females over 75.
Exposure to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is a prevalent risk among those working in the maintenance of machinery and equipment for industry. Participatory ergonomics (PE) in the workplace ...embodies a solid strategy for the implementation of MSD prevention programs. This practical case describes a PE project implemented to improve MSD prevention strategies for the safety of maintenance workers. Experienced workers and maintenance workers employed in an Italian company for the industrial processing of wool have been actively involved in the risk assessment, in the proposal of improvement interventions and in the proposal of new preventive strategies. Ergonomic training and guidance helped the workers to have a proactive role in the prevention process. PE can help in the preventive management of critical activities of maintenance, through the empowerment of workers, the identification of targeted and feasible solutions and by using ergonomics as a basis for improving health and safety at work.
Rehabilitation based on Exergame is showing a rapid evolution, with interesting applications for the recovery of mobility, balance, postural control, coordination and fine motor skills, and including ...home-based training. At present, there are no precise indications for Exergamebased rehabilitation of people over 55 affected by stroke, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis. This review examines the proposed modalities and the effectiveness of Exergame-based rehabilitation interventions for adults over 55 with stroke, Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis, highlighting the limitations, advantages, controversies and impact of this approach. We examined randomized controlled trials published between 2016-2020, with search in the databases of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, RehabData, selecting 24 studies. The study of patients with chronic or subacute stroke in outpatient treatment, and with small sample sizes, prevails. Wide variability characterizes the rehabilitation methods, the technological platforms used, the type and dose of exercise administered, the outcome measures. The adequacy and efficacy of Exergames remains uncertain in the neurological elderly, and the functional improvement in the neurological adult patient is not yet attested using this type of approach.
The working posture is part of the risk factors for the development of muscle-skeletal disorders. Compared to postural problems of the trunk and upper limbs, those related to the lower limbs have ...been so far undervalued in the context of preventive medicine and ergonomics. The risk assessment tools for the lower limbs posture are inhomogeneous and incomplete. The classification of postures, the quantification of the risk, the correlation with organizational and individual aspects, and interventions for the prevention and management of the risk are aspects yet to be explored.
Industrial wool textile production exposes workers mainly to the biomechanical loading of the shoulder joint. In this work context, which is characterized by poor machine ergonomics, exposure to ...biomechanical risk factors, and variable work organization, exoskeletons could facilitate work processes or could be a valuable means to protect workers from overuse injuries. Field evaluation is essential to verify the suitability of specific devices and their acceptance by users. As part of a pilot study, we examined the short-term subjective effects of a passive Arm-Support Exoskeleton (ASE) on workers performing repetitive overhead tasks. In a textile factory, eight workers participated in the study, answering questionnaires after carrying out a work session with (ASE) and without an exoskeleton (FREE). Participants had been using the Paexo exoskeleton for 4.2±5.8 months (min 0–max 12). Subjective evaluations were collected regarding the workload (NASA-TLX) and relief (Borg’s CR10 scale) obtained from the use of the exoskeleton, satisfaction (Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST)), usability (System Usability Scale (SUS)), and opinions on the ergonomics of the device (Ergonomics questionnaire). Workers reported a high workload (NASA 7.2±1.0) and assessed a 46% reduction in effort on the CR10 in ASE conditions compared to FREE. They expressed high satisfaction with most characteristics of the ASE (100% satisfied with durability and effectiveness), high level of usability (62% of scores above 80, out of a maximum score of 100), and ergonomics of the device (88±12, out of a maximum score of 110). In addition to the objective effects (electromyography (EMG) reduction) already demonstrated in a previous publication, these qualitative results demonstrate a positive perception by textile workers regarding the effectiveness, usability, and suitability of the exoskeleton. The adoption of ASE in the textile industry appears beneficial in the short term, but the impact associated with individual variables and long-term effects remains to be explored.
Work preservation is a main goal in the rehabilitation of chronic disabling diseases. We describe the application of an interdisciplinary protocol, involving the occupational physician, the ...occupational therapist and the ergonomist, in the case of a 50 year-old office worker with idiopathic cervical dystonia, a movement disorder that can seriously impair work capability.
The disease was diagnosed at age 25, and subsequently worsened. The man presented postural difficulties and pain. The symptomatology worsened during working shifts, preventing him from doing his job properly. Functional evaluation and ergonomic inspection of the office environment led to the correction of evident critical inadequacies. This allowed the patient to continue working in correct conditions, resulting in improvement of his global health status.
The interdisciplinary rehabilitative approach here described may allow subjects with idiopathic cervical dystonia to keep their jobs by adapting the workplace to the changed physical capabilities.
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