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The aims of this study were to use the operant supervisory taxonomy index (OSTI) with self-recorded videos: 1) to assess three crucial supervisory behaviours at recurrent workplace meetings; 2) to assess an intervention to increase supervisors' use of performance consequences; 3) to demonstrate how using OSTI with video for studying supervisor-employee interactions contributes to the field of human factors and ergonomics. Eight supervisors at a technical company video-recorded themselves at standardised daily staff meetings for ten weeks (360 videos, in total). All supervisors increased their delivery of performance consequences per meeting after participating in weekly sessions focusing on their use of this behaviour. The use of the crucial supervisory behaviours varied within and between supervisors. A combination of self-recorded videos over time and OSTI is a useful method for objectively analysing supervisor performance in detail and can contribute to improving supervisory behaviours and their impact on performance and health., QC 20240705

Objectives: The objective of this study was to detect success and failure factors for the implementation of passive exoskeletons in agriculture. Exoskeletons have been shown to reduce musculoskeletal loads during lab-based manual tasks, but long-term implementation experiences in agriculture are lacking. Methods: We analyzed four intervention studies in agriculture focusing on methodological and contextual reasons why the trials were successful or unsuccessful. The study context, attempted intervention, and data collection of each field trial is compared. In the absence of long-term studies investigating the implementation and effectiveness of exoskeletons in agriculture, a set of multi-week pilot trials were initiated among German market vegetable farms and French vineyards from 2019 to 2022. Participant ratings, farm characteristics (e.g. employment duration and payment scheme) and intervention implementation characteristics (e.g. participation in implementation or language barriers) were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach to identify success and failure factors. Results: The comparison of the studies showed that despite the organizational issues, there were several practical issues that limit the success of exoskeleton use in agriculture. We observed that participant rejection of the intervention is a major barrier to successfully conducting long-term field trials in agriculture. Factors like pain, discomfort, heat stress, or a lack of perceived benefits have been identified as failure factors but also the implementation process itself. Conclusion: In addition to careful targeting of trial sites and inclusion of participatory elements in the implementation plan, successful implementation of exoskeletons in agriculture requires fundamental human factors development of the exoskeletons themselves. This will require better matching the physical needs of the workers, the production needs of the tasks, and compatibility with the environment., QC 20231114

Detta projekt har framtagit ett program för att kartlägga vadmusklers aktivering. Med hjälp av IMU i kombination med EMG kan programmet dra slutsatser om löpares muskelaktivering med olika skor. I studier där muskelaktivitet mättes med hjälp av stationära tryckplattor uppkom det ett behov av ett program som kunde bearbeta båda typer av data samtidigt. Därför har detta projekt tagit fram ett program som använder EMG- och IMU-data för att analysera hur individers prestation påverkas av skorna de använder. Barfotalöpning användes som referens för att kunna avgöra hur ansträngning skiljer sig mellan olika skor. Resultatet blir en procentskala där barfota är 100 % ansträngning och prestationen med olika skor kan ligga över och under barfotalöpnings aktiveringsnivå. Med det nya programmet ska forskare kunna förstå påverkan som löpares skoval har på ansträngning., This project has constructed a program for mapping calf muscles activation. With the help of IMU in combination with EMG the program can draw conclusions regarding runners’ performances with different shoes. In studies where muscles activity was measured with the help of stationary pressure plates there arose a need for a program that could process both kinds of data simultaneously. Therefore, this Project presents a program that uses EMG and IMU data to analyse an individual’s performance based on the wearers’ shoes. Barefoot running was used as a reference to determine the level of effort with different shoes. The result is expressed as a precent scale where barefoot is 100% effort and the performance with different shoes can be above or below barefoot activation level. With the new program, scientists could understand the correlation between runners’ shoe choice and their efforts.

Background & Objective: Negative health effects from occupational whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure during machinery operation include alterations in proprioception, vestibular function, reaction time, stress, motor response, and decrements in musculoskeletal health. To reduce WBV exposure during machinery operation, it may be possible to incorporate short rest break activities throughout the day. This study aims to determine if there are intervention activities that can minimize decrements in cognitive, proprioceptive, and musculoskeletal effects related to WBV exposure during machine operation. Materials & Methods: Eleven healthy adults participated in four 1-hour sessions of ecologically valid WBV exposure followed by one of four 5-minute activities: sitting, walking, 2 min of gaze stabilization exercise (GSE) coupled with 3 min of trunk mobility exercise (GSE + MOBIL), or 2 min of GSE coupled with a 3-minute walk (GSE + WALK). Baseline and post-activity measurements (rating of perceived discomfort, balance and postural sway measurements, 5-minute psychomotor vigilance task test) were submitted to a paired t-test to determine the effect of WBV exposure and activities on physical, cognitive, and sensorimotor systems and to a repeated measures ANOVA to determine any differences across activities. Results: We observed degradation of the slowest 10% reaction speed outcomes between baseline and post-activity after walking (7.3%, p < 0.05) and sitting (8.6%, p < 0.05) but not after GSE + MOBIL or GSE + WALK activities. Slowest 10% reaction speed after GSE + MOBIL activity was faster than all other activities. The rating of perceived discomfort was higher after SIT and WALK activities. There were no notable differences in balance outcomes. Conclusion: When compared to sitting for 5 min, an activity including GSE and an active component, such as walking or trunk mobility exercises, resulted in maintenance of reaction time after WBV exposure. If confirmed, QC 20230901

Finite element human body models (HBMs) are becoming increasingly important numerical tools for traffic safety. Developing a validated and reliable HBM from the start requires integrated efforts and continues to be a challenging task. Mesh morphing is an efficient technique to generate personalized HBMs accounting for individual anatomy once a baseline model has been developed. This study presents a new image registration-based mesh morphing method to generate personalized HBMs. The method is demonstrated by morphing four baseline HBMs (SAFER, THUMS, and VIVA+ in both seated and standing postures) into ten subjects with varying heights, body mass indices (BMIs), and sex. The resulting personalized HBMs show comparable element quality to the baseline models. This method enables the comparison of HBMs by morphing them into the same subject, eliminating geometric differences. The method also shows superior geometry correction capabilities, which facilitates converting a seated HBM to a standing one, combined with additional positioning tools. Furthermore, this method can be extended to personalize other models, and the feasibility of morphing vehicle models has been illustrated. In conclusion, this new image registration-based mesh morphing method allows rapid and robust personalization of HBMs, facilitating personalized simulations., QC 20230621

Risk assessments of ergonomic conditions in pre-production and in field are necessary to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders and to increase productivity and quality. Methods for such assessments include simulations, direct measurements and observations. In order to carry out correct ergonomic assessments, which is an important part in the work of creating healthy workplaces, it is vital that these methods are user-friendly, accurate and reliable. However, several methods are insufficiently tested with respect to these factors. The aim of this thesis was to increase the knowledge of some relevant risk assessment methods for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. The methods include risk assessments in both planned and existing work environments. A risk assessment approach for digital human modelling was developed. The approach included a reference database of epidemiological relationships between directly measured exposure and related musculoskeletal disorders. For illustration, a case in manual assembly was simulated; exposures were calculated and compared to the reference data to indicate the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The application and detailed assessment would be helpful to prioritise among different design solutions. A 3D digital prototype of a laparoscopic robotic open console was ergonomically evaluated using the simulation tool Intelligently Moving MAnikins (IMMA); twelve manikins representing anthropometries of the Swedish and US populations were used. The work-ranges of the console and the manikins were calculated and compared. The ergonomics was evaluated using a US checklist and the Swedish standard for computer work. The assessment criteria, which are related to the adjustability of the screen, the armrests, and the pedals, were not fulfilled. The result showed that IMMA, with its built-in functions, provides the opportunity for risk assessment of planned static work tasks. With some improvements, tools like IMMA, Riskbedömningar av ergonomiska förhållanden i förproduktion och i fält är nödvändiga för att förebygga arbetsrelaterade muskuloskeletala besvär och för att öka produktivitet och kvalitet. Metoder för sådana bedömningar inkluderar simuleringar, direkta mätningar och observationer. För att kunna genomföra korrekta ergonomiska bedömningar, vilket är en viktig del i arbetet med att skapa hälsosamma arbetsplatser, är det avgörande att dessa metoder är användarvänliga, noggranna och tillförlitliga. Flera metoder är dock otillräckligt testade när det gäller dessa faktorer. Syftet med den här avhandlingen var att öka kunskapen om några relevanta riskbedömningsmetoder för att förebygga muskuloskeletala besvär. Metoderna inkluderar riskbedömningar i både planerade och befintliga arbetsmiljöer. En riskbedömningsmetodik för digitala mänskliga modeller utvecklades. Metodiken inkluderade en referensdatabas över epidemiologiskt identifierade samband mellan direkt uppmätt exponering och relaterade muskuloskeletala besvär. Som illustration simulerades ett fall i manuell montering; exponeringar beräknades och jämfördes med referensdata för att påvisa risken för besvärsuppkomst. En sådan metodik kan komma att vara till hjälp för att prioritera bland olika designlösningar. Ergonomin vid arbete i en digital 3D-prototyp av en öppen robotisk konsol för laparoskopisk kirurgi studerades med hjälp av simuleringsverktyget Intelligently Moving MAnikins (IMMA); tolv digitala människomodeller (manikiner) med antropometriska mått från svensk och amerikansk befolkning användes. Arbetsområdena för konsolen och manikinerna beräknades och jämfördes. De ergonomiska kriterierna utvärderades med hjälp av en amerikansk checklista och den svenska standarden för datorarbete. Bedömningskriterierna, vilka är relaterade till justerbarheten av skärmen, armstödet och pedalerna, uppfylldes inte för samtliga manikiner. Resultatet visade att IMMA med sina inbyggda funktioner ger möjlighet till riskbedömning av, QC 20230511

Reduced independent mobility of blind and low-vision individuals (BLVIs) cause considerable societal cost, burden on relatives, and reduced quality of life for the individuals, including increased anxiety, depression symptoms, need of assistance, risk of falls, and mortality. Despite the numerous electronic travel aids proposed since at least the 1940’s, along with ever-advancing technology, the mobility issues persist. A substantial reason for this is likely several and severe shortcomings of the field, both in regards to aid design and evaluation.In this work, these shortcomings are addressed with a generic design model called Desire of Use (DoU), which describes the desire of a given user to use an aid for a given activity. It is then applied on mobility of BLVIs (DoU-MoB), to systematically illuminate and structure possibly all related aspects that such an aid needs to aptly deal with, in order for it to become an adequate aid for the objective. These aspects can then both guide user-centered design as well as choice of test methods and measures.One such measure is then demonstrated in the Desire of Use Questionnaire for Mobility of Blind and Low-Vision Individuals (DoUQ-MoB), an aid-agnostic and comprehensive patient-reported outcome measure. The question construction originates from the DoU-MoB to ensure an encompassing focus on mobility of BLVIs, something that has been missing in the field. Since it is aid-agnostic it facilitates aid comparison, which it also actively promotes. To support the reliability of the DoUQ-MoB, it utilizes the best known practices of questionnaire design and has been validated once with eight orientation and mobility professionals, and six BLVIs. Based on this, the questionnaire has also been revised once.To allow for relevant and reproducible methodology, another tool presented herein is a portable virtual reality (VR) system called the Parrot-VR. It uses a hybrid control scheme of absolute rotation by tracking the user’s head in

Imagine a power wheelchair that can step over obstacles, step up on sidewalks and drive on lateral slopes whilst the user is still seated upright. Previously these features were impossible, but thanks to Elumo this is no longer the case. Elumo is a six-wheeled base to be used on electric wheelchairs. The base has been developed by Malin Svensson and Johan Olsson during their bachelor’s thesis at the Innovation Engineering Program at Halmstad University. The project took place between autumn 2021 and spring 2022. The development of Elumo started with several user studies conducted by the students, where over 70 wheelchair users responded to a survey concerning the everyday life of a person using wheelchairs. These users were later invited to a user workshop where they could list everyday complaints and possible improvements concerning existing power wheelchairs. One of the most common complaints was getting up on sidewalks and driving on uneven terrain. Both of these problems will be solved with the base Elumo. The technology that makes the stepping-feature and improved suspension possible, is patented by the company EMTW and the students have had a close cooperation with them during the development. Our goal is for “Elumo to become a new product that will focus on the user and will deliver innovative power wheelchairs that provide safety, independence and improve quality of life for people using wheelchairs.”

Att vara violinist ställer stora krav på den enskilde eftersom yrket för med sig betydande risker för att råka ut för arbetsrelaterad ohälsa. Syftet med denna uppsats är att undersöka hur violinlärare på musikhögskola i Sverige säger sig arbeta för att förebygga arbetsrelaterad ohälsa (ARO) hos violinstudenter och om detta sker på lärarens eget initiativ eller om lärarkollegiet arbetar efter en speciell metodik. Studien utgår från en hermeneutisk metod för att tolka kvalitativa intervjuer av violinlärare på musikhögskola. Resultatet visar på ett personligt engagemang hos de intervjuade lärarna vad det gäller att lära ut ergonomi i instrumentalundervisningen, men att det är upp till varje lärare att bestämma omfattning och djup på den ergonomiska kunskap som förmedlas till studenterna. Beroende på vilken violinlärare man har så kan det således vara stora skillnader på ergonomins tyngd i violinundervisningen. Detta innebär att violinstudenter inte ges lika förutsättningar för att undvika arbetsrelaterad ohälsa., Being a violinist implies great demands on any individual since the profession brings considerable risks of work-related illnesses or injuries. This essay investigates how violin teachers in music colleges in Sweden are working in order to prevent work-related injury and illness among violin students and if this happens due to the teacher’s own initiative or if the college is working with a certain methodology. The study utilizes a hermeneutic method in order to interpret qualitative interviews with violin teachers at music colleges. The results show a personal commitment among the interviewed teachers when it comes to teaching ergonomics in instrumental teaching, but it is up to each teacher to decide the extent and depth of the ergonomic knowledge that is being passed on to the students. Depending on the violin teacher, there may be considerable differences in the ergonomic focus of the violin teaching. This means that violin students do not receive the same chances with regards to avoiding work-related illnesses or injuries.

Background: Back pain is common and costly, with negative impacts on both individuals and the health care system. Rural, remote, and Indigenous populations are at greater risk of experiencing back pain compared to urban and non-Indigenous populations. Potential barriers to health care access among Canadians with chronic back pain (CBP) have been identified; however, no study has used lived experiences of people with CBP to drive the selection, analysis, and interpretation of variables most meaningful to patients. Objective: The aims of this study are to (1) engage with rural, remote, and urban Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients, health care providers, and health system decision makers to explore lived experiences among people with CBP in Saskatchewan, Canada; (2) cocreate meaningful indicators of CBP care access and effectiveness; and (3) identify program and policy recommendations to overcome access barriers to CBP care. Methods: In phase 1, one-on-one interviews with 30 people with current or past CBP and 10 health care providers residing or practicing in rural, remote, or urban Saskatchewan communities will be conducted. We will recruit Indigenous (n=10) and non-Indigenous (n=20) rural, remote, and urban people. In phase 2, findings from the interviews will inform development of a population-based telephone survey focused on access to health care barriers and facilitators among rural, remote, and urban people; this survey will be administered to 383 residents with CBP across Saskatchewan. In phase 3, phase 1 and 2 findings will be presented to provincial and national policy makers; health system decision makers; health care providers; rural, remote, and urban people with CBP and their communities; and other knowledge users at an interactive end-of-project knowledge translation event. A World Café method will facilitate interactive dialogue designed to catalyze future patient-oriented research and pathways to improve access to CBP care. Patient engagement will, QC 20230626

BACKGROUND: Static muscular activity of muscles activated in the use of the conventional PC mouse is believed to represent a higher risk for the musculoskeletal health of the user than dynamic muscular activity. OBJECTIVE: This paper presents a compounded muscular activity dynamics indicator (akin to percent relative range), enabling comparison between computer handheld pointing devices. METHODS: This muscular dynamism approach considers baseline muscular activity (APL, ECR, ECU and ED) relative to the Maximum Voluntary Contraction as well as the dynamics of muscular activation. The latter is computed as the ratio of the difference between APDF90 and APDF10 divided by APDF50 (APDF-Amplitude Probability Distribution Function for the 90th, 50th and 10th percentiles). The paper demonstrates the approach with results of comparative evaluation of a horizontal, a slanted and a vertical PC mouse, through surface EMG monitoring of 20 participants performing standardized graphical task with the devices. RESULTS: Hand size impacts muscular activity dynamics in these four muscles, which supersedes differences in device geometry, across the range of devices tested. CONCLUSION: Smaller devices relative to hand size foster more dynamic muscular activity.

The following report presents a Master thesis project about a re-design of an ankle foot orthosis using additive manufacturing as the production method, conducted by a student in Spring 2020 as part of the Master’s programme Industrial Design at Jönköping University’s School of Engineering. Ankle foot orthoses are the most prescribed lower extremity orthoses worldwide and are worn in a visually obtrusive way making patients feel stigmatized for their disability. The social stigma makes it emotionally difficult for many users to wear an AFO frequently enough for proper rehabilitation. Despite its significance and wide spread use, its design has not changed for over 50 years. Traditional manufacturing methods are difficult to work with and make customization options very limited. By using digital additive manufacturing methods like 3D Scanning, 3D printing and computer simulations, it is possible to offer personalized looks for AFOs by implementing almost any custom pattern expressed in cut-outs on the AFO surface. That kind of perforation simultaneously solves the problem of bad perspiration and air flow. The freedom of graphical expression in those patterns invite the patient to participate in the design process themselves to create an ankle foot orthosis that is their own. That revolutionary twist on the manufacturing and design process empowers the user to take control over their disability to the furthest degree possible and returns the human right of self-determination and independence to them., Följande rapport presenterar ett examensarbete gällade en omdesign av en ankel-fot-ortos med additiv tillverkning som produktionsmetod, genomförd av en student våren 2020 som del av masterprogrammet Industrial Design vid Jönköpings universitets tekniska högskola. Ortoser för fotleden är de mest föreskrivna ortoserna för underkroppen i hela världen och bärs på ett visuellt påträngande sätt vilket gör att patienterna kan känna sig annorlunda eller utanför för sin funktionsnedsättning. Den sociala stigmatiseringen gör det känslomässigt svårt för många användare att bära en AFO ofta nog för korrekt rehabilitering. Trots dess betydelse och breda användning har designen inte förändrats på över 50 år. Traditionella tillverkningsmetoder är svåra att arbeta med och begränsar alternativen för anpassning. Genom att använda digitala metoder för additiv tillverkning som 3D-skanning, 3D-utskrift och datorsimuleringar är det möjligt att erbjuda ett personligt utseende för AFO genom att införa en stor mängd anpassade mönster i form av utskärningar på AFO-ytan. Denna typ av perforering löser samtidigt problemet med svett och dåligt luftflöde. Friheten för grafiskt uttryck genom dessa mönster låter patienten delta i själva designprocessen för att fotledsortosen ska kännas som deras egen. Detta nya synsätt på utveckling på tillverknings- och designprocessen gör det möjligt för användaren att ta kontroll över sin funktionsnedsättning i största möjliga grad och återställer känslan av självständighet.

Background:A telemedicine service enabling remote surgical consultation had shown promising results. When the service was to be scaled up, it was unclear how contextual variations among different clinical sites could affect the clinical outcomes and implementation of the service. It is generally recognized that contextual factors and work system complexities affect the implementation and outcomes of telemedicine. However, it is methodologically challenging to account for context in complex health care settings. We conducted a work domain analysis (WDA), an engineering method for modeling and analyzing complex work environments, to investigate and represent contextual influences when a telemedicine service was to be scaled up to multiple hospitals. Objective:We wanted to systematically characterize the implementation contexts at the clinics participating in the scale-up process. Conducting a WDA would allow us to identify, in a systematic manner, the functional constraints that shape clinical work at the implementation sites and set the sites apart. The findings could then be valuable for informed implementation and assessment of the telemedicine service. Methods:We conducted observations and semistructured interviews with a variety of stakeholders. Thematic analysis was guided by concepts derived from the WDA framework. We identified objects, functions, priorities, and values that shape clinical procedures. An iterative “discovery and modeling” approach allowed us to first focus on one clinic and then readjust the scope as our understanding of the work systems deepened. Results:We characterized three sets of constraints (ie, facets) in the domain: the treatment facet, administrative facet (providing resources for procedures), and development facet (training, quality improvement, and research). The constraints included medical equipment affecting treatment options; administrative processes affecting access to staff and facilities; values and priorities affecting asse, QC 20210623

The construction sector is a considerable contributor to a country's economy. For example, there are more than 300 000 people employed in the construction sector in Sweden. Unfortunately, workers’ safety is a big problem in this high-employment sector since the potential risk for injury is high. In Sweden, workers in the construction industry are among the most injured, both in terms of work-related accidents and occupational injuries. With more technology advances, there has been an increasing interest in the construction sector regarding new technologies in recent years which also includes occupational safety and health technologies. The reason behind this growing interest could be creating more efficiency, increasing productivity, increasing safety, and keeping up with technical development in general. Studies have shown that the safety management in the construction sector is a serious challenge, despite the many efforts to prevent and reduce occupational accidents and injuries in this sector. Therefore there has been an increasing drive for replacing traditional safety approaches with modern safety technologies. The objective of this thesis work was to investigate the current state of digital technologies adopted in the construction industry specifically for occupational health and safety. A qualitative research approach was utilized in the current study, using two methods. The first method was an interview with OSH professionals, digital responsible, technology developer and construction workers from different construction companies. The second method was a scoping review of websites and documents to ascertain different types of safety technologies that have been investigated previously. The results provide a list of different types of safety technologies that have been investigated previously and a versatile overview of safety technology's development process, adoption process, and facilitators and barriers for a successful adoption. This study points out, Byggsektorn är en betydande del av ett lands ekonomi. Till exempel så är mer än 300 000 anställda inom byggsektorn i Sverige. Arbetssäkerhet en viktig fråga i denna bransch då sysselsättningsgraden är hög och den potentiella risken för skador är stor. I Sverige är arbetare inom byggbranschen bland de mest utsatta både när det gäller arbetsrelaterade olyckor och skador. I och med att intresset för teknologiska framsteg har ökat inom sektorn dom senaste åren har detta även kommit att inkludera digitala verktyg för arbetsmiljöfrågor. Anledningen till detta växande intresse kan vara att skapa mer effektivitet, öka produktiviteten, förbättra säkerheten, och att följa den tekniska utvecklingen. Studier har visat att säkerhetshanteringen inom byggsektorn är en stor utmaning, trots många åtgärder att förebygga och minska arbetsolyckor och arbetsskador inom sektorn. På grund av detta har det uppkommit en ökande drivkraft att ersätta traditionella metoder med modern säkerhetsteknologi. Syftet med detta examensarbete var att undersöka det rådande tillståndet för digitala teknologier som appliceras specifikt för hälsa och säkerhet inom byggbranschen. I denna studie tillämpades ett kvalitativt tillvägagångssätt, detta gjordes med hjälp av två metoder. Den första metoden var intervjuer med arbetsmiljöansvariga, digitalt ansvariga, teknologiutvecklare, och yrkesmedarbetare från olika byggföretag. Den andra metoden var en översiktsstudie av webbplatser och dokument för att fastställa olika typer av säkerhetsteknologier som tidigare studerats. Resultatet blev en lista över olika typer av säkerhetsteknologier som har studerats tidigare, med en omfattande överblick över dess utveckling och tillämpningsprocess, samt faktorer som hjälpt och stjälpt en lyckad tillämpning. Denna studie pekar ut fördelarna med att använda säkerhetsteknologier och ger utförlig information om dess tillämpning i byggbranschen, förhoppningen är att detta kan uppmuntra den engagerade aktören inom sektorn att st

This study investigated kinematic and perceptual differences between the sexes in a heavy lifting and pulling task. A 20 kg box was lifted from floor to chest height, and a 70 kg mannequin pulled across 20m. The effect of height, mass and average grip strength on kinematics and perceived workload was examined in 42 (19 females, 23 males) healthy individuals. A univariate linear regression analysis found females lifted with greater lumbar extension compared to males (p < 0.001), and adopted more hip (p = 0.006) and knee flexion (p = 0.036) in the pulling task. Females reported a greater perceived workload in both tasks (p < 0.001). After the multivariable analysis, only grip strength remained significant for perceived workload in the lift (p = 0.04), and height for knee flexion in the pull (p = 0.009). This highlights that height and strength are important factors driving kinematics and perceived workload. Clinicians may consider these factors in heavy manual tasks, more so than sex.

BACKGROUND: Surgeon workload is significant both mentally and physically and may differ by procedure type. When comparing laparoscopic surgery and open surgery, studies have reported contrasting results on the physical and mental workload assessed. METHODS: Wearable posture sensors and pre-/post-surgical questionnaires were employed to assess intraoperative workload and to identify risk factors for surgeons using objective and subjective measures. RESULTS: Data from 49 cases (27 open and 22 laparoscopic surgeries performed by 13 male and 11 female surgeons) were assessed. More than half the surgeons reported a clinically relevant post-surgical fatigue score. The surgeons also self-reported a significant increase in pain for the neck, upper back, and lower back during/after surgery. Procedural time had significant impacts on fatigue, body part pain, and subjective (NASA-TLX) workload. The objectively assessed intraoperative work postures using wearable sensors showed a high musculoskeletal risk for neck and lower back based on their posture overall. Open surgeries had significantly larger neck angles (median [IQR]: 40 [28-47]°) compared with laparoscopic surgeries (median [IQR]: 23 [16-29]°), p < 0.001) and torso (median [IQR]: 17 [14-22]° vs. 13 [10-17]°, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Surgeons reported significantly higher levels of fatigue and pain in the neck and lower back during or after performing a surgical case. Longer procedural time resulted in more self-rated fatigue, pain, and subjective workload. Open surgery had higher postural risk. Overall, surgeons spent a disturbingly high percentage of time during surgery in high-risk musculoskeletal postures, especially the neck. These results show that intraoperative postural risk is very high and that interventions are necessary to protect surgeon musculoskeletal health for optimal surgeon performance and career longevity., QC 20210113

Vibrotactile feedback training may be one possible method for interventions that target at learning better work techniques and improving postures in manual handling. This study aimed to evaluate the short term effect of real-time vibrotactile feedback on postural exposure using a smart workwear system for work postures intervention in simulated industrial order picking. Fifteen workers at an industrial manufacturing plant performed order-picking tasks, in which the vibrotactile feedback was used for postural training at work. The system recorded the trunk and upper arm postures. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were conducted about the users’ experience of the system. The results showed reduced time in trunk inclination ≥20°, ≥30° and ≥45° and dominant upper arm elevation ≥30° and ≥45° when the workers received feedback, and for trunk inclination ≥20°, ≥30° and ≥45° and dominant upper arm elevation ≥30°, after feedback withdrawal. The workers perceived the system as useable, comfortable, and supportive for learning. The system has the potential of contributing to improved postures in order picking through an automated short-term training program., QC 20200918

Safety, a word that can be linked and interpreted in many different ways. Personal safety, that you should feel safe in your everyday life depending on your surroundings. IT security, to protect a persons or organization's valuable assets such as information. Flight safety, the safety of flying in its various kinds. There are safety issues in almost every area you look at, but this project that you will read about in this report is about traffic safety, more specifically, the safety of working in the back of an ambulance. Imagine working as an ambulance paramedic. You and your colleague have just picked up a “Prio 1” (most critical degree), classified patient who needs urgent care. You are sitting in the back of the ambulance and will take care of the patient while your colleague is driving the car. The situation is so critical that your colleague needs to drive as quickly as possible to get to the hospital in time. Thus, you must sit tight with a seat belt in order not to risk your own safety during the ride. Around you, there are a number of components you need to care of for the patient. You cannot reach these components because of the belt that clings to the chair. What are you going to do? Do you unbutton your belt to reach the components, but risk your own safety while driving? Or do you wear the belt incorrectly, so that you use the belt, but only over the hips (for example), so that you can reach the tools? Both of these alternatives are how the majority of ambulance paramedics use the seatbelt today to be able to do their job. Either you unbutton and release yourself completely from the belt or you use it, but incorrectly to reach everything the person in question needs in the ambulance. Both actions have resulted in a big amount of injuries to the caregivers and the numbers continues to increase continuously. This project is about just that. A solution to the problem of the working environment in the back of ambulances. Further in this report you will read, Säkerhet, ett ord som kan kopplas och tolkas på många olika sätt. Personlig säkerhet, att man ska känna sig trygg i sin vardag beroende på omgivning. IT-säkerhet, att skydda en persons eller en organisations värdefulla tillgångar som exempelvis information. Flygsäkerhet, säkerheten vid flygning av dess olika slag. Det finns säkerhetsfrågor inom nästan varje område, men arbetet som du kommer få läsa om i denna rapport handlar om trafiksäkerhet, mer specifikt, säkerheten vid arbete bak i en ambulans. Föreställ dig att du arbetar som ambulanssjukvårdare. Du och din kollega har precis plockat upp en “Prio 1” (mest akuta graden), klassad patient som behöver akut vård. Du sitter bak i ambulansen och ska vårda patienten medan din kollega kör bilen. Läget är så kritiskt att din kollega behöver köra så snabbt som möjligt för att hinna till sjukhuset i tid. Därmed måste du sitta fastspänd med bilbälte för att inte riskera din egen säkerhet under körningen. Runtomkring dig finns det ett antal komponenter du behöver för att vårda patienten. Du når inte dessa produkter på grund av bältet som håller fast dig i sätet. Vad gör du? Knäpper du loss bältet för att kunna nå komponenterna, men riskerar din egen säkerhet under bilfärden? Eller tar du på dig bältet på ett inkorrekt sätt, så du sitter bältad, men bara över höfterna (exempelvis), så att du kan nå verktygen? Båda alternativen är hur majoriteten av ambulanssjukvårdare går till väga idag för att kunna utföra sitt jobb. Antingen knäpper man loss och frigör sig helt från bältet eller så använder man det, fast på ett inkorrekt sätt för att kunna nå allt personen i fråga behöver i ambulansen. Båda handlingarna har lett till flertalet skador på vårdarna och antalet fortsätter öka kontinuerligt. Arbetet handlar just om detta. En lösning på problemet med arbetsmiljön bak i ambulanser. Vidare i denna rapport kommer du få läsa om hur två studenter vid Högskolan i Halmstad kom i kontakt med problemet, men framförallt hur de fann en l

Background: The term physical behavior includes sedentary and non-sedentary everyday physical activities. Objective measurement methods are recommended when sedentary behaviors are to be measured. Data from a thigh worn accelerometer can, together with the Acti4 software, be used to distinguish different physical behaviors. Due to different shapes of thighs and how the accelerometers have been placed on the thighs there is a need to compensate for individual differences in reference angles in respect to gravity. Normally this is done by letting the participants perform a reference position when they stand up and that time is noted in a diary. However, this is very time consuming. One alternative is to automatically estimate the compensation angles from walking episodes in the existing data. Objective: The aim of this study was to validate two new features to the Acti4 software, detection of lying and automatic reference angle generation. Methods: Ten participants underwent a 45-minute standardized protocol, and a 48-hour free-living protocol, with recordings of the different physical behaviors lying, sitting, standing, walking, running, stair walking, and cycling. Video recordings of the standardized protocol, and accelerometer data and diaries together with the participants review of the results from the software from the free-living protocol, has been used to validate the software. Results: During the standardized protocol, the overall accumulated performance of the software to identify the same physical behavior as in the video recordings was 81.1% (sensitivity), 96.7% (specificity) and 94.8% (accuracy). Participants agreed that most identified physical behavior episodes were correct, when reviewing the result from the software. When the two different reference angle generation methods were compared, almost no difference was found in the results of the standardized protocol, neither when comparing total time registered per behavior accumulated for all participan

With the development of information and communication technology (ICT), car sharing becomes more and more popular. It is a short-term car rental service and Volvo entered this market in 2019. The purpose of this thesis is to design for a seamless and personalized experience for car sharing users with the smartphone. A literature overview and user interviews were performed to get a general understanding of the user groups, usage patterns of the car sharing service and their experience of connecting the smartphones to the car. Two user tests were made to iterate the design and get to know users’ opinions about the design concepts. Personas and scenarios were built up and that made the basis for the design of user interfaces on the car-sharing apps and the \ac{IVI}. As a result, a concept solution was brought up. The general process of the car sharing service was: booking a car, finding a car, getting onboard, picking up friends, and getting offboard. For drivers, they can find and unlock the car seamlessly with the phone, get onboard with all preferred settings applied, safely log into the IVI system, easily pick up friends by seeing their position, and clear personal data when they return the car. For passengers, they can see the position of the car and estimated arrival time, scan a QR code to turn their phones to a remoter of the IVI system, directly send a destination to the IVI system, and share their favorite music. Nearly all the users liked the designed functions in the tests but the adoption of the service was mainly affected by two factors. One was privacy concerns and the other was function value. Users made a choice of how important more functions were compared with sequences regarding loss of privacy. More future research needs to be done to further validate the findings of this thesis and achieve the designed experience.

BACKGROUND: Several observation-based risk-assessment tools have been developed in recent decades. Studies reporting their use often focus only on the user, the ergonomist. The influence of context and the attributes of the tools may also affect the use but are factors that are seldom considered. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to explore the process of risk-assessment assignments and to identify factors influencing the use of research-based observation-based risk-assessment tools among Swedish ergonomists, with a background as reg. physiotherapists, employed in Occupational Health Services (OHS). METHODS: A web-based questionnaire (n = 70) was combined with semi-structured interviews (n = 12). RESULTS: There was limited use of several observation-based risk-assessment tools. Furthermore, the results showed that ergonomics risk-assessment assignments are most commonly initiated reactively and that interventions were seldom evaluated. Factors that influence use are related both to the ergonomist and to the attributes of the tools as well as to contextual factors assigned to authorities, and internal organisations both within occupational health service companies and client companies. CONCLUSION: There was a lack of systematic approaches in ergonomics risks assessment and low use and knowledge of risk-assessment tools. This indicates that there is a need to support OHS companies in implementing systematic tools in their practice., QC 20191011

QC 20191111

BACKGROUND: Recent technology provides increased dexterity in multi-function hands with the potential to reduce compensatory body movements. However, it is challenging to learn how to operate a hand that has up to 36 grips. While the cognitive load required to use these hands is unknown, it is clear that if the cognitive load is too high, the user may stop using the multi-functional hand or may not take full advantage of its advanced features. AIM: The aim of this project was to compare cognitive load and compensatory movement in using a multi-function hand versus a conventional myo hand. METHOD: An experienced prosthesis user was assessed using his conventional myo hand and an unfamiliar iLimb Ultra hand, with two-site control and the same wrist for both prostheses. He was trained to use power grip, lateral grip and pinch grip and then completed the SHAP test while wearing the Tobii Pro 2 eye-tracking glasses. Pupil diameter (normal range: 2-4mm during normal light) was used to indicate the amount of cognitive load.[1] The number of eye fixations on the prosthesis indicate the need of visual feedback during operation. Dartfish motion capture was used to track the maximum angles for shoulder abduction and elbow flexion. RESULTS: Larger pupils were found in the use of Ilimb ultra (2.6-5.6mm) than in the use of conventional myo hand (2.4-3.5mm) during the SHAP abstract light tests. The pupils dilated most often during changing grips, e.g. switching to pinch grip for the tripod task (from 2.7 to 5.6mm). After training of using power grip and pinch grip repeatedly, the maximum pupil diameter decreased from 5.6 to 3.3mm. The number of eye fixations on the I-limb ultra (295 fixations) were also higher than on the conventional myo-hand (139 fixations). Smaller shoulder abduction and elbow flexion were observed in the use of I-limb ultra (16.6°, 36.1°) than in the use of conventional myo hand (57°, 52.7°). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Although it is cognitively demanding to l

BACKGROUND: Low dexterity of conventional two-function (open, close) myoelectric hand prostheses with limited wrist movement often leads to compensatory shoulder and elbow movements, e.g. excess shoulder abduction and elbow flexion. Compensatory movements may lead to musculoskeletal pain [1] and it is thus important to identify prosthesis users with compensatory movements and to develop preventive treatments for musculoskeletal pain. AIM: The study aim was to measure and compare compensatory movements during activity performance among upper limb prosthesis users with different levels of myoelectric control. METHOD: Twenty-seven users of conventional myoelectric hand prosthesis performed the Assessment of Capacity for Myoelectric Control (ACMC) at the Örebro Limb Deficiency and Arm Prosthesis Centre. The performances were recorded and analyzed with Dartfish motion capture video analysis software. The software was used to track and measure the maximum angles for shoulder abduction and elbow flexion at the non-prosthetic and prosthetic sides during the activity performance. Two independent raters used Dartfish to analyze 10 videos and Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was used to calculate inter-rater reliability. The ability to control a myoelectric prosthetic hand was assessed by the ACMC. RESULTS: The within-individual differences for shoulder abduction ranged from 2° to 52° and for elbow flexion from 1° to 66°. When compared between prosthetic and non-prosthetic side, larger differences in shoulder abduction and elbow flexion were found among the users with ACMC ≤ 0 than users with ACMC > 0 (Fig.1a). When comparing the within-individual side differences between prosthesis users with ACMC ≤0 and users with ACMC >0, a significant angle difference was found in the elbows (p=0.03) but not in the shoulders (p=0.34) (Fig.1b). Inter-rater reliability between the two independent raters was excellent (ICC 0.91). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Compensatory elbow mo

Activity interruptions, namely temporary suspensions of an ongoing task with the intention to resume it later, are common in pain. First, pain is a threat signal that urges us to interrupt ongoing activities in order to manage the pain and its cause. Second, activity interruptions are used in chronic pain management. However, activity interruptions by pain may carry costs for activity performance. These costs have recently started to be systematically investigated. We review the evidence on the consequences of activity interruptions by pain for the performance of the interrupted activity. Further, inspired by literature on interruptions from other research fields, we suggest ways to improve interruption management in the field of pain, and provide a future research agenda., Funding Agencies:Research Foundation - Flanders (Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek [FWO] Vlaanderen), Belgium 11N8215N Flemish Government, Belgium METH/15/011

ObjectiveTo describe the development of a computer-based risk assessment method for visual ergonomics, and assess its face validity, content validity, and internal consistency.MethodsThe risk assessment method contained a questionnaire for the worker, an evaluation form for the evaluator, a section of follow-up questions based on the worker's responses, and a section for recommended changes, including an overall risk assessment with respect to daylight, lighting, illuminance, glare, flicker, work space, work object and work postures, respectively. Forty-eight trained evaluators used the method to perform 224 workplace evaluations. Content validity of the method was assessed by the completeness and distribution of responses, and internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha, Spearman's rank correlation between items and indices, and exploratory factor analysis.ResultsThe proportion of missing values in items was generally low (questionnaire: 0–2.3%; evaluation form: 1.4–4.1%). In the questionnaire, items about double vision, migraine and corrective lenses had limited information content. Cronbach's alpha and item-index correlations for the indices frequency of eyestrain, intensity of eyestrain, visual symptoms, lighting conditions, frequency of musculoskeletal discomfort and intensity of musculoskeletal discomfort were satisfactory. Based on the factor analysis, suggestions for improving some of the indices were made.ConclusionOur findings suggest that this computer-based method is a valid instrument for assessing risks in the visual work environment. By incorporating subjective ratings by the worker as well as objective measurements of the work environment, it provides a good basis for recommendations with respect to daylight, lighting, work surfaces/material, and work object.Relevance to industryVisual environment factors, such as glare, can cause eyestrain, headache and musculoskeletal discomfort. This method satisfies the need of a valid tool for determin

This paper presents needs and potentials for wearable sensors in occupational healthcare. In addition, it presents ongoing European and Swedish projects for developing personalized, and pervasive wearable systems for assessing risks of developing musculoskeletal disorders and cardiovascular diseases at work. Occupational healthcare should benefit in preventing diseases and disorders by providing the right feedback at the right time to the right person. Collected data from workers can provide evidence supporting the ergonomic and industrial tasks of redesigning the working environment to reduce the risks., QC 20190916

Background To reduce ergonomic risk factors in terms of awkward and constrained postures and high velocities, it is important to perform adequate risk assessments. Technical methods provide objective measures of physical workload. These methods have so far mainly been used by researchers. However, if written instructions how to apply the sensors and how to adopt the reference posture are provided, together with triaxial accelerometers, it may be possible for employees to record their own physical workload. The exposure in terms of e.g. upper arm elevations could then easily be assessed for all workers in a workplace. The main aims of this study were: 1) to compare analyses for self-recording of upper arm elevation during work using a simplified reference posture versus using a standard reference posture, and 2) to compare the two reference postures.MethodsTwenty-eight cleaners attached an accelerometer to their dominant upper arm and adopted a simplified reference according to a written instruction. They were thereafter instructed by a researcher to adopt a standard reference. Upper arm elevations were recorded for 2 or 3 days. Each recording was analysed twice; relative to the simplified reference posture and relative to the standard reference posture. The group means of the differences in recorded upper arm elevations between simplified and standard reference analyses were assessed using Wilcoxon signed ranks test. Furthermore, we calculated the group mean of the differences between the simplified reference posture and the standard reference posture.ResultsFor arm elevation during work (50(th) percentile), the group mean of the differences between the two analyses was 0.2 degrees (range-7 - 10 degrees). The group mean of the differences between the two references was 9 degrees (range 1-21 degrees). The subjects were able to follow the instructions in the protocol and performed self-recording of upper arm elevation and velocity.ConclusionsThe small difference betwe, QC 20190109

Workers within production and assembly lines are often exposed to ergonomically unfavorable tasksand conditions. Reaction forces and reaction torques generated by industrial power tools may causenot only discomfort but also health issues and injury. The forceful tasks in combination with highlyrepetitive hand-arm motions and prolonged tool use paves the way for loss in workforce capacitywhich in turn can lead to great losses in productivity and product quality. An umbrella term for themany injuries and diseases that may arise from the use of such tools is Cumulative Trauma Disorders(CTD).This study aimed to investigate the ergonomic effect of power tool use for various tool and taskrelated conditions. The study required the setup of a test rig with a simulated handle of the tool. Theergonomic impact was assessed by measuring the torques associated with different tighteningstrategies, as well as measuring the angular displacement of the tool handle. By varying the jointstiffness and workplace orientation, the complexity of the task was varied and thus quantified.Measurements of muscle activity during each tightening procedure provided a quantification of thephysiological impact on the operator. By combining the measurements on the operator withsubjective assessment of perceived exertion and discomfort, a more holistic perspective on thetightening procedure was obtained.The results obtained from the study stressed the negative impact on the operator which the QuickStep tightening strategy on medium hard joints implies, regardless of workspace orientation. TheTurbo Tight and Tensor Pulse tightening strategies turned out to generate the lowest reactiontorques and handle deflections, regardless of joint stiffness and workspace orientation. The findingsfrom the muscle activity measurements in combination with the subjective evaluation methodsfurther confirmed the mildness of the Turbo Tight and Tensor Pulse strategies. Moreover, horizontalworkspace resulted in lower tool, Många antällda på monteringsband exponeras ofta för ergonomiskt ofördelaktiga arbetsuppgifter och arbetsförhållanden. De handhållna monteringsverktyg som används genrerar ofta reaktionskrafter som i många fall kan orsaka en känsla av obehag eller ge upphov till mer bestående hälsobesvär. De kraftfulla och repetetiva arbetsuppgifterna som montering många gånger innebär kan bana väg för förluster i arbetskraftskapacitet, vilket i sin tur kan leda till stora förluster i produktivitet och produktkvalitet. En paraplyterm för de många åkommor och besvär som kan uppstå som ett resultat av användandet av handhållna monteringsverktyg är ’förslitningsskador’ (Cumulative Trauma Disorders på engelska). Målsättningen för denhär studien har varit att undersöka de ergonomiska effekter som användandet av handhållna monteringsverktyg innebär vid olika vektygs- och arbetsuppgiftsrelaterade parametrar. Studien genomfördes med hjälp av en test rig där ett simulerat verktygshandtag utnyttjades. Den ergonomiska effekten på användaren undersöktes genom mätningar av uppnådda reaktions moment och handtags vinklar associerade med olika åtdragningsstrategier, styvhet av förband samt orientering av arbetsyta. Genom att mäta muskelaktiviteten i underarmen hos testpersonerna erhölls en kvantifiering av den fysiologiska effekten på testpersonerna. Mätningarna av vinkel, moment och muskelaktivitet kombinerades med subjektiva skattningsmetoder för att på så sätt kunna erhålla ett mer holistiskt perspektiv på åtdragningarna och deras effekt på människan. Resultaten från studien underströk de negativa effekterna av åtdragning med Quick Step strategin på medium hårda förband, oavsett orientering av arbetsytan. Turbo Tight och Tensor Pulse strategierna genererade de lägsta reaktions momenten och handtags deflektionerna. Resultaten från muskelsaktivitetsmätningarna och de subjektiva skattningsmetoderna bekräftade den relativa mildheten hos Tensor Pulse och Turbo Tight strategierna. Dessutom påvisades at

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders constitutes a substantial burden for society, generating individual suffering and financial costs. Quantifying the musculoskeletal stress and establishing exposure-response relationships is an important step in facing this problem. Observational methods for assessing exposure in the field of ergonomics have shown poor results, and the technical measurement methods that exists are often complicated to use which limits their scope to scientific purposes. This work describes the development of a prototype measurement system aimed to simplify ambulatory measurements of musculoskeletal load, specifically aimed at the wrist and hand. Wearable sensors including Inertial Measurement Units (IMU:s) and Electromyography (EMG) were connected to a smartphone and used for measuring wrist movement and forearm muscle activity. Data sampled in the smartphone was stored online in a cloud database, and a webapplication was developed to visualize work-load exposure. Testing under controlled conditions indicated that muscular rest can be measured and classified according to suggested risk thresholds. Accurate angular measurements were difficult to implement because of lacking inter-sensor alignment in the horizontal plane, as well as uncertainties in the Bluetooth protocol. Future work should focus on the IMU:s and look to further develop a method of correcting the relative angle error, as well as investigating accurate time synchronization of the two sensors.Alternatively, deriving angular velocities directly from the IMU gyroscopes could be investigated.

Volvo Group är ett av världens ledande tillverkare av bland annat lastbilar, bussar, entreprenadmaskiner och motorer för marina och industriella applikationer. Volvo Group äger totalt 10 olika märken, dessa är: Volvo Trucks, UD Trucks, Renault Trucks, Mack Trucks, Group Trucks Asia & JVs, Volvo Construction Equipment, Volvo Bus, Volvo Penta, Volvo Financial Services och Governmental Sales. Initiativet till projektet togs av Metod och Processutvecklings avdelningen på Volvo Group Trucks Operations (GTO), som är den delen av Volvo Group som utför själva sammansättningen av lastbilar. Volvo GTO finns i flertal olika länder världen över vilket leder till att arbetsprocesserna kan skilja mellan länderna. För att kunna standardisera ett arbetssätt där konstruktören (komponent ägaren) tillsammans med geometri arkitekten kan göra en första ergonomisk analys på den berörda komponenten. För att detta ska vara möjligt så tog projektet fram en handbok på hur man som komponentägare skall gå tillväga för att få en så bra och korrekt analys som möjligt. I denna kandidatarbete tas det upp förslag på hur VR hade kunnat hjälpa till ett utvärderingsverktyg redan i konstruktionsstadiet när en ny produkt/komponent ska tas fram eller om det ska göras förbättringar på en befintlig komponent. Kandidatarbetet har valt att fokusera mest på hur konstruktören och geometri arkitekten ska kunna utvärdera de ergonomiska aspekterna med VR som hjälp. Projektet har undersökt två user case varav ett av dem presenteras i denna rapport. Detta gäller monteringen av värmeskydd. Anledningen till att just denna montering valdes är på grund av dess dåliga ergonomi och åtkomlighet. Projektet valde att göra både en RULA-analys och PLIBEL-analys. RULA-analysen gav hög totalpoäng, 7 av 7 medan PLIBEL endast är en analys på arbetsplatsen vilket gav ett bra underlag för fortsatt arbete. Studien visade att VR är ett väldigt bra hjälpmedel vid analys av ergonomiska aspekter i tidig design fas. Det ger relevanta, Volvo Group is one of the Worlds leading manufacturer in the categories trucks, busses, construction equipment and engines for the marine and industrial applications. Volvo Group consist of many different brands 10 in total, these are: Volvo Trucks, UD Trucks, Renault Trucks, Mack Trucks, Group Trucks Asia & JVs, Volvo Construction Equipment, Volvo Bus, Volvo Penta, Volvo Financial Services and Governmental Sales. The initiative for the project came from Method and Process Development within Volvo Trucks Tuve Plant, department at Volvo Group Trucks Operations (GTO), which is the part of Volvo Group performing the actual production of the trucks. Volvo GTO is located worldwide in several different countries, which leads to different work processes. To standardize a method where the designer (component owner) together with the geometry architect can make a first ergonomics analysis of the concerned component. To make this possible, the project presented a manual on how the component owner should proceed to obtain as good and correct analysis of ergonomics as possible. This bachelor thesis makes suggestions for how VR would be helpful in the design phase as an evaluation tool during development of a new product/component or whether improvements should be made to an existing component. The thesis has focused mostly on how the designer and geometry architect can evaluate the ergonomics aspects with VR as a help, already in the design phase. The project has investigated two user cases. One of them is presented in this report. This applies to the installation of heat shield, the reason that this particular assembly was chosen is due to its poor ergonomics and accessibility. The project chose to do a RULA-analysis and PLIBEL-analysis. The RULA analysis gave a high total score, 7 out of 7, while PLIBEL was an analysis at the workplace. Both proved to be a good basis for continued work. The study shows that VR is a great tool for analysis of the ergonomics aspects in ear

“Overworking to death” is a phenomenon that has been noticeable in developing countries. The cause of death is mainly through ischemic strokes. While the victims’ occupations differed, they all shared a common characteristic, being positioned in a sedentary work, ranging from IT workers to doctors. This project’s aim was to develop a product that prevented or decreased the strokes that derived from sedentary overwork. This was mainly tackled by preventing one of the three causes of developing blood props, slowed blood flow. In order to gather rich data of the phenomenon, a qualitative study was conducted in China, during two months. By doing an extensive structured sampling, information rich data could be gathered during a short period of time. Data were derived from observations, questionnaires and an interview, which then was interpreted to customer needs and the final product specification. The final product became a trouser with an in built dynamic compression mechanic, that can compress the veins mostly during sitting activities, in order to prevent blood stasis. The compression mechanic works like the Chinese finger trap; compressing the calves while sitting and stretching the legs forward. It is made only out of polysaccharides fibres; cotton and corn., "Guolaosi" eller död från överarbete är ett fenomen som i regel uppkommer bland utvecklingsländer. Dödsorsaken är huvudsakligen genom stroke. Offrens yrken varierar allt från professorer, IT-arbetare till läkare. De delar dock en sak gemensamt; att arbeta under långa perioder stillasittande. Projektets mål var att utveckla en produkt som minskar dödliga följderna av sedentära överarbete, genom att förebygga en av de tre orsakerna för att utveckla blodproppar; saktad blodström. Målgruppen var då kineser av de yrken som hade tidigare drabbats av fenomenet. För att samla informationsrika data om fenomenet genomfördes en kvalitativ studie i Kina under två månader. Genom att göra en omfattande strukturerad provtagning kunde informationsrika data samlas under en kort tidsperiod. Fältstudien bestod av observationer, frågeformulär och en intervju, som då tolkades till kundbehov och eventuellt produktspecifikationen. Den slutliga produkten kom att bli ett par byxor med en inbyggd dynamisk komprimeringsmekanism, som kan komprimera venerna under sittande aktiviteter, för att förhindra saktad blodström. Kompressionsmekanismen fungerar som den kinesiska fingerfällan. Den komprimerar blodkärlen medan personen sitter och sträcker benen framåt. Produkten är konstruerad på så sätt att den kan tillverkas endast av polysackariders tråd, från bomull och majs. Vilket är lämpligt för Kinas lokala resurser.

EAN-kodens betydelse vid scanning av varorAtt arbeta som kassör vid utgångskassa anses vara ergonomiskt belastande. En vanlig uppfattning är att om kunden lägger varorna en och en på bandet samt vänder EAN-koden mot scannern, så minskar kassörens arbetsbelastning.Arbets- och miljömedicin Syd har i samarbete med Handelsanställdas Förbund genomfört en pilotstudie i kassaarbete vid scanning av varor. Pilotstudiens syfte är att undersöka om det finns någon skillnad i kassörens fysiska belastning om kunden vänder EAN-koden rättvänd på bandet i utgångskassa, jämfört med om varorna läggs med EAN-koden icke-rättvänd. Vi genomförde tekniska mätningar på en erfaren kassör, där arbetsställningar, arbetsrörelser och muskelaktivitet registrerades i båda situationerna. Resultaten visade mycket tydliga skillnader i belastning. Arbete med rättvänd EAN–kod innebar betydligt lägre rörelsehastigheter i överarm och handled, lägre muskelbelastning i skuldra och underarm, samt mer tid för muskulär återhämtning i skuldrans muskulatur, jämfört med icke-rättvänd kod. Möjlighet till muskulär återhämning i underarmens muskler var extremt låg i båda situationerna. Det tog i genomsnitt längre tid att skanna varorna med rättvänd kod, men tiden varierade mycket mellan olika kunder. Efter justering för tiden kvarstod de statistiskt signifikanta skillnaderna i belastning.Sammanfattningsvis visade undersökningen att det fanns stora ergonomiska fördelar för kassören om kunden lägger varan med rättvänd EAN-kod vid scanning av varor.

Att arbeta som kassör vid utgångskassa anses vara ergonomiskt belastande. En vanlig uppfattning är att om kunden lägger varorna en och en på bandet samt vänder EAN-koden mot scannern, så minskar kassörens arbetsbelastning.Arbets- och miljömedicin Syd har i samarbete med Handelsanställdas Förbund genomfört en pilotstudie i kassaarbete vid scanning av varor. Pilotstudiens syfte är att undersöka om det finns någon skillnad i kassörens fysiska belastning om kunden vänder EAN-koden rättvänd på bandet i utgångskassa, jämfört med om varorna läggs med EAN-koden icke-rättvänd.Vi genomförde tekniska mätningar på en erfaren kassör, där arbetsställningar, arbetsrörelser och muskelaktivitet registrerades i båda situationerna.Resultaten visade mycket tydliga skillnader i belastning. Arbete med rättvänd EAN–kod innebar betydligt lägre rörelsehastigheter i överarm och handled, lägre muskelbelastning i skuldra och underarm, samt mer tid för muskulär återhämtning i skuldrans muskulatur, jämfört med icke-rättvänd kod. Möjlighet till muskulär återhämning i underarmen muskler var extremt låg i båda situationerna.Det tog i genomsnitt längre tid att skanna varorna med rättvänd kod, men tiden varierade mycket mellan olika kunder. Efter justering för tiden kvarstod de statistiskt signifikanta skillnaderna i belastning.Sammanfattningsvis visade undersökningen att det fanns stora ergonomiska fördelar för kassören om kunden lägger varan med rättvänd EAN-kod vid scanning av varor.

There is a need for objective methods for upper arm elevation measurements for accurate and convenient risk assessments. The aims of this study were (i) to compare a newly developed iOS application (iOS) for measuring upper arm elevation and angular velocity with a reference optical tracking system (OTS), and (ii) to compare the accuracy of the iOS incorporating a gyroscope and an accelerometer with using only an accelerometer, which is standard for inclinometry. The iOS-OTS limits of agreement for static postures (9 subjects) were -4.6° and 4.8°. All root mean square differences in arm swings and two simulated work tasks were <6.0°, and all mean correlation coefficients were >0.98. The mean absolute iOS-OTS difference of median angular velocity was <13.1°/s, which was significantly lower than only using an accelerometer (<43.5°/s). The accuracy of this iOS application compares well to that of today's research methods and it can be useful for practical upper arm measurements., QC 20220615

—Work-related injuries and disorders constitute a major burden and cost for employers, society in general and workers in particular. We@Work is a project that aims to develop an integrated solution for promoting and supporting a safe and healthy working life by combining wearable technologies, Big Data analytics, ergonomics, and information and communication technologies. The We@Work solution aims to support the worker and employer to ensure a healthy working life through pervasive monitoring for early warnings, prompt detection of capacity-loss and accurate risk assessments at workplace as well as self-management of a healthy working life. A multiservice platform will allow unobtrusive data collection at workplaces. Big Data analytics will provide real-time information useful to prevent work injuries and support healthy working life, QC 20180416

Bakgrund Muskuloskeletala besvär i nacke och skuldra är vanligt förekommande arbetsrelaterade sjukdomar bland bildskärmsarbetare. Detta orsakar individuellt lidande med stora kostnader för samhället i storleksordningen 0.5% till 2% av ett lands BNP, men även för företag som utöver ökade omkostnader även riskerar sämre produktion och kvalitet. Det finns en oro att bildskärmsarbetande med progressiva glasögon arbetar med en ökad huvudextension och huvudprotraktion sk ”gamnacke”. Få jämförande studier har dock gjorts på HE respektive FHP vid användandet av progressiva glasögon, och ännu färre med subjekten i deras naturliga arbetsmiljö. Syfte – I denna studie undersöktes om det, i subjektens egen arbetsmiljö, föreligger ett samband mellan begreppet gamnacke och bildskärmsarbete vid användandet av progressiva glasögon avseende faktorerna FHP och HE jämfört med bildskärmsarbete utan progressiva glasögon. Subjekt –Datainsamlingen har skett på sju stycken olika företag i storstockholmsområdet under tidsperioden Mars-April 2017. Testgruppen bestod av 3 män och 7 kvinnor med en medelålder på 57,80 år (±8,18). Tid som de använt progressiva glasögon var 5,85 år (±5,59). kontrollgruppen bestod av 4 män och 6 kvinnor med en medelålder på 55,90 år (±3,60). Metod – Subjekten fotograferades med en smartphonekamera i ett stativ med horisontellt vattenpass, sittande vid sina skrivbord framför sina egna bildskärmar. Tre fotografier togs under 5 minuters tid på respektive subjekt. Subjekten var inte varse om exakt vid vilken tidpunkt fotografierna togs. En mobilapplikation användes för att ta ut vinklar för HE och FHP. Medelvärdena användes sedan för vidare analys med ett two-independent-sample test. Resultat – Testgruppens medelvärde för huvudets protraktion, TFHP var 42,20° (±7,15°). Testgruppens vinkel för mätning av huvudets extension, THE, hade medelvärdet 17,73° (±5,55°). Kontrollgruppens medelvärde för huvudets protraktion, KFHP var 40,87° (±7,53°). Kontrollgruppens medelvärde a, Introduction – Musculoskeletal disorders of the neck and shoulders are common occupational diseases among VDU operators. This causes individual suffering with high costs for society at around 0.5% to 2% of a countries GDP, as well as for companies, that besides high costs also risk a poorer production and quality. There is a concern that VDU operators with progressive lenses have an increased head extension and Forward head posture. However, Few comparative studies have been made on head extension and Forward head posture on subjects with progressive lenses and even fewer with subjects in their natural working environment. Aim – In this study, the aim was to, in the subjects own natural working environment, investigate whether there is a connection between the concept of poor posture in regards of FHP and HE, and VDU operators in the use of progressive lenses, compared to VDU operators without progressive lenses. Materials – The data was collected from seven different companies in the Greater Stockholm area during the period March-April 2017. The test group consisted of 3 men and 7 women with an average age of 57.80 years (± 8.18). The time spent using progressive lenses was 5.85 years (± 5.59). The control group consisted of 4 men and 6 women with an average age of 55.90 years (± 3.60). Method - The subjects were photographed with a smartphone on a leveled tripod, sitting at their own desks in front of their own monitors. Three photos were taken within 5 minutes on each subject. The subjects did not know exactly when the photographs were taken. A mobile application was used to extract angles for HE and FHP measurements. The mean values were then used for further analysis with a two-independent sample test. Results – The test group's mean head protrusion, TFHP was 42.20° (±7.15°). The test group's angle for measuring the head extension, THE, had an average of 17.73° (±5.55°). The control group's mean head protrusion, KFHP was 40.87° (±7.53°). The control group's mea

Regeringen skriver att ”Ett hållbart arbetsliv kräver kontinuerligt fokus på en god arbetsmiljö under hela yrkeslivet”. Att utöva ett systematiskt arbetsmiljöarbete (SAM) är ett effektivt verktyg och bra sätt att skapa ett hållbart arbetsliv. Skyddskommittén skall noga följa utvecklingen i frågor som rör skyddet mot ohälsa och olycksfall. Problemformuleringen beskriver att det forskas och skrivs många rapporter inom Sverige och på EU- nivå om ett hållbart arbetsliv, men upplevelsen är att det inte är många företag som arbetar med ett hållbart arbetsliv i det systematiska arbetsmiljöarbetet. Examensarbetets syfte var att praktiskt tillämpa ”SAM-testet” för att undersöka om det kan vara ett stöd genom dialog för skyddskommittéer i att utveckla ett hållbart arbetsliv med perspektiven ålder, genus och funktionsnedsättning. Metoden var att en facilitator gav information på ett skyddskommittémöte om dialog och hållbart arbetsliv, därefter fick gruppen svara på ”SAM-testet” med ett hållbart arbetsliv och perspektiven genus, ålder och funktionsnedsättning i åtanke. Facilitatorn observerade gruppen under tiden de svarade på frågorna samt påverkade gruppen att tänka för ett hållbart arbetsliv genom att använda dialogen som ett verktyg. Syftet var bland annat att se om de svarat i konsensus och rikta in gruppen till ett hållbart arbete. Resultatet visade att ”SAM-testet” är ett bra verktyg för företagen att använda för arbetet till ett hållbart arbetsliv. SAM-testet behöver utveckla kommentarer, åtgärder och handlingsplan samt lägga in fler länkar till ett hållbart arbetsliv. Detta behövs tillsammans med utbildning om ett hållbart arbetsliv och dialog. Företaget behöver skapa en samsyn till ett hållbart arbetsliv och i samband med riskbedömningar öka kunskaperna i ett hållbart arbetsliv. Företagshälsan behöver ha kunskap om de tre perspektiven ålder, genus och funktionsnedsättning samt även dialog. Även forskningen behöver samla ihop material och stödja företagen i arbetet til, The government writes that "A sustainable working life requires continuous focus on a good working environment throughout the entire working life". Exercising a systematic work environment (SAM) is an effective tool and a good way to create a sustainable working life. The Safety Committee shall closely monitor developments in matters relating to protection against ill health and accidents. The problem formulation describes the research and writing of many reports within Sweden and at EU level on a sustainable working life, but the experience is that few companies are working on a sustainable working life in the systematic work environment work. The purpose of the thesis was to apply the "SAM test" practically to evaluate if it could be a support through dialogue for protection committees in developing a sustainable working life with the perspective of age, gender and disability. The method was to provide a facilitator with information on dialogue and sustainable working life at a protection committee meeting. Then let the group respond to the "SAM test" with a sustainable working life and perspective gender, age and disability in mind. The facilitator observes the group while responding to the questions as well as influencing the group to think about sustainable work by using the dialogue as a tool. The purpose, among other things, was to see if they would respond in consensus and target the group towards sustainable work. The result showed that the "SAM Test"is a good tool for companies to use in their work towards a sustainable work life. The” SAM-testet” needs to develop the comments and actions in the action plan and add more links to a sustainable working life. This is needed together with education on sustainable working life and dialogue. The company needs to create a consensus for a sustainable working life and, in the context of risk assessments, increase knowledge in sustainable working life. Corporate health care needs knowledge of the three perspectives