Prolonged occupational standing : the impact of time and footwear

Prolonged occupational standing is strongly related to musculoskeletal disorders. Despite being the main external load bearing interface between the floor and musculoskeletal system, and easy to manipulate, footwear is often ignored as an intervention for standing related disorders. This study aimed to record the effect of prolonged standing on the body and determine the impact of footwear material. Two pairs of surgical clogs were tested, varying only in material hardness. Participants (n=12) undertook 3 hours of standing in each shoe whilst they completed a repetitive series of simulated work tasks. Biomechanical and subjective data were recorded at the start, end and every 30 minutes during the three hours of standing. There was an increase in discomfort of the low back and all lower extremity regions alongside an increase in calf circumference, selected kinematic and kinetic variables, and changes in plantar pressure distribution over the three hours. Altering the footwear material impacted on low back discomfort and plantar pressures. Shoe preference varied amongst individuals, but was consistently associated with an increased medial midfoot contact area. Overall, this study has demonstrated the effect of prolonged standing on the body, has shown footwear impacts both subjective and biomechanical measures and provides information regarding individual differences and footwear preferences

Rehabil Nurs

PurposeProlonged standing at work has been shown to be associated with a number of potentially serious health outcomes, such as lower back and leg pain, cardiovascular problems, fatigue, discomfort, and pregnancy related health outcomes. Recent studies have been conducted examining the relationship between these health outcomes and the amount of time spent standing while on the job. The purpose of this article was to provide a review of the health risks and interventions for workers and employers that are involved in occupations requiring prolonged standing. A brief review of recommendations by governmental and professional organizations for hours of prolonged standing is also included.FindingsBased on our review of the literature, there seems to be ample evidence showing that prolonged standing at work leads to adverse health outcomes. Review of the literature also supports the conclusion that certain interventions are effective in reducing the hazards associated with prolonged standing. Suggested interventions include the use of floor mats, sit-stand workstations/chairs, shoes, shoe inserts and hosiery or stockings. Studies could be improved by using more precise definitions of prolonged standing (e.g., duration, movement restrictions, and type of work), better measurement of the health outcomes and more rigorous study protocols.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceUse of interventions and following suggested guidelines on hours of standing from governmental and professional organizations should reduce the health risks from prolonged standing.CC999999/Intramural CDC HHS/United States2015-10-02T00:00:00Z25041875PMC459192

Rehabil Nurs

PurposeProlonged standing at work has been shown to be associated with a number of potentially serious health outcomes, such as lower back and leg pain, cardiovascular problems, fatigue, discomfort, and pregnancy related health outcomes. Recent studies have been conducted examining the relationship between these health outcomes and the amount of time spent standing while on the job. The purpose of this article was to provide a review of the health risks and interventions for workers and employers that are involved in occupations requiring prolonged standing. A brief review of recommendations by governmental and professional organizations for hours of prolonged standing is also included.FindingsBased on our review of the literature, there seems to be ample evidence showing that prolonged standing at work leads to adverse health outcomes. Review of the literature also supports the conclusion that certain interventions are effective in reducing the hazards associated with prolonged standing. Suggested interventions include the use of floor mats, sit-stand workstations/chairs, shoes, shoe inserts and hosiery or stockings. Studies could be improved by using more precise definitions of prolonged standing (e.g., duration, movement restrictions, and type of work), better measurement of the health outcomes and more rigorous study protocols.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceUse of interventions and following suggested guidelines on hours of standing from governmental and professional organizations should reduce the health risks from prolonged standing.CC999999/Intramural CDC HHS/United States2015-10-02T00:00:00Z25041875PMC459192

Applying safe flooring in housing environments related to the independent elderly : evaluating suitability flooring technology to absorb impact in the event of a fall

Aplicat embargament des de la data de defensa fins el dia 3/6/2022This research has been developed with the intention of investigating a different generation of pavements. Most of the current pavements have the same basic standard characteristics and this ensures that living conditions are comfortable, safe, and pleasant for the majority of citizens. But a small group of pavements is designed with a specific purpose: to reduce injuries related to people's falls to the ground; They are called CF (compliant flooring in English). A detailed study of CF flooring systems is warranted to assess their usability for vulnerable groups such as the elderly. This study is structured in six chapters. The first chapter has dealt mainly with bibliographic studies and statistical data consulted on official and international websites. This section evaluates the importance of the increase in the elderly population, life expectancy, and threats to the safety and health of the elderly, especially, and their secondary effects. The scope of the research has been carried out internationally, in Europe and within Spain, and finally, specifically for Catalonia. The second chapter presents a brief overview of the interior flooring, specifically considering its comfort and safety during use. The importance and direct relationship between the sole of the foot and the gait mechanism with respect to the type of pavement have been verified. Many factors that influence this have been investigated, such as the physics and biomechanics of the body when walking, the kinematics of falls, and the dynamics of impact. In addition, a general description of the behavior of materials for use in pavements has been made to better understand the behavior of CF systems. In addition, the most suitable strategies to cope with falls and reduce injuries are discussed. Examining other products with appreciable energy-absorbing and shock-reducing capabilities has been helpful in the proposed pre-designs, all of which have been made based on numerical analysis and related standards. The third chapter is already dedicated to the study of technology and research on the most suitable CF systems; studies from academic, commercial, and architecture departments, in general, are included. In this section, some standard tests related to the various selected materials are developed and several examples of similar products are studied. The fourth chapter includes field research (on-site) and analysis of case studies. Several notable flooring companies around the world were contacted by mail, specifically examining those products whose manufacturers claimed to be shock absorbers. This part of the investigation was slowed down by the delay in shipments. Once they arrived, a real environment was sought where they could obtain the opinion of the elderly and the personnel assigned to their care. All the practice tests were carried out in a residence for the elderly in Barcelona for about two months, focusing on the study of the current pavements of the center and the current derived problems related to users.This entire process was completed by interviewing users and caregivers with predefined questionnaires. It should be noted that this allowed us to contrast the quantitative characteristics of the study in combination with the elements of qualitative research. Chapter Five deals with the results, discussions, suggestions for installation and improvement of pavement safety in risk areas. Simulations were also carried out on a possible base structure of the pavements with the finite element method (FEM). Chapter six presents guidelines for future developments. The author further investigated the materials and their structure and is presented them as a basis for future technical developments.The author considers that, with more detailed studies, it would be possible to use as CF system other materials, either natural or recycled based on agricultural products, which would increase the diversity of the CF system offer and promote more sustainable architectureEsta investigación se ha desarrollado con la intención de investigar una generación diferente de pavimentos. La mayoría de los actuales pavimentos tienen las mismas características básicas estándar y ello garantiza que las condiciones de vida sean cómodas, seguras y agradables para la mayoría de los ciudadanos. Pero un grupo reducido de pavimentos está diseñado con un propósito específico: reducir las lesiones relacionadas con las caídas al suelo de las personas; son los denominados CF (compliant flooring en inglés). Un estudio detallado de los sistemas de pavimentos CF está justificado para evaluar su posibilidad de uso para grupos vulnerables como los ancianos. Este estudio se estructura en seis capítulos. En el primer capítulo se han abordado principalmente los estudios bibliográficos y datos estadísticos consultados en sitios web oficiales e internacionales. En esta sección se evalúa la importancia del aumento de la población anciana. El ámbito de la investigación se ha realizado a nivel internacional, en Europa y dentro de España, y finalmente, específicamente para Cataluña. El segundo capítulo se presenta una breve panorámica del pavimento interior. Se ha constatado la importancia y relación directa entre la planta del pie y el mecanismo de andar con respecto al tipo de pavimento. Se han investigado muchos factores que influyen en ello. Además, se ha realizado una descripción general del comportamiento de los materiales al uso en pavimentos para comprender mejor el comportamiento de los sistemas de CF. Además, se discuten las estrategias más idóneas para hacer frente a las caídas y reducir las lesiones. Examinar otros productos con apreciables capacidades de amortiguación de energía y reducción de impactos ha sido de gran ayuda en los prediseños propuestos, todos los cuales se han realizado sobre la base de análisis numérico y los estándares relacionados. El tercer capítulo está dedicado ya al estudio de la tecnología y la investigación sobre los sistemas de C más idóneos; se incluyen estudios procedentes de departamentos académicos, comerciales y de arquitectura en general. En esta sección se desarrollan algunas pruebas estándar relacionadas con los diversos materiales seleccionados y se estudian varios ejemplos de productos similares. El cuarto capítulo incluye investigación de campo (in situ) y análisis de estudios de casos. Se contactó por correo con varias empresas notables de pavimentos en todo el mundo, y se examinaron específicamente aquellos productos cuyos fabricantes afirmaban ser amortiguadores. Esta parte de la investigación se vio ralentizada por la demora en los envíos. Una vez llegados se buscó un ámbito real donde poder recabar la opinión de las personas mayores y del personal adscrito a su cuidado. Todas las pruebas prácticas se realizaron en una residencia de ancianos de Barcelona durante unos dos meses, centrándose en el estudio de los actuales pavimentos del centro y los problemas actuales derivados relacionados con los usuarios. Todo este proceso se completó mediante entrevistas a usuarios y cuidadores con cuestionarios predefinidos. El Capítulo Cinco se refiere a los resultados, discusiones, sugerencias para la instalación y mejora de la seguridad del pavimento en áreas de riesgo. También se realizaron simulaciones sobre una posible estructura base de los pavimentos con el método elemento finito (FEM). El capítulo seis presenta directrices para desarrollos futuros. El autor investigó más a fondo sobre los materiales y su estructura, y se presenta como una base para desarrollos técnicos futuros. El autor considera que, con estudios más detallados, sería posible utilizar como CF otros materiales, bien naturales o reciclados a base de productos agrícolas, lo cual aumentaría la diversidad de la oferta de CF y fomentaría la arquitectura más sostenible.Postprint (published version

The Effect on Postural Balance as a Result of Different Types of Golf-Specific Footwear Over an Extended Duration

The sport of golf is increasingly popular within the United States, with an estimated 35 million participants worldwide. To be successful, the golf swing, regarded as a difficult biomechanical motion to accomplish, needs to be accurate and powerful. A proper swing incorporates a weight shift from the rear foot to the leading foot, which indicates that balance is crucial to maintain. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of golf-specific footwear on static balance over an extended duration in order to relate it to golf performance. Twelve recreationally trained males (age: 23.4±2.2 years; height: 181.5±9.0cm; mass 95.8±18.6 kg) with no history of injuries or disorders participated in the study. The study lasted about four days, which included a familiarization day, and experimental days lasting around four hours each. Static balance was assessed by equilibrium scores using the NeuroCom Equitest Sensory Organizational Test (EO, EC, EOSRV, EOSRP). The conditions were counterbalanced prior to the start of the experimental days, which included a dress shoe style (DS), a minimalist shoe style (MIN), and a tennis shoe style (TS), with a barefoot condition (BF) as the control variable. A predetermined alpha level of 0.05 was used, and results were analyzed using a 4x5 repeated measures ANOVA [4 footwear conditions (BF, DS, MIN, TS) x 5 measurement times (pre, 60, 120, 180, 240)]. There was a significant interaction, within the EC condition, detected at the three-hour mark, where the DS condition indicated an impairment in balance control compared to the BF condition. However, there was no indication of significance among the golf-specific footwear. This expresses the fact that may have the ability to choose golf-specific footwear according to preference without worrying about static balance detriments

The Effect of Extended Durations of Walking in Different Footwear on Measures of Muscle Activity

In 2010, nearly 3.1 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported among private industry employers resulting in an incidence rate of 3.5 cases per 100 full time workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Of the fatal occupational injuries in 2010, 14% were attributed to falls. Forty-five percent of falls have been attributed to inappropriate footwear, and occupationally induced muscle fatigue has been identified as a contributing factor to falls. Different footwear types have been shown to effect muscle fatigue levels during walking and standing. In an occupational setting, workers generally endure relatively small workloads for extended durations. The puipose of this study was to examine the amount of muscle activation of the ankle musculature over an extended duration of walking and standing in two types of commonly worn occupational footwear. Fourteen healthy male adults with no history of orthopedic, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neurological or vestibular abnormalities completed the study. The experimental session included an extended duration of walking (4 hours) with muscle activation of the ankle musculature during a maximal voluntary contraction measured at 30 minute intervals. The footwear included work boots that met .ANSI standards and low top shoes. A minimum of 72 hours of rest between conditions was provided. Repeated measures analyses of variance determined there were no significant differences between the time points for footwear or the time-shoe interaction. Significance was found with shoe type with the low top shoe eliciting greater activation for both muscles. Shaft height of the shoe may have been the significant influencing factor affecting muscle activity of the lower extremities. The work boots with the higher shaft showed more potential for resisting fatigue over extended durations. The results of this study may be beneficial in the aid of efficient design of future footwear to be worn in occupational settings

The Effect of Golf Shoe Characteristics on Static Balance Over an Extended Duration

Golf performance is greatly impacted by balance ability, specifically during a golfer’s swinging and putting motion. Previous studies have found that certain shoe characteristics can affect balance; however, no such study has been conducted for golf shoes. This study’s objective was to compare balance scores between three different golf shoe styles and determine which style or characteristics serve golfers best in improving balance under quiet standing conditions over time. Twelve adults (age: 23.4 ± 2.2 years; height: 181.5 ± 9.0 cm; mass: 95.8 ± 18.6 kg) participated in this study. Each participant made four visits, one for each footwear condition: barefoot, tennis shoe style, dress shoe style, or minimalist shoe style. The participants walked continuously on artificial turf for four hours and completed the Sensory Organizational Test (SOT) on the NeuroCom Equitest System at every hour mark to assess static balance. The SOT utilizes four testing conditions: eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC), eyes open sway referenced vision (EOSRV), and eyes open sway referenced platform (EOSRP). From the SOT scores, anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) sway root mean square (RMS) and AP/ML sway velocity (VEL) were calculated. The results were analyzed using a 4x5 repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), crossing the four footwear conditions with the five SOT times (0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 minutes). If footwear or time main effects were found, a post hoc pairwise comparison using a Bonferroni correction was completed. It was discovered that static balance began to decrease after two hours, and the barefoot condition scored better than the three golf shoes. At the three-hour mark, the three shoe conditions scored superior to the barefoot condition, but no significant differences in balance performance were found between the three golf shoe styles. This indicates that of the three golf shoes, none would be advantageous or detrimental compared to one another for balance performance

Conscientious Design: Design Proposals for Accomodating Multiple Sclerosis Patients

This evidence-based research explains and provides interior design strategies for redesign and future design to meet the needs of MS patients. The project entails an analysis of MS patient needs, an assessment of interior design implementations in similar medical fields (with patients who have similar symptoms to those with MS), and the creation of information materials containing recommended design practices for distribution. The materials will include details on lay-outs, upholstery, space planning, suggested equipment, color schemes, and recommended practices to be applied to current or future facilities that treat MS patients. These materials provide previously unexplored and much needed research and applications for use in the field of interior design

IISE Trans Occup Ergon Hum Factors

Background:The typical American worker spends about two-thirds of their work day standing. Prolonged standing has been found to be associated with acute and chronic adverse health outcomes. There is considerable variability among existing methods of analysis for prolonged-standing data, and therefore difficulty interpreting and comparing results across studies.Purpose:The purpose of this study is to develop a bodyweight transfer analysis method that incorporates factors of both time and amplitude of loading. This method was then applied to actual prolonged-standing data, to understand how the results of this method are impacted by time spent standing, and how the results relate to previously-reported methods of analysis for weight shifting data.Methods:Seven subjects (six male, one female) stood with each foot on one of two force plates for 6 h with a 5-min seated rest break between hours. Our new method identified two different types of events: fidgets and weight shifts. Center-of-pressure data were analyzed with the proposed method and three existing methods of analysis.Results:Subjects utilized different quantities of fidgets and weight shifts over the course of the trials. Existing methods of analysis identified a wide range in number of events, with some methods consistently identifying more events than others. These existing methods significantly differed from the proposed method. Fidgets, weight shifts, and fidgets + weight shifts, as identified using the proposed method, had significant interactions with time, while only one of the existing methods showed a significant time interaction.Conclusions:The conclusions drawn from analysis of prolonged standing center-of-pressure data can differ significantly depending on the method of analysis used. The method proposed here accounts for the different sources of discomfort and the tissue characteristics of these sources. Future work should explore the relationships between physiologic parameters and fidgets and weight shifts, so that appropriate clinical interventions can be identified.K01 OH010759/OH/NIOSH CDC HHSUnited States

Floor Finish Selection in Hospital Design: A Survey of Facility Managers

Flooring materials have a considerable impact on the indoor environment of healthcare facilities. In recent years, flooring options such as vinyl flooring and vinyl composite tiles have emerged as a popular choice in such facilities. They have been preferred extensively because of properties that make them durable, resistant to infections, and easy to maintain with minimum expenditure. However, there is limited literature and research which comprehensively evaluates floor finishes and their selection criteria in healthcare environments and the opinion of facility managers regarding the same. This study analyzed, identified and systematized literature on selection criteria for flooring in healthcare facilities. It found out the preferences of healthcare facility managers regarding floor finishes and their selection criteria and assigned empirical values to their opinions and carried out further analysis. This research investigated literature on different types of floor finishes currently used in healthcare facilities and the criteria applied for their selection. The literature review for this study was conducted through search engines using relevant keywords. Peer-reviewed studies and articles published between 2000 and 2016 and consistent with the research design were included. A questionnaire survey was conducted among healthcare facility managers in the state of Texas. Hence, Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test was used for data analysis. The top five floor finishes used in the healthcare sector were identified: vinyl flooring, vinyl composite tile (VCT), rubber, linoleum, and ceramic flooring. Top five selection criteria that were identified: durability, infection control, ease of maintenance, maintenance cost, and user safety. Based on specific selection criteria the choice of floor finish may differ because each material exhibits its own properties which are different from other materials. For e.g. vinyl flooring could be preferred due to durability, infection control and low initial and maintenance cost. However, if selection criteria such as the effect on healing and aesthetics are preferred, then carpet flooring could be a better choice. The scope of future research has been provided