A Neuroergonomics Study of Brain EEG\u27s Activity During Manual Lifting Tasks

Electroencephalography (EEG) has been shown to be a reliable tool in neuroergonomics studies due to the relatively low cost of brain data collection and limited body invasion. The application of EEG frequency bands (including theta, alpha and beta), enjoyed a wide range of interest in physical and cognitive ergonomics. The psychophysical approach has been used for decades to improve safe work practices by understanding human limitations in manual materials handling. The main objective of this research project was to study the brain\u27s EEG activity expressed by the power spectral density during manual lifting tasks related to: 1) the maximum acceptable weight of lift (MAWL) and 2) isokinetic and isometric lifting strength tests measurement outcomes. The first study investigated the changes in EEG power spectral density during determination of MAWL under low, medium, and high lifting frequencies. A high-density wireless dry cell EEG device has been used to record EEG signals. Twenty healthy males participated in this study. Subjects repeated the same experiment after two weeks. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences in EEG power spectral density between different lifting frequencies at three main brain areas (frontal, central, and parietal). The second study revealed differences in brain activities during isokinetic and isometric strength measurements, based on the recording and analysis of EEG power spectral density. This research project is the first study of EEG activity during manual lifting tasks, including the assessment of MAWL by the psychophysical method, as well as the measurement of human isokinetic and isometric strengths. The results of this project are considered critical to our increased understanding of the neural correlates of human physical activities, and consequently should have a positive impact on workplace design that considers brain activity related to specific human capabilities and limitations in manual lifting tasks

The dynamic and static strength of whole body exertions in the human

The characteristics of whole body manual exertions were investigated in both males and females under a wide range of conditions of posture, hand height, direction of exertion and task resistance. Many of these conditions were novel. The many factors which influence force exertion were reviewed and a computerized bibliography on human strength was prepared. Two experimental studies investigated the influence and interrelationships of hand/handle interface, gravitational and musculo-skeletal limitations on the ability to produce maximal static forces. A third study introduced novel strength testing equipment, protocol, data processing and display techniques in order to extend the measurement and analysis into three dimensions. A final study compared static lifting strength with maximal one and two-handed dynamic lifting performance against a range of resistances on an isoresistive hydrodynamometer. A good association was found between dynamic and static measures of whole body strength. However, different relationships between the two were observed in one and two-handed, and in male and female exertions. It was further concluded that dynamic and static measures of whole body strength cannot reliably be predicted on the basis of body weight and stature alone when the exerted force is directed along the line joining the foot and hand centroids. In other directions of exertion, where gravitational limitations play a more dominant role in the strength of exertion, reasonable predictions of whole body static strength may be obtained using a simple linear regression model with body weight and stature as independent variables. Extension of the Postural Stability Diagram into three dimensions and dynamic models of lifting strength based on the results are discussed as possible aids for task analysis in manual materials handling

Analysis of dynamic lifting exertions performed by males and females on a hydrodynamometer

Gender differences in physical capability have implications for worker selection policies. Ability to perform maximal dynamic lifts under controlled conditions is known to be related to ability to carry out physically heavy employment. The mechanics of muscular contraction are reviewed in the context of the measurement of dynamic strength. Gender differences in dynamic strength are reviewed in the context of the performance of military tasks. The principles of fluid mechanics governing the operation of a hydro-resistive dynamometer and its instrumentation and calibration are described, with experimental protocols and methods of data collection. The relationship between force and velocity can be controlled and measurements are repeatable. Subjects performed maximal dynamic lifts from 0.4 m from the ground to above 1.8 m. Force, position and time were measured, and related measures derived. Usable data from 201 male and 69 female serving soldiers are reported. Relationships between the different parts of the lift are modelled using linear regression. Differences in performance between subjects from different military employment groups are explored, as are differences in lifting technique. Gender differences are identified using analysis of covariance. Relative to stature, males and females lift in the same manner. The gender differences almost completely disappear when differences in fat-free mass are taken into account across the range of the lift. Principal Components Analysis is used to study the underlying features which affect the variability of the lift. The most important factors are the strength of the initial pulling phase and the need to change grip at chest height. The factors obtained are device dependent. Absolute gender differences in strength limit the entry of women into physically demanding jobs. Therefore, if selection on the basis of gender is to be avoided, actual ability to perform the job should be the paramount selection criterion

Research Day Program, 2016

Each of the poster presentations and platform sessions summarized in this program represents a collaborative effort between students and faculty in the Physical Therapy Department of Arcadia University, aimed at developing new knowledge to understand mechanisms that inform clinical practice

Identification and analysis of manual materials handling tasks within a commercial warehouse in South Africa

Lifting and overstraining are major causative factors related to musculoskeletal injuries and low back pain. A great number of work-related injuries arise from the handling and/or mishandling of materials. Hence there is a need to quantify risk factors in situ and develop guidelines for safe lifting practises in industry. The aim of this study was to make appropriate in situ quantification, within a commercial warehouse, of the stresses and physical demands imposed on the worker when performing two handed lifts in the sagittal plane. The performance of employees was assessed under normal working conditions through an observational methodology of data collection. Task performance evaluation was based on detailed measurement of all containers handled, an activity and time analysis, and the 'Work Practices Guide to Manual Lifting’ (NIOSH, 1981) which was used as the primary guide to developing theoretical recommendations to probable MMH risk factors for the workers involved. Of the 191 tasks analysed 103 were deemed unsuitable. Appropriate task factor adjustments were made where necessary to both the frequency and Hfactors (horizontal distance between the centre of gravity of the container and that of the worker) in order to reduce the risk factor for the worker

Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia in people with chronic low back pain

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders and a major contributor to disability worldwide. Exercise is recommended in guidelines as a cornerstone of the management of CLBP. One of the manifold benefits of exercise is its influence on endogenous pain modulation. An acute bout of exercise elicits a temporary decrease in pain sensitivity, described as exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH). This thesis explores EIH in people with CLBP via a systematic review and observational studies. The systematic review included 17 studies in people with spinal pain. Of those, four studies considered people with CLBP revealing very low quality evidence with conflicting results. EIH was elicited following remote cycling tasks (two studies, fair risk of bias), but EIH was altered following local repetitive lifting tasks (two studies, good/fair risk of bias). The observational studies investigated EIH following three different tasks in participants with and without CLBP and explored the stability of EIH results. Conflicting results from quantitative sensory testing were found for whether EIH is impaired in people with CLBP. EIH was only elicited in asymptomatic participants following a repeated lifting task, but both participants with and without CLBP showed EIH following a lumbar resistance and a brisk walking task. This thesis demonstrates the first evidence of stability of EIH over multiple sessions. However, the interpretation of the results can be challenging as stability was poor and changes in lumbar pressure pain thresholds also occurred after rest only. These findings are important to inform future studies contributing to the elucidation of the complex phenomenon of EIH in people with/without CLBP, specifically as the stability is a prerequisite for future research

Awakenings: An Equine Assisted Learning Research Project

Objective. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if and how the Awakenings Equine Assisted Learning program was effective at improving the professionalism, confidence, communication skills and adaptability of students preparing for careers as Anesthesiologist Assistants. Background. Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is a rapidly growing experiential model that utilizes horses to enhance participants\u27 awareness of their own non-verbal language, communication styles, projection of self-confidence and competence, and problem-solving abilities (Chandler, 2012; Green, 2012, 2013; Kane, 2012; Trotter, 2012). Methods. As a part of their regular educational and clinical rotations, first year students in the Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA) program participated in a 6- week training that included weekly, 2 -hour Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) sessions. Each session, the AA students participated in a 2- hour experiential equine assisted activity, specifically designed to address a certain target area necessary for their development as professionals in this field. The participants completed a pre and post assessment with 93 items that measured development as they relate to the EAL sessions. Results. The data was analyzed using t-tests, exploratory factor analysis, and qualitative self-reports. Confidence, empathy, awareness, and communication were the most significant factors. Conclusion. The qualitative data reinforced the quantitative findings that showed significant improvement in the objective factors as a result of the EAL sessions

STEM KIT: Teachers’ Notebook

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio