Effects of Ambulant Myofeedback Training and Ergonomic Counselling in Female Computer Workers with Work-Related Neck-Shoulder Complaints: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To investigate the effects of ambulant myofeedback training including ergonomic counselling (Mfb) and ergonomic counselling alone (EC), on work-related neck-shoulder pain and disability. Methods: Seventy-nine female computer workers reporting neck-shoulder complaints were randomly assigned to Mfb or EC and received four weeks of intervention. Pain intensity in neck, shoulders, and upper back, and pain disability, were measured at baseline, immediately after intervention, and at three and six months follow-up. Results: Pain intensity and disability had significantly decreased immediately after four weeks Mfb or EC, and the effects remained at follow up. No differences were observed between the Mfb and EC group for outcome and subjects in both intervention groups showed comparable chances for improvement in pain intensity and disability. Conclusions: Pain intensity and disability significantly reduced after both interventions and this effect remained at follow-up. No differences were observed between the two intervention groups

A Review of Non-Invasive Techniques to Detect and Predict Localised Muscle Fatigue

Muscle fatigue is an established area of research and various types of muscle fatigue have been investigated in order to fully understand the condition. This paper gives an overview of the various non-invasive techniques available for use in automated fatigue detection, such as mechanomyography, electromyography, near-infrared spectroscopy and ultrasound for both isometric and non-isometric contractions. Various signal analysis methods are compared by illustrating their applicability in real-time settings. This paper will be of interest to researchers who wish to select the most appropriate methodology for research on muscle fatigue detection or prediction, or for the development of devices that can be used in, e.g., sports scenarios to improve performance or prevent injury. To date, research on localised muscle fatigue focuses mainly on the clinical side. There is very little research carried out on the implementation of detecting/predicting fatigue using an autonomous system, although recent research on automating the process of localised muscle fatigue detection/prediction shows promising results

ErgoSAM: A preproduction risk identification tool

Simulating work in a workstation with computer manikins is for many companies too expensive to acquire and master. An alternative method to detect high musculoskeletal loads early in the planning process is ErgoSAM. This article describes the users' and potential users' view of ErgoSAM and the suggestions of possible and desired improvements. Some improvements were introduced in a new version of ErgoSAM and validated at Volvo Car Corporation, Sweden. The new version demonstrates improved capacity to predict the occurrence of high loads on the operator when performing an assembly task, described in the MTM method SAM and in an assembly environment

Orchestrating multi-actor collaborative innovation across organizational boundaries

Purpose - The aim of this research is to increase the understanding of how strategic and long-term innovation efforts can be organised, operated and co-created within a project-based organisational setting. Design/Methodology/Approach - A case study with a qualitative approach was chosen, showing a critical case with powerful examples rather than representative samples, to draw conclusions from. The analysis builds on the concept of absorptive capacity, which provides a multidimensional perspective on innovation activities in organisations. Findings - The difficulties in orchestrating an interplay between innovation processes and the construction process in itself is presented. The study identifies effects from introducing new “innovation roles” as well as comprehending implications of collaborative contract forms for innovation. Research Limitations/Implications - Based on a single case study, and being an in-depth empirical study, a rich description of innovation processes is provided which contributes to generalisation on processes rather than outcomes. The use of the absorptive capacity construct also contributes to a theoretically informed research on innovation in construction. Practical Implications - The study provides valuable insights regarding how to conduct collaborative innovation in within the frame of construction projects. Originality/Value - The study of a novel organisational setup, where multiple innovation processes is integrated in a construction project with a partnering contract, provides an understanding on how a construction client can manage the interplay between innovation processes and the construction process in itself. Furthermore, flows of knowledge and effects from introducing new innovation roles are unfolded

Modified method time measurements for ergonomic planning of production systems in the manufacturing industry

The paper reports on an evaluation of a method called ErgoSAM. This method is based on SAM, a higher-level method-time-measurement (MTM) system, and is for use by production planners, e.g. production engineers. In addition to the SAM information, the ErgoSAM method considers information on weight handled or forces applied, and work zone. The method is designed to predict the physical demands of work postures, force and repetitivity, according to a scientific model, the Cube model. In co-operation with the Volvo Car Corporation, six workstations of an assembly line, were analysed by a production engineer using ErgoSAM. The total assembly time analysed was about 17 minutes. The results were compared to results from ergonomic analyses made by an ergonomist using the Volvo Car Corporations standards. The results showed that ErgoSAM predicts work situations of high physical stress for the workers. However, the method does not consider stressful positions for the hand, wrist and neck or mental stress. The production engineer judged the ErgoSAM analyses to require about 5% more time than SAM analyses alone. It is concluded that the method shows considerable promise for predicting physically stressful work situations, but needs to be further evaluated and refined

Modified method time measurements for ergonomic planning of production systems in the manufacturing industry

The paper reports on an evaluation of a method called ErgoSAM. This method is based on SAM, a higher-level method-time-measurement (MTM) system, and is for use by production planners, e.g. production engineers. In addition to the SAM information, the ErgoSAM method considers information on weight handled or forces applied, and work zone. The method is designed to predict the physical demands of work postures, force and repetitivity, according to a scientific model, the Cube model. In co-operation with the Volvo Car Corporation, six workstations of an assembly line, were analysed by a production engineer using ErgoSAM. The total assembly time analysed was about 17 minutes. The results were compared to results from ergonomic analyses made by an ergonomist using the Volvo Car Corporations standards. The results showed that ErgoSAM predicts work situations of high physical stress for the workers. However, the method does not consider stressful positions for the hand, wrist and neck or mental stress. The production engineer judged the ErgoSAM analyses to require about 5% more time than SAM analyses alone. It is concluded that the method shows considerable promise for predicting physically stressful work situations, but needs to be further evaluated and refined