RESEARCH OF HUMAN FATIGUE AND MEASUREMENT PARAMETERS FOR WORKABILITY ASSESSMENT

Human fatigue is reduced working capability for certain period of time as the result of unusual or prolonged workload. Fatigue arises when the body’s energy requirements exceed its supply. Fatigue first manifests as reduced concentration capability causing movement coordination and precision disruption leading to decreasing workability. Fatigue is an object of research in physiology, psychology, work ergonomics, medicine, and biotechnology where each domain has a focus on mental fatigue. The functional state in the context of professional activity is defined as a complex of characteristics of functions and qualities that determine the fulfilment of labour activity. Furthermore, a comprehensive estimation of subject functional state in combination with other factors like subject self-assessment and objective performance tests (cognitive load tests) is a necessary input for the evaluation of workability and efficiency on task. The heterogeneous nature of fatigue as a systemic manifestation requires analysis of multiple key parameters which are relevant to the specific type. The current feasibility study focuses on human biological signal from electrical activity of heart, brain, muscles and skin potentials as well as temperature, position, and respiration to obtain diagnostic parameters reflecting the state of cardiovascular, muscles, and central nervous systems for physiological monitoring of vital signs. The fatigue physiological parameter and feature formalization aim to support the development of a platform with complex passive multi-level fatigue monitoring system and workability evaluation system designed in order to provide an integrated service

Visualisation Method of Electromyogram in Rehabilitation and Training of Patients with Cerebral Palsy

The aim of the study is to develop visualisations suitable for rehabilitation and training of patients with cerebral palsy in home conditions. The specially prepared visualisations were demonstrated to 10 children with cerebral palsy to find the most effective visualisations based on their own opinion. During the experimental part of this study, electromyogram, vital signs and skin conductance measurements of volunteer participants were registered. After the experimental part, participants and physiotherapists were interviewed.It was concluded that a biofeedback method of electromyography is suitable as a rehabilitation method in home conditions, if the visualisation is based on multimedia

Visualisation Method of Electromyogram in Rehabilitation and Training of Patients with Cerebral Palsy

The aim of the study is to develop visualisations suitable for rehabilitation and training of patients with cerebral palsy in home conditions. The specially prepared visualisations were demonstrated to 10 children with cerebral palsy to find the most effective visualisations based on their own opinion. During the experimental part of this study, electromyogram, vital signs and skin conductance measurements of volunteer participants were registered. After the experimental part, participants and physiotherapists were interviewed. It was concluded that a biofeedback method of electromyography is suitable as a rehabilitation method in home conditions, if the visualisation is based on multimedia

The Effect of Audio-Visual Biofeedback on Muscle Relaxation

The aim of the study was to explore the effect of audio-visual biofeedback on patients’ ability to control their own muscle tension, relaxing them. The upper trapezius muscle, which is located on the back of the neck and shoulder part being one of the most tensed human muscles, was studied. The study included 18 volunteers, each had 2–3 relaxation trainings using 4 different biological feedback methods and recording of physiological parameters and patients’ subjective opinion. The obtained measurements were examined to determine the relaxation characteristics of different types of feedback. As a result, it was concluded that the audio-visual biofeedback was recommended to use for muscle relaxation purposes

The Effect of Audio-Visual Biofeedback on Muscle Relaxation

The aim of the study was to explore the effect of audio-visual biofeedback on patients’ ability to control their own muscle tension, relaxing them. The upper trapezius muscle, which is located on the back of the neck and shoulder part being one of the most tensed human muscles, was studied.The study included 18 volunteers, each had 2–3 relaxation trainings using 4 different biological feedback methods and recording of physiological parameters and patients’ subjective opinion. The obtained measurements were examined to determine the relaxation characteristics of different types of feedback.As a result, it was concluded that the audio-visual biofeedback was recommended to use for muscle relaxation purposes

Mobilo bezvadu tehnoloģiju izmantošana asinsspiediena monitorēšanai internetā

Asinsspiediena mērīšanai slimnīcā ir vairāki trūkumi, piemēram, „baltā halāta sindroms”, pacients ir ārpus ierastās vides un viens mērījums neatspoguļo asins spiediena izmaiņas dienas gaitā. Mēs esam izstrādājuši asinsspiediena monitoringa sistēmu, kas nodrošina mērījumus mājas apstākļos un rezultātu pārraidi internetā. Sistēma sastāv no pašu izveidota mobilā bezvadu asinsspiediena mērītāja, Windows Mobile viedtelefona un datora internetā. Mobilais bezvadu asinsspiediena mērītājs sastāv no digitālā NIBP (Non Invasive Blood Pressure) monitora moduļa, Bluetooth raidītāja un baterijas. Tas periodiski mēra pacienta asinsspiedienu un mērījumu rezultātus pārraida viedtelefonam pa Bluetooth bezvadu saiti. Viedtelefonā ir programmatūra datu attēlošanai un iekārtas vadībai. Turklāt tālrunis ir pieslēgts internetam ar mobilā telefona tehnoloģijām un pārsūta datus uz personālo datoru pa TCP/IP protokolu. Servera programmatūra uz personālā datora tiek lietota šo datu apkopošanai, saglabāšanai un attēlošanai. Šāda sistēma var tikt pielietota telemedicīnā kā pacienta individuālais asinsspiediena monitors vai arī kā mobilais asinsspiediena mērītājs ārsta vizītēs pie pacienta

Use of Mobile Phone for Transmitting Electrocardiogram in Real Time

With the appearance of fast 3G mobile phone networks and unlimited data plans offered by operators it becomes more feasible to use them for long term patient cardio monitoring. We developed a system that consists of digital electrocardiogram recorder, Windows Mobile smartphone and personal computer. ECG recorder is connected to the phone using cable or short range wireless link. Smartphone is connected to the Internet and forwards incoming ECG data to the PC with software for data processing. We performed several experiments to determine if it is possible to use this system for real time monitoring of patients electrocardiogram. In this paper we present results of these experiments and conclusions

Structure and Functionality of Mobile Telemedicine Screening Complex (MTSC)

The article is dedicated to research in telemedicine field, including statements required for emedicine and based on preliminary development results of computerized screening complex with wireless transmission of measurements to the analysis centre, computerized decisionmaking realization with certified expert conformation and feedback of conclusion to a user. System hardware part of Mobile Telemedicine Screening Complex (MTSC) is based on a set of specially designed measurement modules. Overall MTSC modules can acquire more than 60 parameter values – numeric, nonnumeric, number strings or curves, measurement values and calculated values. Computer included in MTSC provides more additional features, result visualization and data flow management. Measuring modules in the unit include the management of separate measuring operations and the recalculation of raw parameter values. Information transmission unit sends the results of digitization and preprocessed data to the analysis centre. Its task is to check the information received, provide a detailed analysis, including computerized and expert evaluation of individual tests, confirmed by a certified specialist and storage of tests and results in the database. Consequently, the link to the analysis centre is duplex, the indication is provided on both ends of the system