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5 pages, 198 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue: “Novel Approaches and Applications in Ergonomic Design II”

by Heecheon You

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(17), 9563; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13179563 - 24 Aug 2023

Viewed by 968

Abstract

The appropriate design of human–system interactions is crucial for ensuring safety, usability, productivity, and well-being [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches and Applications in Ergonomic Design II)

Research

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12 pages, 1229 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reducing Lumbar Flexion in a Repetitive Lifting Task: Comparison of Leukotape and Kinesio Tape and Their Effect on Lumbar Proprioception

by Kim Grütters, Susanne Narciss, Shawn M. Beaudette and Luca Oppici

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(10), 5908; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13105908 - 11 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1674

Abstract

Rigid leukotape applied to the skin of the trunk dorsum, superficial to the lumbar paraspinals, has been shown to reduce lumbar flexion in repetitive lifting, with the potential to reduce the risk of injury in jobs requiring the handling of material. It is [...] Read more.

Rigid leukotape applied to the skin of the trunk dorsum, superficial to the lumbar paraspinals, has been shown to reduce lumbar flexion in repetitive lifting, with the potential to reduce the risk of injury in jobs requiring the handling of material. It is unclear which mechanism underpins this reduction, and whether a tape with more elastic properties (i.e., kinesio tape) can yield similar results. In this study, twelve participants were randomly allocated into two groups, and practiced a repetitive lifting task with either leukotape or kinesio tape applied to the skin of their trunk dorsum. The participants also performed a sagittal plane repositioning task to assess changes in lumbar proprioception. The results showed a small reduction in lumbar flexion in the kinesio tape group and a moderate reduction in the leukotape group, and suggested a reduction in repositioning errors in the kinesio tape group only. We suggest that leukotape may correct the movement and improve performance during a flexion-based task, while kinesio tape may improve lumbar proprioception and promote learning. These results have implications for the choice and use of wearable textiles aiming to reduce injury risks in the manual handling industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches and Applications in Ergonomic Design II)

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15 pages, 305 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Musculoskeletal Pain and Physical Demands Using a Wearable Smartwatch Heart Monitor among Precast Concrete Construction Workers: A Field Case Study

by Oscar Arias, James Groehler, Mike Wolff and Sang D. Choi

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 2347; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13042347 - 11 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2079

Abstract

This study aimed to quantify musculoskeletal symptoms/pain and characterize the physical demands at work and outside of work among precast concrete workers. Direct heart rate (HR) measurements and self-reported activity levels were used to estimate the physical demands. A total of 27 precast [...] Read more.

This study aimed to quantify musculoskeletal symptoms/pain and characterize the physical demands at work and outside of work among precast concrete workers. Direct heart rate (HR) measurements and self-reported activity levels were used to estimate the physical demands. A total of 27 precast construction workers participated in a survey, and 21 wore a HR monitor smart watch for seven days. The HR data were parsed in minutes associated with occupational and nonoccupational physical activity. Correlation analysis and multivariate regression models were conducted to assess the associations between direct measured physical activity with self-reported physical activity, body mass index (BMI), years of work, smoking, and Borg ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Approximately half of the participants experienced musculoskeletal symptoms in the last seven days and moderate functional limitations in carrying out activities of daily living (ADLs). The regression model revealed a positive relationship between direct measured moderate occupational physical activity (OPA) and the Borg RPE. Furthermore, an inverse association was found with BMI, smoking status, and years of work. The workers accrued a median of 415 min of moderate OPA per week. The findings showed a high amount of moderate OPA minutes per week and musculoskeletal issues among the precast concrete workers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches and Applications in Ergonomic Design II)

13 pages, 6327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Leg Muscle Activities and Foot Angles while Pressing the Accelerator Pedal by Different Foot Postures

by Amir Tjolleng, Jaesik Yang and Kihyo Jung

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(24), 13025; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122413025 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4530

Abstract

The accelerator pedal in a vehicle can be pressed by either of two (natural and rotated) foot postures, according to driver preference. Since the rotated foot posture requires only foot motion to switch between the brake and accelerator pedals, most drivers prefer it [...] Read more.

The accelerator pedal in a vehicle can be pressed by either of two (natural and rotated) foot postures, according to driver preference. Since the rotated foot posture requires only foot motion to switch between the brake and accelerator pedals, most drivers prefer it over the natural foot posture, which requires both leg and foot motions to switch between the pedals. However, the rotated foot posture may require more leg-muscle efforts and an awkward foot posture while operating the accelerator pedal, due to an inappropriate contact between the sole of the foot and the top surface of the accelerator pedal. This study examined the effects of foot postures on leg-muscle activities and foot angles while pressing the accelerator pedal for 10 male drivers. The experimental data revealed that %MVC (maximum voluntary contraction) of leg muscles for the rotated posture (6.39%) was significantly higher than that of the natural posture (3.86%). Both foot postures showed shared patterns in foot angles while pressing the accelerator pedal; however, a slight awkward foot inversion was observed in the rotated posture while pressing the accelerator pedal. The findings of this study suggest that a new design of accelerator pedal is needed for a better user experience while pressing the accelerator pedal with the rotated foot posture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches and Applications in Ergonomic Design II)

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12 pages, 1757 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Method for Generation of a Sizing System and Representative Models for a Facial Mask Design

by Wonsup Lee, Baekhee Lee, Xiaopeng Yang and Heecheon You

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(23), 12387; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122312387 - 3 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1483

Abstract

A sizing system and representative face models (RFMs) need to be properly determined for the design of a facial mask. The present study proposed a novel approach for the generation of a sizing system and RFMs for a facial mask that considers not [...] Read more.

A sizing system and representative face models (RFMs) need to be properly determined for the design of a facial mask. The present study proposed a novel approach for the generation of a sizing system and RFMs for a facial mask that considers not only the accommodation of the target population but also its applicability in practice (e.g., ease of use and economic efficiency). A custom sizing system with four unique sizing categories was generated by applying the proposed approach for a pilot oxygen mask for Korean pilots. Then, out of 336 faces, a face showing the minimum value of weighted sum of Euclidean distance (WSED) was identified as the RFM of each of the four sizing categories. The proposed approach can be applied to the development of a sizing system and the identification of representative human models for the design of wearable products associated with multiple body dimensions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches and Applications in Ergonomic Design II)

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18 pages, 2340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting User’s Measurements without Manual Measuring: A Case on Sports Garment Applications

by Jochen Vleugels, Lore Veelaert, Thomas Peeters, Toon Huysmans, Femke Danckaers and Stijn Verwulgen

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(19), 10158; https://doi.org/10.3390/app121910158 - 10 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 9436

Abstract

As sports garments are stretchable, different sizing tables are used than for retail clothing. However, customers measuring themselves leads to errors and unsatisfaction, since these customized branded garments cannot be returned. Using fitting sets avoids this, but this is not always feasible, especially [...] Read more.

As sports garments are stretchable, different sizing tables are used than for retail clothing. However, customers measuring themselves leads to errors and unsatisfaction, since these customized branded garments cannot be returned. Using fitting sets avoids this, but this is not always feasible, especially in an online retail environment. Therefore, this research aims to use descriptive measures—parameters that do not require manual measuring because they are readily known by heart by almost any customer—to predict users’ body measurements, which can, thus, be used by customers to determine the size of their sports garment from a sizing chart. To validate if these input measures are sufficient to predict the correct size, three prediction methods are used and compared with baseline manual measurements. The methods are: (i) clothing size predictions from shape models with descriptive measures as inputs, (ii) clothing size predictions from a regression analysis, and (iii) clothing size predictions from a shape model based on extensive 3D scanned measurements as input. The conclusion is that a regression algorithm with, as input variables, the straightforward demographics of age, gender, stature, and weight is more accurate than the algorithm with the same inputs but with a shape model behind it. Moreover, chest and hip circumferences have an intraclass correlation coefficient rating above 0.9 and are, thus, suited for online retail of stretchable garments, such as cycling clothes. As validated by end-users, the regression predictions are shown to agree with preferred garment sizes of the participants, within the natural variation of personal preferences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches and Applications in Ergonomic Design II)

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15 pages, 4632 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Development of an Ergonomic User Interface Design of Calcium Imaging Processing System

by Hayoung Jung, Xin Cui, Ha Lim Kim, Mingkang Li, Changhao Liu, Shaomin Zhang, Xiaopeng Yang, Linqing Feng and Heecheon You

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(4), 1877; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12041877 - 11 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2274

Abstract

An optical brain-machine interface (O-BMI) system using calcium imaging has various advantages such as high resolution, a comprehensive view of large neural populations, abilities such as long-term stable recording, and applicability to freely behaving animals in neuroscience research. The present study developed an [...] Read more.

An optical brain-machine interface (O-BMI) system using calcium imaging has various advantages such as high resolution, a comprehensive view of large neural populations, abilities such as long-term stable recording, and applicability to freely behaving animals in neuroscience research. The present study developed an ergonomic user interface (UI) design, based on a use scenario for an O-BMI system that can be used for the acquisition and processing of calcium imaging in freely behaving rodents. The UI design was developed in three steps: (1) identification of design and function requirements of users, (2) establishment of a use scenario, and (3) development of a UI prototype. The UI design requirements were identified by a literature review, a benchmark of existing systems, and a focus group interview with five neuroscience researchers. Then, the use scenario was developed for tasks of data acquisition, feature extraction, and neural decoding for offline and online processing by considering the sequences of operations and needs of users. Lastly, a digital prototype incorporating an information architecture, graphic user interfaces, and simulated functions was fabricated. A usability test was conducted with five neuroscientists (work experience = 3.4 ± 1.1 years) and five ergonomic experts (work experience = 3.6 ± 2.7 years) to compare the digital prototypes with four existing systems (Miniscope, nVista, Mosaic, and Suite2p). The usability testing results showed that the ergonomic UI design was significantly preferred to the UI designs of the existing systems by reducing the task completion time by 10.1% to 70.2% on average, the scan path length by 14.4% to 88.7%, and perceived workload by 12.2% to 37.9%, increasing satisfaction by 11.3% to 74.3% in data acquisition and signal-extraction tasks. The present study demonstrates the significance of the user-centered design approach in the development of a system for neuroscience research. Further research is needed to validate the usability test results of the UI prototype as a corresponding real system is implemented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches and Applications in Ergonomic Design II)

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18 pages, 5618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Picker Discomfort and Its Impact on Maintaining Strawberry Picking Quality

by Piotr Komarnicki and Łukasz Kuta

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(24), 11836; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112411836 - 13 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2659

Abstract

In this paper, the authors present the relationship between the assumptions of ergonomics in the work of a strawberry picker and quality of picked fruit. The body posture that a person adopts while working has a significant impact on their health, working comfort, [...] Read more.

In this paper, the authors present the relationship between the assumptions of ergonomics in the work of a strawberry picker and quality of picked fruit. The body posture that a person adopts while working has a significant impact on their health, working comfort, and productivity, but also on the quality of the fruit that is harvested. This paper identifies three characteristic picker positions during strawberry harvesting. A synchronized surface electromyography (sEMG) instrument together with the Tekscan^® surface pressure measurement system allowed for the determination of the influence of working position on changes in the load of the picker’s musculoskeletal system and the surface pressure exerted on the fruit during manual strawberry picking, which are decisive factors for maintaining fruit quality. In addition, compression tests on whole strawberry fruit were carried out as a benchmark to evaluate and compare the maximum forces as well as the destructive pressures on the fruit. From the tests, we found that the most comfortable position of the worker’s body was determined along with the harvesting technique (position during work) that has the least negative effect on the quality of the harvested fruit. Consequently, the level of dynamic load on the worker was determined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches and Applications in Ergonomic Design II)

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18 pages, 3315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preliminary Validation of a Low-Cost Motion Analysis System Based on RGB Cameras to Support the Evaluation of Postural Risk Assessment

by Thomas Agostinelli, Andrea Generosi, Silvia Ceccacci, Riccardo Karim Khamaisi, Margherita Peruzzini and Maura Mengoni

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(22), 10645; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112210645 - 11 Nov 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4459

Abstract

This paper introduces a low-cost and low computational marker-less motion capture system based on the acquisition of frame images through standard RGB cameras. It exploits the open-source deep learning model CMU, from the tf-pose-estimation project. Its numerical accuracy and its usefulness for ergonomic [...] Read more.

This paper introduces a low-cost and low computational marker-less motion capture system based on the acquisition of frame images through standard RGB cameras. It exploits the open-source deep learning model CMU, from the tf-pose-estimation project. Its numerical accuracy and its usefulness for ergonomic assessment are evaluated by a proper experiment, designed and performed to: (1) compare the data provided by it with those collected from a motion capture golden standard system; (2) compare the RULA scores obtained with data provided by it with those obtained with data provided by the Vicon Nexus system and those estimated through video analysis, by a team of three expert ergonomists. Tests have been conducted in standardized laboratory conditions and involved a total of six subjects. Results suggest that the proposed system can predict angles with good consistency and give evidence about the tool’s usefulness for ergonomist. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches and Applications in Ergonomic Design II)

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17 pages, 3460 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Applying Wearable Technology and a Deep Learning Model to Predict Occupational Physical Activities

by Yishu Yan, Hao Fan, Yibin Li, Elias Hoeglinger, Alexander Wiesinger, Alan Barr, Grace D. O’Connell and Carisa Harris-Adamson

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(20), 9636; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11209636 - 15 Oct 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 7558

Abstract

Many workers who engage in manual material handling (MMH) jobs experience high physical demands that are associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Quantifying the physical demands of a job is important for identifying high risk jobs and is a legal requirement in the [...] Read more.

Many workers who engage in manual material handling (MMH) jobs experience high physical demands that are associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Quantifying the physical demands of a job is important for identifying high risk jobs and is a legal requirement in the United States for hiring and return to work following injury. Currently, most physical demand analyses (PDAs) are performed by experts using observational and semi-quantitative methods. The lack of accuracy and reliability of these methods can be problematic, particularly when identifying restrictions during the return-to-work process. Further, when a worker does return-to-work on modified duty, there is no way to track compliance to work restrictions conflating the effectiveness of the work restrictions versus adherence to them. To address this, we applied a deep learning model to data from eight inertial measurement units (IMUs) to predict 15 occupational physical activities. Overall, a 95% accuracy was reached for predicting isolated occupational physical activities. However, when applied to more complex tasks that combined occupational physical activities (OPAs), accuracy varied widely (0–95%). More work is needed to accurately predict OPAs when combined into simulated work tasks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches and Applications in Ergonomic Design II)

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13 pages, 10768 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Speech Characteristics as Indicators of Personality Traits

by Sinae Lee, Jangwoon Park and Dugan Um

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(18), 8776; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11188776 - 21 Sep 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 6750

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between speech characteristics and personality traits by drawing on pseudo-naturalistic conversations and on personality dimensions identified by the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) model which assesses four personality dimensions of introversion-extroversion, sensing-intuiting, thinking-feeling, and judging-perceiving. The speech of 30 [...] Read more.

This study examines the relationship between speech characteristics and personality traits by drawing on pseudo-naturalistic conversations and on personality dimensions identified by the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) model which assesses four personality dimensions of introversion-extroversion, sensing-intuiting, thinking-feeling, and judging-perceiving. The speech of 30 participants was recorded and transcribed, after which a number of speech features including pitch, loudness, response time (i.e., how fast one responds to a prompt), speech rate, and discourse markers were extracted and analyzed. Results show that several speech features correspond to different personality dimensions. Specifically, speech rate as measured by words per minute reveals significant differences between judging individuals and perceiving individuals (perceiving individuals speak faster than judging individuals); there is a significant difference in response time for extroverts and introverts (extroverts respond faster); a significant difference is observed in loudness between judging and perceiving individuals (judging individuals are louder). The frequency of discourse markers is significantly higher for intuiting individuals than sensing individuals. The study discusses these findings in further inquiring the relationship between language and personality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches and Applications in Ergonomic Design II)

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24 pages, 5550 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design of 3D Microgestures for Commands in Virtual Reality or Augmented Reality

by Guangchuan Li, David Rempel, Yue Liu, Weitao Song and Carisa Harris Adamson

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(14), 6375; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11146375 - 9 Jul 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 7043

Abstract

Virtual and augmented reality (VR, AR) systems present 3D images that users can interact with using controllers or gestures. The design of the user input process is crucial and determines the interactive efficiency, comfort, and adoption. Gesture-based input provides a device-free interaction that [...] Read more.

Virtual and augmented reality (VR, AR) systems present 3D images that users can interact with using controllers or gestures. The design of the user input process is crucial and determines the interactive efficiency, comfort, and adoption. Gesture-based input provides a device-free interaction that may improve safety and creativity compared to using a hand controller while allowing the hands to perform other tasks. Microgestures with small finger and hand motions may have an advantage over the larger forearm and upper arm gestures by reducing distraction, reducing fatigue, and increasing privacy during the interaction. The design of microgestures should consider user experience, ergonomic principles, and interface design to optimize productivity and comfort while minimizing errors. Forty VR/AR or smart device users evaluated a set of 33 microgestures, designed by ergonomists, and linked them to 20 common AR/VR commands based on usability, comfort, and preference. Based primarily on preference, a set of microgestures linked to specific commands is proposed for VR or AR systems. The proposed microgesture set will likely minimize fatigue and optimize usability. Furthermore, the methodology presented for selecting microgestures and assigning them to commands can be applied to the design of other gesture sets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches and Applications in Ergonomic Design II)

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Review

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25 pages, 3751 KiB

Open AccessReview

Ergonomics Evaluation Using Motion Capture Technology—Literature Review

by Filip Rybnikár, Ilona Kačerová, Petr Hořejší and Michal Šimon

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(1), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13010162 - 23 Dec 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5866

Abstract

Due to the increasingly high proportion of manual activities in production processes, there is a constant risk of musculoskeletal disorders or work-related injuries. The risk of these problems is exacerbated by the trend towards an ageing working population. European legislation is pressing for [...] Read more.

Due to the increasingly high proportion of manual activities in production processes, there is a constant risk of musculoskeletal disorders or work-related injuries. The risk of these problems is exacerbated by the trend towards an ageing working population. European legislation is pressing for improved working conditions to eliminate the risks associated with health problems for workers. For this reason, the application of ergonomics in this field is growing. Musculoskeletal disorders, which are most often caused by inappropriate working postures, are a major problem. There are many methods for evaluating working postures. However, there is a high degree of subjectivity in the risk assessment. Motion capture kinematic suits can ensure the objectivity of the assessment. This article discusses research on ergonomics assessment using motion capture technology. A systematic literature search method was used for the research, beginning with the determination of the research procedure, through the definition of the research queries, to the formulation of the research itself to identify relevant sources. The study presents the most widely used methods for assessing the ergonomics of work positions using motion capture technology, their advantages, and disadvantages. It also follows the trend in the number of publications between 2010 and 2022 in countries where the topic is most frequently addressed and in the industries where motion capture technology is used for ergonomics assessment in general. The research showed that this approach is most often used in industry and logistics, and less frequently in healthcare and sport. The authors agree that the most frequently used ergonomics assessment methods are not complex enough to be used in combination with motion capture and that a combination of the two is needed. At the same time, this technology has become very important in the field of ergonomic evaluation of work positions, offering a higher degree of objectivity, or can be combined with the use of virtual reality, but the evaluation systems are still not error-free and there is a need for continuous improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches and Applications in Ergonomic Design II)

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12 pages, 1020 KiB

Open AccessReview

Occupational Footwear Design Influences Biomechanics and Physiology of Human Postural Control and Fall Risk

by Hunter Derby, Harish Chander, Sachini N. K. Kodithuwakku Arachchige, Alana J. Turner, Adam C. Knight, Reuben Burch, Charles Freeman, Chip Wade and John C. Garner

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(1), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13010116 - 22 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2876

Abstract

While design modifications present on work boots improve safety, they may not always provide optimal human performance during work tasks. Understanding the impact of these different design features on biomechanical and physiological postural control and locomotion variables can aid in better design modifications [...] Read more.

While design modifications present on work boots improve safety, they may not always provide optimal human performance during work tasks. Understanding the impact of these different design features on biomechanical and physiological postural control and locomotion variables can aid in better design modifications that can provide a safe and efficient human performance. This brief review focuses on a series of studies conducted by the current research team, that have tested three different work boots (SB: high-top steel-toed work boots; TB: high-top tactical work boots; SR: low-top slip-resistant work boots). The series of studies included testing of these work boots or combinations of them under acute and chronic simulated occupational workloads, assessing biomechanical variable such as postural stability, gait, slips, and muscle activity, as well as physiological variables such as heart rate, energy expenditure, oxygen consumption, and pain perception. The impact of each of the work boots and their design feature on postural control and locomotion are summarized from these studies’ previously published literature. Finally, work boot design suggestions for optimal human performance are provided for better work boot selection, modification, and design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches and Applications in Ergonomic Design II)

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