A computerized method for assessment of musculoskeletal discomfort in the workforce: a tool for surveillance.
TL;DR: This investigation aimed at assessing the rural mail carrier's perception of DAS, a computerized discomfort assessment system (DAS) for musculoskeletal discomforts resulting from work.
Abstract: A musculoskeletal discomfort survey was conducted to assess musculoskeletal discomforts among rural mail carriers in two post offices. Perceived musculoskeletal discomfort was collected directly from the workforce by means of a computerized discomfort assessment system (DAS). This investigation aimed at: (1)assessing the rural mail carrier's perception of DAS; and (2) assessing the rural mail carrier's musculoskeletal discomforts resulting from work. Most participants in the study found the computer tool easy to learn and easy to use. The information collected by DAS was used: (1) to determine the number of participating employees who were experiencing some kind of musculoskeletal problem; (2)to determine subtasks associated with discomfort; (3) to determine the body areas most affected by different subtasks; and (4) to investigate the patterns of discomfort that occurred with time.
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TL;DR: Work-related body-part discomfort has been assessed for a variety of purposes in both experimental and applied research as discussed by the authors, but the construct of discomfort is rarely clearly defined, depending on the nature of the investigation, the respondent's perceptions, and the instructions provided.
68 citations
TL;DR: An easy to administer, self-reporting discomfort tool was developed and validated based upon a large industrial population and it is anticipated that this tool will be useful in auditing and surveillance for musculoskeletal disorders.
37 citations
TL;DR: The finding that discomfort in the low back and shoulder regions is experienced in this welding operation suggests that localized muscle fatigue may be reduced by a change to the wire welding process.
21 citations
TL;DR: The model was used for generating parameters for a force and frequency-weighted digital filter that weighs continuous wrist postural signals with corresponding force in proportion to the equal discomfort function as a function of frequency of repetition to enable integration of large quantities of biomechanical data in field studies.
Abstract: A previous pilot study demonstrated that a force and frequency-weighted filter network could be developed for processing continuous biomechanical measures of repetitive wrist motions and exertions. The current study achieves the objective by modelling subjective discomfort for repetitive wrist flexion using controlled posture, pace and force. A three-level fractional factorial experiment was conducted involving repetitive wrist flexion (2 s/motion, 6 s/motion, 10 s/motion) from a neutral posture to a given angle (10 degrees, 28 degrees, 45 degrees) against a controlled resistance (5 N, 25 N, 50 N) using a Box Behnken design. Ten subjects participated. Discomfort was reported on a 10 cm visual analogue scale. Results of response surface regression analysis revealed that main effects of force, wrist flexion angle, and repetition were all significant (p 0.05). The continuous model was compared and agreed with discrete psychophysical data from other published studies. The model was used for generating parameters for a force and frequency-weighted digital filter that weighs continuous wrist postural signals with corresponding force in proportion to the equal discomfort function as a function of frequency of repetition. These filters will enable integration of large quantities of biomechanical data in field studies.
20 citations
TL;DR: Thirty subjects drove screws into perforated sheet metal mounted on a horizontal surface using three air-powered tools that varied in shape (right-angle, in-line, and pistol-shaped) before rating that condition using the Borg 10-point ratio rating scale.
Abstract: Thirty subjects drove screws into perforated sheet metal mounted on a horizontal surface using three air-powered tools that varied in shape (right-angle, in-line, and pistol-shaped). The four horizontal work locations ranged from 13–88 cm in front of the body and were placed at 25 cm intervals. The vertical placement of the horizontal beam was at midthigh, elbow, and midchest height. Subjects drove 25 screws at each tool/work location combination before rating that condition using the Borg 10-point ratio rating scale. The ratings of perceived exertion increased with increasing horizontal distance from the body. When tool shape was not considered, the perceived exertion was virtually equal for driving screws at midthigh or elbow height. The ratings at midchest height were significantly higher than elbow and midthigh height. When tool shape was taken into account, subjects perceived less exertion driving screws with the pistol-shaped tool at midthigh height. The in-line and right-angle tools had the lowest ...
18 citations
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TL;DR: The McGill Pain Questionnaire as discussed by the authors consists of three major classes of word descriptors (sensory, affective and evaluative) that are used by patients to specify subjective pain experience.
Abstract: The McGill Pain Questionnaire consists primarily of 3 major classes of word descriptors--sensory, affective and evaluative--that are used by patients to specify subjective pain experience. It also contains an intensity scale and other items to determine the properties of pain experience. The questionnaire was designed to provide quantitative measures of clinical pain that can be treated statistically. This paper describes the procedures for administration of the questionnaire and the various measures that can be derived from it. The 3 major measures are: (1) the pain rating index, based on two types of numerical values that can be assigned to each word descriptor, (2) the number of words chosen; and (3) the present pain intensity based on a 1-5 intensity scale. Correlation coefficients among these measures, based on data obtained with 297 patients suffering several kinds of pain, are presented. In addition, an experimental study which utilized the questionnaire is analyzed in order to describe the nature of the information that is obtained. The data, taken together, indicate that the McGill Pain Questionnaire provides quantitative information that can be treated statistically, and is sufficiently sensitive to detect differences among different methods to relieve pain.
6,007 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The data indicate that the McGill Pain Questionnaire provides quantitative information that can be treated statistically, and is sufficiently sensitive to detect differences among different methods to relieve pain.
Abstract: The McGill Pain Questionnaire consists primarily of 3 major classes of word descriptors--sensory, affective and evaluative--that are used by patients to specify subjective pain experience. It also contains an intensity scale and other items to determine the properties of pain experience. The questionnaire was designed to provide quantitative measures of clinical pain that can be treated statistically. This paper describes the procedures for administration of the questionnaire and the various measures that can be derived from it. The 3 major measures are: (1) the pain rating index, based on two types of numerical values that can be assigned to each word descriptor, (2) the number of words chosen; and (3) the present pain intensity based on a 1-5 intensity scale. Correlation coefficients among these measures, based on data obtained with 297 patients suffering several kinds of pain, are presented. In addition, an experimental study which utilized the questionnaire is analyzed in order to describe the nature of the information that is obtained. The data, taken together, indicate that the McGill Pain Questionnaire provides quantitative information that can be treated statistically, and is sufficiently sensitive to detect differences among different methods to relieve pain.
5,944 citations
TL;DR: Standardised questionnaires for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms in an ergonomic or occupational health context are presented and specific characteristics of work strain are reflected in the frequency of responses to the questionnaires.
4,470 citations
TL;DR: A technique is described which enables the distribution of discomfort in the body, and its change during the work poriod, to be recorded to indicate points of inadequate man-machine compatibility as well as permitting the evaluation of the effectiveness of machine designs.
Abstract: A technique is described which enables the distribution of discomfort in the body, and its change during the work poriod, to he recorded. The recorded data indicate points of inadequate man-machine compatibility as well as permitting the evaluation of the effectiveness of machine designs. When used in conjunction with moasures of production performance the technique provides direct evidence of the benefits of orgonomic changes. Its use is illustrated in relation to a study of spot welders.
946 citations
Book•
01 Jan 1988
TL;DR: The information contained within this manual will help health professionals, workers and employers be more cognizant of the types of work patterns that have potential to cause various CTDs and be aware of the ergonomic interventions that can be adopted to reduce these problems in the workplace.
Abstract: Occupational safety and health professionals have become increasingly concerned with the development of Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs) in workers performing hand-intensive jobs. These disorders, which primarily affect the soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system, are associated with repeated or sustained exertions in awkward or static postures, or with a high concentration of stress in the upper extremities. Research conducted at various worksites over the last few years confirmed earlier observations that attributed many of the CTDs to improperly designed work surfaces and/or improper selection of tools that place excessive stress on the tendons, muscles and nerves. In an occupational setting, the recommended intervention is to modify or redesign the job or tool to minimise the sources of biomechanical trauma. Based on the theory that work-related trauma is the principle casual factor, such action should result in a reduced incident of occupational musculoskeletal disorders. The information contained within this manual will help health professionals, workers and employers be more cognizant of the types of work patterns that have potential to cause various CTDs and be aware of the ergonomic interventions that can be adopted to reduce these problems in the workplace.
466 citations