International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics最新文献

{"title":"Estimating dynamic external hand forces during overhead work with and without an exoskeleton: Evaluating an approach using electromyography signals and random forest regression","authors":"Mohamad Behjati Ashtiani ,&nbsp;Aanuoluwapo Ojelade ,&nbsp;Sunwook Kim ,&nbsp;Maury A. Nussbaum","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103735","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103735","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We developed a model to estimate hand contact forces during dynamic overhead tasks completed with and without passive arm-support exoskeletons (ASEs). One approach to assessing ASE effectiveness is evaluating shoulder joint forces through inverse dynamics, which requires data on both external kinetics and body kinematics. However, obtaining the former (e.g., hand contact forces) is challenging. To address this, our model estimates these forces using electromyographic (EMG) signals. For model development, we used data from a study in which participants completed dynamic overhead task simulations under various conditions, both with and without three ASEs. A random forest regression was used to map EMG signals to time series of hand contact force, considering task conditions and biological sex. Overall, the model produced reasonable force estimations, with errors generally consistent across conditions and regardless of ASE use. However, the model tended to underestimate peak forces, especially for upward <em>vs.</em> forward exertions and among males <em>vs</em>. females. Overall, the proposed model has the potential to support musculoskeletal modeling for assessing the effect of ASE use on workers. We provide several suggestions for improving future model performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"107 ","pages":"Article 103735"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143654726","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comfort perception on wheelchair lock actuating rod position in younger and older adults","authors":"Weilin Cai,&nbsp;Zhengyu Wang,&nbsp;Yi Wang,&nbsp;Meiyu Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103731","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103731","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The operability and comfort of the wheelchair lock actuating rod (WLAR) are paramount in ensuring users' operational safety. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the WLAR in different position configurations on users' comfort perception and to explore the effects of human factors such as age, gender, and height on comfort perception scores. A total of 40 participants were invited to participate in the study, comprising 20 younger adults (10 men and 10 women, aged 20–30) and 20 older adults (10 men and 10 women, aged 50–90 years). In the experiment, the position of the wheelchair lock was randomly adjusted, and then the participants operated the actuator and provided a comfort perception evaluation. Subsequently, the data were subjected to statistical analysis using ANOVA, and the results demonstrated that age and height significantly influenced the comfort scores, while gender did not exhibit a statistically significant impact. In particular, men exhibited higher Kansei scores for \"postural comfort\" than women, whereas women demonstrated higher scores for other comfort evaluations than men. For the older participants, the K8 position was determined to be the optimal position for the WLAR. These findings indicate that age, gender, and height are significant variables influencing the perceived comfort of the WLAR position, underscoring the necessity of incorporating individual differences in the design of the WLAR. The findings of this study can inform the design and optimal positioning of the WLAR for older users, enhancing its operability and comfort.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"107 ","pages":"Article 103731"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143654725","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the use of large language models to build product Kansei semantic spaces","authors":"Jorge Alcaide-Marzal,&nbsp;Jose Antonio Diego-Mas","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103709","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103709","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"107 ","pages":"Article 103709"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143631895","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recovery from startle and surprise: A survey of airline pilots' operational experience using a startle and surprise management method","authors":"Daan Vlaskamp ,&nbsp;Annemarie Landman ,&nbsp;Jeroen van Rooij ,&nbsp;James Blundell","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103733","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103733","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A significant safety challenge airline pilots contend with is the possibility of experiencing startle and surprise. These are cognitive-emotional responses that may temporarily impair performance and that have contributed to multiple fatal loss of control events. Several self-management methods exist that are intended to facilitate recovery from startle and surprise, but these have only been tested in simulator experiments. The current study addresses this research gap by surveying the perceptions of 239 airline pilots on the utility and benefit of a method which they use in operational practice– the “Reset Method”. Overall, the survey results revealed that pilots felt the method improved mental preparedness, and reduced stress. A reported reason for not applying the method was the urge to act quickly. In addition, not all steps of the method were applied equally, and some pilots found the method difficult to fit into the existing procedures of several time-critical scenarios (e.g., aircraft upsets and emergency landings). We recommend training self-management methods in scenarios which carry the most risk of negative effects of startle and surprise. We also recommend instilling awareness of the ‘startle paradox': self-management techniques are most difficult to apply in situations where they are most beneficial. Method shortening and simplification may facilitate application. Future research should focus on refining the method's implementation, addressing the startle paradox, and understanding the transferability of startle and surprise management methods to other safety critical industries defined by complex sociotechnical interactions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"107 ","pages":"Article 103733"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143631894","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Understanding the drivers of and barriers to adopting passive back- and arm-support exoskeletons in construction: Results from interviews and short-term field testing","authors":"Mohamad Behjati Ashtiani ,&nbsp;Wallace Morris ,&nbsp;Aanuoluwapo Ojelade ,&nbsp;Sunwook Kim ,&nbsp;Feyisayo Akinwande ,&nbsp;Alan Barr ,&nbsp;Carisa Harris-Adamson ,&nbsp;Abiola Akanmu ,&nbsp;Maury A. Nussbaum","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103732","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103732","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Construction workers experience high rates of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), particularly affecting the back and shoulders. Exoskeletons (EXOs), including arm-support (ASEs) and back-support (BSEs) devices, have clear potential as ergonomic interventions for reducing WMSD risks, yet the specific benefits and limitations in the construction industry remain largely unclear. We aimed to identify drivers and barriers to adopting EXOs in construction, which was done using a two-phase approach: an interview study involving 24 construction stakeholders, followed by a field study with 22 construction workers. Participants in the interview study had hands-on experiences with diverse EXOs, then provided feedback on initial impressions, perceived barriers, and potential benefits of EXO use. Interview recordings were analyzed for sentiment, systematically categorizing responses as positive, neutral, and negative. During the field study, workers wore EXOs while performing their job tasks for up to 1 h, then completed structured exit surveys that assessed usability, comfort, safety, and overall satisfaction. We found a generally positive view of EXO technology in construction, with stakeholders open to adoption for enhancing productivity and reducing physical demands. However, usability, safety, and social acceptance concerns indicated a need for design improvements focused on comfort and compatibility. Notably, safety concerns expressed by interviewees contrasted with positive field study responses, suggesting that the input obtained can vary between assessment conditions. Future research should include longitudinal studies to track shifts in perception and assess diverse designs. These findings highlight the need for refined EXOs to meet construction demands and support broader industry adoption.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"107 ","pages":"Article 103732"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143621488","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of mediolateral vibration magnitude and frequency on the cognitive response and spatiotemporal gait parameters","authors":"Flavia Marrone ,&nbsp;Katie A. Goggins ,&nbsp;Lorenzo Pontiggia ,&nbsp;Angelo Tirabasso ,&nbsp;Enrico Marchetti ,&nbsp;Massimo Bovenzi ,&nbsp;Manuela Galli ,&nbsp;Marco Tarabini","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103717","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103717","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Exposure to foot-transmitted vibration (FTV) in the transportation industry could lead to altered locomotion and reaction times, leading to an increased risk of accidents. This research evaluates the effects of mediolateral FTV on cognitive performance and spatiotemporal parameters during walking on a treadmill. The effect of twenty-eight combinations of sinusoidal frequencies (ranging between 0.2 and 8 Hz) and magnitudes (ranging between 0.05 and 0.1 m/s) was investigated with ten young male subjects (26 ± 1.4 years). Participants performed the Brief-Psychomotor Vigilance Task (B-PVT) test to record the reaction times (RTs) to a visual stimulus in standing posture, while walking, and in the presence of FTV. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were also obtained with the use of an Azure Kinect DK (Microsoft ©). The results showed that the vibration magnitude affects participants' responsiveness and increases their RTs. Significant differences in PVT metrics were found by comparing standing and walking trials with and without FTV exposure. The frequency factor influences gait parameters with an increase in the stride time and the step width at 1–2 Hz. These findings suggest that vigilance and gait pattern may be negatively affected by exposure to mediolateral FTV.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"107 ","pages":"Article 103717"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143601256","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effects of presentation format and presentation dynamics on the comprehension of personal health information among young and middle-older aged adults","authors":"Da Tao ,&nbsp;Yuzhuo Wu ,&nbsp;Kaifeng Liu ,&nbsp;Mingfu Qin","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103727","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103727","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>While personal health information has increasingly been accessed by users in digital presentation, how the information should be presented to facilitate user comprehension is yet to be determined. This study aimed to examine the effects of presentation format and presentation dynamics on the comprehension of personal health information among young and middle-older aged adults. A three-way mixed design was employed, where 25 young and 25 middle-older aged adults were asked to complete comprehension tasks regarding hypothetical personal health information, which was randomly presented by two formats (i.e., bar graph and text format) and in either static or dynamic status. Data on task performance, perception measures and eye movements were collected. The results showed that bar graph yielded higher accuracy rate, was perceived easier and more useful in information comprehension than text format. While dynamic presentation had slower information identification, it resulted in shorter first fixation time and longer total fixation duration than static presentation. There were age differences in accuracy rate for information comprehension tasks. Age was also significantly interacted with presentation dynamics on task efficiency, and with presentation format on perception and eye movement measures.</div></div><div><h3>Relevance to industry</h3><div>Graphical and dynamic presentations show potential in directing users’ visual attention to important information to facilitate comprehension of personal health information. Findings from this study have important implications in the design and application of appropriate presentation of personal health information for users, especially for middle-older aged adults.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"107 ","pages":"Article 103727"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143601160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The impact of Ergoprism and Through-the-Lens loupes on neck and back muscle fatigue","authors":"Sachini N.K. Kodithuwakku Arachchige,&nbsp;Kimberlee Caldwell,&nbsp;Saori Hanaki","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103728","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103728","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a significant occupational health risk for dental professionals. Poor ergonomic practices, improper tools, and awkward positions have been identified as causative factors to such disorders.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>To investigate the impact of Ergoprism loupes (E loupes) and Through-the-Lens loupes (T loupes) on neck and back muscle activity in senior dental hygiene students.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Sixteen participants (age 24.38 ± 4.24yrs; BMI 25.37 ± 4.95 kgm⁻²; 1 left-handed; 16 females) were recruited for the study. Eight participants were E loupe users, and the other eight were T loupe users. Their bilateral splenius capitis (SC), upper trapezius (UT), and middle trapezius (UT)] activity was measured using electromyography (EMG) at 0 min, 15 min, and 30 min of a simulation task over two days that are 90 days apart.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>There was a significantly greater mean and peak muscle activity in the dominant SC and UT muscles among T loupe users at 30 min of the simulation task.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The results demonstrated greater neck and back muscle fatigue on the dominant side among T loupe users at 30 min of the simulation task compared to the E loupe users.</div></div><div><h3>Application</h3><div>The study findings are crucial in understanding the importance of acquiring ergonomic tools at the workplace. The study also illustrates the importance of frequent rest intervals in order to minimize muscle fatigue among dental hygienists. Such practices will lead to healthy workers, reducing the number of days of absence from work and improving their productivity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"107 ","pages":"Article 103728"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143601167","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of active back-support exoskeleton on carpentry framing tasks: Muscle activity, range of motion, discomfort, and exertion","authors":"Akinwale Okunola ,&nbsp;Abiola Akanmu ,&nbsp;Houtan Jebelli ,&nbsp;Adedeji Afolabi","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103716","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103716","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Despite efforts to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the construction industry, the challenge persists, particularly among construction trades like carpenters. This study assesses the effectiveness of an active back-support exoskeleton for reducing these disorders during carpentry framing tasks. The assessment encompasses various metrics, including muscle activity, range of motion, perceived discomfort, and perceived exertion. Sixteen participants were engaged in a simulated carpentry framing task, during which data was collected from both subjective evaluations using Borg CR-10 and CR-20 scales and objective measurements employing Electromyography and Inertial Measurement Units. The results are presented through a combination of descriptive and inferential statistics tests. The findings indicate a significant reduction in muscle activity when utilizing the active back-support exoskeleton, with reductions ranging from 16% to 54% across various subtasks. Notably, the right rectus femoris and the left erector spinae experienced more statistically significant reductions in muscle activity in most of the carpentry framing tasks. Dynamic time-warping similarity scores were used to validate the muscle activity results, which show consistency. The use of the exoskeleton also led to a decrease in the range of motion during assembly and nailing subtasks. While the perceived discomfort and exertion did not show statistical significance, there was a reduction in these metrics during exoskeleton-use. This study contributes to the expanding knowledge base on the suitability of exoskeletons in the construction industry. Importantly, it provides a valuable benchmark for evaluating the effectiveness of similar active exoskeletons within the construction sector.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"107 ","pages":"Article 103716"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143547855","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Corrigendum to “Ergonomic design of mastectomy bra based on emotion measurements” [Int. J. Ind. Ergon. 104 (2024) 103659]","authors":"Chi Liu ,&nbsp;Yifei Chen ,&nbsp;Meng Yang ,&nbsp;Kui Jin ,&nbsp;Bugao Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103714","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103714","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"106 ","pages":"Article 103714"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143577443","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}