International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics最新文献

{"title":"Taking singularity and social relations into account in prevention: an analysis of social mediation activity and its occupational health issues through the prism of intersectionality","authors":"Alexis Chambel ,&nbsp;Valérie Pueyo","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103875","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103875","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article analyzes the discrepancies between service activities and the frameworks of thought and action that structure occupational risk prevention. It draws on a conceptual framework focused on social relations, gender and their intersections to provide a better understanding of the specific characteristics of service activities based on these aspects. Its aim is to question the relevance and adequacy of the prevention social apparatus with a view to improving social sustainability.</div><div>The research is based on a qualitative methodology rooted in the field of activity-centered ergonomics as carried out in a social mediation organization. It is primarily focused on the production of knowledge concerning work activities and the resulting prevention needs. The data were collected from field analyses, several case studies of violence against social mediation professionals and discussions in a practice-analysis session. The material was then cross-referenced with theoretical prevention frameworks and their implementation by the professionals supporting the organization.</div><div>The results show that relational diversity and singularity are central to mediation work, with major consequences for workers’ health and safety. They highlight the importance of social relations and the lack of resources available in the prevention system to understand them.</div><div>Ultimately, the article proposes moving beyond the dominant prevention paradigm to improve occupational health. Exploratory in nature, it calls for further research aimed at integrating social relations and operationalizing intersectionality in prevention initiatives. Such an approach is an essential driver for building more inclusive and socially sustainable work environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"112 ","pages":"Article 103875"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145929074","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":"Effects of seat height and inclination on muscle activity during sit-to-stand movements: Reference for assistive device design","authors":"Rui-ming Zhao,&nbsp;Na Yu,&nbsp;Wen-lei Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103872","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103872","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In recent years, compact sit-to-stand (STS) assistive devices have gained increasing attention for their potential applications among older adults and individuals with mobility impairments. This study systematically evaluated how seat height (H: 35–65 cm) and tilt angle (R: 0–40°) affect muscle activity, joint torque, and subjective perception during STS movements, aiming to provide quantitative evidence for balancing assistive performance and device compactness.</div><div>A total of 32 participants performed STS tasks. Electromyographic (EMG) data were collected from the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, tibialis anterior, and erector spinae, using four indicators: RMS, IEMG, MF, and SE. Joint torques at the hip, knee, and ankle were estimated, and subjective ratings (comfort, stability, task difficulty) were recorded. RMS and IEMG were found to be more sensitive to seating parameters than frequency-domain indicators. Increasing H and R generally reduced lower-limb muscle activity; however, this effect weakened or reversed when H exceeded 55–60 cm. In the static sitting phase, increasing R significantly elevated thigh muscle activation. Joint torque decreased with parameter increases, but knee and ankle loading rebounded when R &gt; 30°. Subjective ratings aligned well with physiological data.</div><div>Overall, H = 55–60 cm and R = 10–20° were identified as optimal adjustable parameters for compact sit-to-stand assistive devices, demonstrating balanced performance in reducing muscle activity, improving comfort and stability, and maintaining structural compactness. Compared to H = 35 cm and R = 0°, the reduction effect sizes <span><math><mrow><mo>(</mo><mover><mi>d</mi><mo>‾</mo></mover><mo>)</mo></mrow></math></span> of EMG metrics across the four muscles ranged from <span><math><mrow><msub><mi>d</mi><mrow><mtext>ES</mtext><mo>−</mo><mtext>IEMG</mtext></mrow></msub></mrow></math></span> = 0.31 to d_RF-IEMG = 2.16, with all p-values &lt;0.05. The optimal score ranges for all subjective evaluation metrics were likewise located within this parameter range.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"112 ","pages":"Article 103872"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146038445","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":"Applying Kano model in classifying 3D image quality factors and functional attributes","authors":"Po-Hung Lin ,&nbsp;Guang-Ling Lin ,&nbsp;Ting-Han Yeh","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2026.103896","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2026.103896","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Previous research has mainly focused on the image quality of 3D displays. However, functional attribute of 3D displays has often been overlooked in the literature. Since meeting customer requirements is a critical component in the development of 3D displays, an important question arises: how can both 3D image quality factors and functional attributes be classified from a user-centric perspective to better enhance user satisfaction? This study classifies the factors influencing the image quality and functional attributes of 3D images using factor analysis, the Kano bidirectional questionnaire, and regression analysis to identify significant main factors and their respective sub-factors. Unlike prior research that focused predominantly on image quality factors, this study employs three methodologies to provide a more comprehensive classification of both image quality factors and functional attributes.</div><div>The results indicated that among the four main factors, “Future trends and functions of 3D images” was classified as “Attractive” quality, “Display and comfortability” and “Elements of image composition” were categorized as “Must-be” quality, while “Required elements of 3D images” was classified as “One-dimensional” quality. Among these, “Motion control functionality,” the sub-factor of “Future trends and functions of 3D image”, also belonged to the “Attractive” quality. Therefore, 3D television managers and product developers should first focus on improving and designing the “Motion control functionality” attribute within the “Future trends and functions of 3D images” main factor to meet customer's requirements.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"112 ","pages":"Article 103896"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146079002","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":"Health dimensions and quality of work in ecological construction: Investigating with craftswomen through a Community for Expanded Research and Intervention","authors":"Fabienne Goutille ,&nbsp;Alexandre Belle ,&nbsp;Dominique Cau-Bareille","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103874","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103874","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article explores how overall health and quality of work are experienced and co-constructed by craftswomen in ecological construction, through a collaborative ergonomics research conducted within the <em>Community for Expanded Research and Intervention</em> (CERI) framework. Grounded in a developmental and participatory approach, the project involved shared workshops, field immersions, and intermediate objects for dialogue and intervention, such as video recordings, podcasts, and collectively constructed metrology of dust. The findings highlight persistent constraints and opportunities related to living materials, co-activity, occupational exposures, gendered norms, and other structural or systemic determinants embedded in everyday work practices. In response, the craftswomen develop situated strategies of adaptation and low-tech innovation to protect their health, preserving the quality of work, and sustaining a sensitive relationship with materials and matter. Health criteria were co-developed based on lived experience, integrating the bodily, relational, sensory, and ethical dimensions of work. The process also fostered transformative effects on professional practices, self-perceptions, and collective dynamics, eventually contributing to exchanges with other actors across the sector. For ergonomics, this research calls for a rethinking of intervention frameworks by integrating issues of gender, ecology, and social justice into a reflexive, situated, and committed approach to making actual work activity visible and acknowledged in design and decision-making.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"112 ","pages":"Article 103874"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980070","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":"Multimodal attention-guiding takeover alerts in autonomous driving: Comparing visual, auditory, and combined modalities","authors":"Zhanxun Dong ,&nbsp;Yahong Li ,&nbsp;Zhou Fang ,&nbsp;Heyi Xu ,&nbsp;Yessy Liana Putri","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2026.103879","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2026.103879","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the current phase of autonomous driving, drivers are still required to take over the vehicle when the driving environment exceeds the operating design domain of the system or when a failure occurs. This study focuses on the impact of visual-auditory attention-guiding takeover alerts on driver performance and subjective user experience during emergency takeovers. Twenty-eight young participants with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) experience were recruited for the experiment. This study involved four combinations of multimodal attention-guiding stimuli, and participants were asked to perform non-driving-related tasks (NDRTs) and takeover tasks in simulated scenarios. Takeover reaction times, eye-tracking data, situational awareness, and subjective evaluations were recorded under four stimulus conditions (Baseline, V-AG, A-AG, and VA-AG). This study found that attention-guiding takeover alerts significantly improved driver performance, situational awareness, comfort, and satisfaction. Multimodal visual-auditory attention-guiding takeover alerts outperformed unimodal alerts in enhancing situational awareness and the overall subjective takeover experience. However, auditory-only attention-guiding alerts were more effective in significantly shortening the time required for drivers to complete the takeover task.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"112 ","pages":"Article 103879"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980068","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":"Assessing pilot cognitive overload risk with a random forest framework: A non-contact approach based on a novel cardiopulmonary feature","authors":"Gu Sen ,&nbsp;Hou Wenjun ,&nbsp;Wang Hanyu ,&nbsp;Wang Qingbin","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103865","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103865","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Accurate, real-time assessment of operator mental workload(MWL) is critical for ensuring safety and efficiency in complex systems like aviation. However, existing methods are limited by the latency of subjective scales and the intrusiveness of contact-based physiological sensors. In order to address the challenge of real-time, interference-free monitoring of operator cognitive states in complex systems such as flight, this study proposes and validates a new non-contact psychological load assessment method based on cardiopulmonary coupling joint entropy. We recorded electrocardiogram (ECG) and respiration (RSP) signals from thirty flight trainees using a 77 GHz millimeter-wave radar as they performed a simulated flight task with four escalating levels of difficulty. Subjective workload ratings (NASA-TLX) and task performance were collected concurrently for validation. Results confirmed the experimental manipulation's effectiveness, with NASA-TLX scores(&lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;F&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; (3,87) = 34.87, &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;p&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; &lt;0.001), reaction times(&lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;F&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; (3,87) = 25.712, &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;p&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; &lt; 0.001), and error rates(&lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;F&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; (3,87) = 34.881, &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;p&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; &lt; 0.05) all increasing significantly with task difficulty. The joint entropy value exhibited a monotonic increase with workload levels(&lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;F&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; (3,87) = 16.578, &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;p&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; = 0.002), demonstrating its high sensitivity. Feature importance analysis identified joint entropy as the most significant predictor of MWL. Notably, a classification model utilising only the joint entropy feature achieved superior predictive accuracy compared to a model using the full feature set, highlighting the metric's robustness and efficiency. This study validates non-contact cardiopulmonary coupling joint entropy as a sensitive and reliable biomarker for MWL. This method provides a practical path for developing intelligent safety management systems capable of warning of cognitive overload, preventing human errors, and promoting adaptive human-machine collaboration. These systems can serve as key inputs for AI-driven adaptive interfaces, promoting dynamic human-machine collaboration in line with Industry 5.0 principles.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Relevance to industry&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This study presents a practical approach to the real-time, objective and non-intrusive monitoring of operators' MWL in high-risk sectors such as aviation and nuclear power. The verified joint entropy index can be integrated into safety management systems to develop AI-powered intelligent assistance systems and adaptive human-machine interfaces that can dynamically adjust to the operator's cognitive state. These systems can warn of cognitive overload, effectively preven","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 103865"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145798268","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":"Development and validation of a new observational method for assessing shoulder postural loading and musculoskeletal disorder risks","authors":"Dohyung Kee","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103866","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103866","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The types and causes of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) vary by body part, and the shoulder is one of the most vulnerable sites. However, no observational method has been specifically developed to quantify the risk factors associated with shoulder WMSDs. Therefore, this study developed and statistically validated a new observational method, loading on shoulder assessment (LOSA), based on findings from previous studies. The shoulder WMSD risk factors implemented in this method were identified through a survey of the criteria used for evaluating shoulder postural stress, and were classified into a few classes, based on existing observational methods. Validation was conducted using discomfort ratings from 27 experimental postures and data from 53 real-world musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) cases. The developed method evaluates and integrates the effects of various shoulder WMSD risk factors, including shoulder motion, external load, motion repetition, static loading, coupling, working hours, and work experience, into a quantitative LOSA score, which is then categorized into four action levels to indicate the necessity and urgency of intervention. Validation results demonstrated that 1) LOSA score was strongly associated with perceived discomfort for 27 shoulder postures (r = 0.94, p &lt; 0.01), 2) LOSA action category significantly affected work-related MSD classification (p &lt; 0.01), and 3) LOSA category could well predict whether an MSD would be approved as work-related (p &lt; 0.01). LOSA, developed to evaluate risk factors solely for shoulder WMSDs, is expected to assess their impact more accurately compared to existing observational methods, which typically focus on the entire body or arm- and hand-intensive tasks, thereby aiding the identification of shoulder WMSD risk factors in the workplace.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 103866"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145884438","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":"A multimodal physical fatigue assessment method using a biomarker and accelerometer-embedded wearable wristband","authors":"Md Hadisur Rahman,&nbsp;JuHyeong Ryu","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103867","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103867","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Physically demanding tasks pose significant challenges to worker health, safety, and productivity across various industrial sectors, particularly in construction. Physical fatigue, a major contributor to workplace accidents, compromises individual well-being and economic outcomes. Traditional fatigue assessment methods often lack accuracy, comfort, or real-world applicability. This study introduces a multimodal physical fatigue assessment method employing a wearable sensor to collect both physiological data, heart rate (HR) and skin temperature (ST), and kinematic data, jerk. The Borg's Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale was used to validate the method, which was tested on twenty-two participants (mean age: 28.5 ± 3.6 years) performing manual material handling tasks. The findings indicate that HR, ST, and jerk values increase as tasks become more strenuous, correlating with higher RPE scores. Integrating physiological and kinematic metrics with subjective validation effectively captures the multifaceted nature of fatigue, enabling real-time monitoring. Notably, incorporating jerk as a kinematic measure addresses limitations of previous methods by providing a rapid-response indicator of motor control and ultimately physical fatigue. This comprehensive approach has potential applications in manual material handling tasks and, with further validation, may be extended to other industrial contexts where repetitive lifting and carrying are common. By offering practical, data-driven solutions that enhance workplace safety and health, this approach can reduce accidents, injuries and support proactive risk management strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 103867"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840540","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":"Virtual try-on for FE modelling of body armour on the human body against ballistic impact","authors":"Zhenlin Fu ,&nbsp;Yupeng Hu ,&nbsp;Xinyi Lin ,&nbsp;Lixia Jiang ,&nbsp;Xiyi Chen ,&nbsp;Yi Song ,&nbsp;Zishun Yuan ,&nbsp;Bingfei Gu ,&nbsp;Chengxia Liu ,&nbsp;Wang Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103868","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103868","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The design and manufacture of body armour currently do not consider the influence of the shape of the human body on its ballistic and ergonomic performance. Developing finite element (FE) models of body armour on the human body could facilitate comprehensively exploring ballistic and ergonomic behaviours of the body armour, but requires massive costs regarding materials and time. To efficiently realize the exploration, this study aims to develop a systemic methodology based on the virtual try-on technique, where FE models of various types of body armour can be efficiently and precisely created. The whole process incorporates: (1) the creation of geometric models based on the virtual try-on, reverse engineering, and normal offsetting; (2) the acquisition of material properties; (3) the development of the FE models of body armour. This methodology is validated to be accurate by analyzing the deviation between the FE models developed using the methodology and those based on 3D scanning, and is estimated to save approximately USD 129 and 248 min for developing one body armour model. The influential factors based on the human body, including curvature, impact position, and air gap, are studied, which verifies the effectiveness of the FE models. This methodology can facilitate analyzing and predicting the ballistic behaviours of soft body armour based on anthropometry in detail, paving the way for the design of body armour based on ergonomics with better ballistic performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 103868"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840539","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":"Hand function ergonomic determinants in aging: Effects of sex, age-group, and muscle mass in Taiwanese older adults","authors":"Yi-Lang Chen ,&nbsp;Syuan Yu ,&nbsp;Yu-Chi Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103852","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103852","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As Taiwan enters a super-aged era, understanding the physiological determinants of hand function is essential for promoting independence and quality of life in older adults. This study examined the effects of sex, age group (&lt;70 vs. ≥70 years), and testing posture on grip strength, pinch strength, and wrist range of motion (ROM), and explored their associations with segmental body composition. One hundred right-handed, community-dwelling older adults (50 males, 50 females) underwent standardized assessments. Grip strength was significantly affected by sex and age (both <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001), with males outperforming females across all postures and a marked age-related decline observed in women aged ≥70. Testing posture did not significantly influence grip strength. Pinch strength differed by pinch type (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001), with lateral pinch producing the highest values; a significant sex × pinch type interaction (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001) showed the greatest male–female disparity in lateral pinch. Wrist ROM was generally preserved, although a modest sex × age interaction for radial deviation (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01) was found. Skeletal muscle mass strongly predicted grip strength (R² = 0.525–0.550), while trunk and upper-limb muscle mass differentially predicted pinch strength (R² = 0.330–0.557). These findings emphasize the need for age- and sex-specific ergonomic standards and muscle-targeted interventions in aging populations.</div></div><div><h3>Relevance to industry</h3><div>This study offers ergonomic insights for designing tools, interfaces, and rehabilitation programs suited to aging populations. By identifying sex-specific strength differences and muscle based hand function predictors, it supports the development of age-appropriate, task-specific interventions to maintain functional capacity and promote independence among older adults in daily life.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 103852"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145694794","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}