ErgonomicsPub Date : 2025-02-07DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2025.2457470
Robert Luzsa, Susanne Mayr
{"title":"The polarity effect in virtual and video see-through mixed reality-better proofreading performance and faster optotype identification with positive display polarity.","authors":"Robert Luzsa, Susanne Mayr","doi":"10.1080/00140139.2025.2457470","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2025.2457470","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Virtual and mixed reality (VR/MR) are increasingly used in occupational and educational settings, where clear visual content presentation and accurate user reactions are crucial. On conventional monitors, positive polarity (dark content on light background) has been found to enable more accurate and faster text reading and stimulus recognition than negative polarity (light on dark). However, studies on this polarity effect in VR/MR have been limited by the available display technology, such as lower resolutions and transparent optical see-through MR glasses that favour negative polarity. We therefore used a high-resolution video see-through VR/MR headset with a resolution of 39 pixels per degree to test the polarity effect with tasks and stimuli identical to conventional polarity research. We found that, similar to conventional monitors, positive polarity is superior in VR and MR for tasks requiring fast reactions and reading, and that users prefer positive polarity when reading text in MR.</p>","PeriodicalId":50503,"journal":{"name":"Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":"1-15"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143366216","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ErgonomicsPub Date : 2025-02-06DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2025.2458631
Kexiang Liu, Yan Yan, Ke Zeng, Haining Wang
{"title":"Statistical shape analysis of the Chinese external ear for ergonomic design of in-ear products.","authors":"Kexiang Liu, Yan Yan, Ke Zeng, Haining Wang","doi":"10.1080/00140139.2025.2458631","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2025.2458631","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>3D scanning capture complex ear morphology, but most research focuses on dimensions defined by product design or ergonomic guidelines, often missing crucial 3D details, especially those of ear canal for in-ear product design. This study conducted a statistical shape analysis on the 3D geometry of the cavum concha and the external auditory meatus (EAM) using 1195 scans of Chinese ears. A surface registration method was adopted to standardise and align ear models for shape analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA) generated statistical models of ear shapes, with the most significant variation reflecting the overall width of the cavum concha, explaining 29.63% of the variation. The k-means++ algorithm was employed to classify ear shapes using the first 15 principal component scores, identifying four shape categorisations. Significant variations and shape modes of ear shape were identified, and the derived statistical shape models provide essential 3D references for the ergonomic design of ear-related products.</p>","PeriodicalId":50503,"journal":{"name":"Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":"1-20"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143257186","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Research status and application scenarios of 3D human body modelling methods in the garment ergonomics: a systematic review.","authors":"Cheng Chi, Jiahe Xue, Xianyi Zeng, Xuewei Jiang, Wanqing Zhou","doi":"10.1080/00140139.2025.2459877","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2025.2459877","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This research aims to enhance the comprehension of 3D human modelling methodologies pertinent to the garment ergonomics field. Through a search and analysis of 442 literatures, this study found that, despite the utilisation of high-resolution scanning and sophisticated 3D software, generating the vast diversity of human physiques in models remains a formidable challenge, attributed to issues such as data discrepancies and loss of detail from self-occlusion. Furthermore, through an exhaustive literature survey, this research formulates a framework for juxtaposing various modelling methodologies, analysing their technical tenets, benefits, and limitations from a synergetic and iterative standpoint. Finally, the article underscores future research trajectories, emphasising the critical need to ameliorate model precision and operational efficiency, alongside the integration of garment ergonomics knowledge into 3D human modelling. This research furnishes valuable insights and directions for forthcoming studies, aiming to drive the progression of garment ergonomics towards a more genuine and efficient.</p>","PeriodicalId":50503,"journal":{"name":"Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":"1-22"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143257183","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ErgonomicsPub Date : 2025-02-04DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2025.2456527
Avinash Sahu, Sangeeta Pandit
{"title":"Development of a new wax thread extruder machine to enhance productivity and reduce muscular strain in the Dhokra handicraft process: an unorganised sector in Indian handicraft industry.","authors":"Avinash Sahu, Sangeeta Pandit","doi":"10.1080/00140139.2025.2456527","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2025.2456527","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Wax Thread Extraction Process (WTEP) is a key step in Dhokra manufacturing. The traditional method involves awkward postures, muscle strain and a tedious workflow. This study focused on improving the WTEP to minimize ergonomic risks and boost production efficiency. This study focused on improving the traditional method of WTEP to reduce ergonomics risk and increase production. In the first phase, the ergonomics study of traditional WTEP of Dhokra handicrafts was evaluated. Based on the findings, a new proposed wax thread extruder machine (WTEM) was considered with anthropometric body dimensions. In the second phase, new WTEM prototype was developed and tested against an anthropometric grid board. Finally, in the third phase, comparative study of the WTEM was conducted to determine the productivity and effectiveness of the new machine. The new WTEM, featuring a scissor jack mechanism and an integrated heating chamber, minimises physical effort, enhances efficiency, and the design aligns with Indian anthropometric principles to reduce postural strain. This design reduces MSDs and boosts productivity with long working hours.</p>","PeriodicalId":50503,"journal":{"name":"Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":"1-23"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143191212","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ErgonomicsPub Date : 2025-02-01Epub Date: 2024-01-31DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2024.2308705
Darlington Egeonu, Bochen Jia
{"title":"A systematic literature review of computer vision-based biomechanical models for physical workload estimation.","authors":"Darlington Egeonu, Bochen Jia","doi":"10.1080/00140139.2024.2308705","DOIUrl":"10.1080/00140139.2024.2308705","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ergonomic risks, driven by strenuous physical demands in complex work settings, are prevalent across industries. Addressing these challenges through detailed assessment and effective interventions enhances safety and employee well-being. Proper and timely measurement of physical workloads is the initial step towards holistic ergonomic control. This study comprehensively explores existing computer vision-based biomechanical analysis methods for workload assessment, assessing their performance against traditional techniques, and categorising them for easier use. Recent strides in artificial intelligence have revolutionised workload assessment, especially in realistic work settings where conventional methods fall short. However, understanding the accuracy, characteristics, and practicality of computer vision-based methods versus traditional approaches remains limited. To bridge this knowledge gap, a literature review along with a meta-analysis was completed in this study to illuminate model accuracy, advantages, and challenges, offering valuable insights for refined technology implementation in diverse work environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":50503,"journal":{"name":"Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":"139-162"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139643262","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ErgonomicsPub Date : 2025-02-01Epub Date: 2024-02-12DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2024.2316314
Tao Jin, Chunpeng Chen, Yuting Xia, Xinyu Liu, Xiaoxu Liu
{"title":"Do redundant graphical attributes reduce decision-making efficiency?","authors":"Tao Jin, Chunpeng Chen, Yuting Xia, Xinyu Liu, Xiaoxu Liu","doi":"10.1080/00140139.2024.2316314","DOIUrl":"10.1080/00140139.2024.2316314","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Multiple time-series graphs are commonly used for data visualisation, but few scholars have investigated the impact of graphical attributes on decision-making efficiency. This study explores the effects of graphical attributes of varying redundancy conditions on decision-making efficiency. Two experimental conditions were developed for the experiment: non-redundant (independent graphical attributes: colour, linear and marker) and redundant (combinations of two and more graphical attributes: colour and linear, colour and marker, etc.). A total of 60 people took part in both experiments and performed two tasks: maximisation and discrimination. The experiments revealed that the addition of attributes, such as colour, marker or linear, decreased response time (RT), but the combination of colour & linear & marker increased RT. This is more significant in discrimination tasks. We provide empirical evidence for the design of time-series data visualisations and encourage the combination of two of these graphical attributes, such as colour & linear, colour & marker or linear & marker, when conditions allow, to improve decision-making efficiency.</p>","PeriodicalId":50503,"journal":{"name":"Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":"213-222"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139724845","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"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 systematic review of Personal Comfort Systems from a post-phenomenological view.","authors":"Katherine Exss, Paulina Wegertseder-Martínez, Maureen Trebilcock","doi":"10.1080/00140139.2024.2310079","DOIUrl":"10.1080/00140139.2024.2310079","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Personal Comfort Systems (PCS) are equipments that heat and/or cool occupants without affecting surrounding environments, ranging from commonly used devices to innovative technologies, and that tend to be controlled by people. These systems aim to address energy consumption and occupant satisfaction issues related to centralised air-conditioning. Although there are systematic studies on these systems, there is a lack of documentation regarding mediation characteristics between people and the built environment. This article presents a systematic review of PCS using a search of academic literature and patents, classifying PCS based on thermal categories and device typologies while introducing post-phenomenological mediation categories. The results show that most PCS fall into the thermal categories of 'Heating' and 'Cooling and ventilation'. The review also presents a view of the PCS territory based on mediation attributes and technological complexity. Finally, the PCS' characteristics are discussed based on the post-phenomenological concepts of Embodiment, Hermeneutic, and Background providing insights for future research opportunities and PCS development.</p>","PeriodicalId":50503,"journal":{"name":"Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":"163-186"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139693451","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ErgonomicsPub Date : 2025-02-01Epub Date: 2024-03-05DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2024.2323998
Eric Folkins, Erika Nelson-Wong, David Ebaugh, Sheri Silfies
{"title":"Clinical tests predictive of temporary low back pain development during the prolonged standing test in physical therapy students.","authors":"Eric Folkins, Erika Nelson-Wong, David Ebaugh, Sheri Silfies","doi":"10.1080/00140139.2024.2323998","DOIUrl":"10.1080/00140139.2024.2323998","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Low back pain among physical therapists is a common musculoskeletal disorder that first occurs early in their career or as a student. This observational prospective study assessed the ability of hip and lumbopelvic neuromuscular control, endurance and hip range of motion tests to predict the development of transient low back pain development during a standing task. Seventy-two physical therapy students without low back pain completed nine performance tests and a 2-hour standing test on two separate days. Participants were classified as transient pain developers (PD) if they reported a ≥ 10mm increase in low back pain on a visual analog scale. Transient back pain was reported by 37.5% of students during the standing test. A cluster of three positive tests, self-rated active hip abduction (somewhat difficult or more), bilateral total hip internal rotation greater than 81 degrees, and non-dominant limb single-leg squat (moderate deviations), demonstrated an increased probability (94.9%) of identifying PDs. Negative findings on the same three tests decreased the probability to 10.7%. Overall, the classification accuracy for the three-test model was 72.2%. The sensitivity for the model was 63% and the specificity was 77.8%.</p>","PeriodicalId":50503,"journal":{"name":"Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":"237-250"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140029496","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ErgonomicsPub Date : 2025-02-01Epub Date: 2024-03-08DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2024.2325536
George Stilwell, Digby Symons, Shayne Gooch, Jennifer Dunn
{"title":"Comparison of multidirectional upper limb strength for non-disabled individuals and individuals with C4-C7 spinal cord injury in a seated position.","authors":"George Stilwell, Digby Symons, Shayne Gooch, Jennifer Dunn","doi":"10.1080/00140139.2024.2325536","DOIUrl":"10.1080/00140139.2024.2325536","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigates the multidirectional upper limb strength of individuals with a C4-C7 spinal cord injury (SCI) and non-disabled individuals in a seated position by measuring multidirectional force at the hand. Current literature lacks quantitative strength data to evaluate strength requirements for people who have reduced upper limb function due to a cervical SCI. Seated multidirectional force measurements were recorded for eleven non-disabled and ten males with a C4-C7 SCI. Collected data was displayed using detailed force polar plots. The resulting plots revealed a clear difference in polar plot shape for non-disabled participants and participants with a C4-C7 SCI. Namely that SCI participants had more elliptical polar plots due to reductions in circumferential strength compared to non-disabled participants. However, the polar plots for higher SCIs tended to have an increasingly more circular shape. The results provide insight into the differences in strength between people with cervical SCI and no disability.</p>","PeriodicalId":50503,"journal":{"name":"Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":"285-300"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140061154","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ErgonomicsPub Date : 2025-02-01Epub Date: 2024-03-13DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2024.2326584
Catherine Thompson, Lucy Ferrie, Stephen J Pearson, Brian Highlands, Martyn J Matthews
{"title":"In the heat of the moment: the effects of extreme temperatures on the cognitive functioning of firefighters.","authors":"Catherine Thompson, Lucy Ferrie, Stephen J Pearson, Brian Highlands, Martyn J Matthews","doi":"10.1080/00140139.2024.2326584","DOIUrl":"10.1080/00140139.2024.2326584","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Exposure to high temperatures can have detrimental effects on cognitive processing and this is concerning for firefighters who routinely work in extreme temperatures. Whilst past research has studied the effects of heat on firefighter cognition, findings are mixed, and no work has measured the time course of cognitive recovery. This study compared working memory, vigilance, and cognitive flexibility of 37 firefighters before and after they engaged in a live-fire training exercise with temperatures exceeding 115 °C. To assess recovery, cognition was measured on exiting the fire, then 20- and 40-minutes post-fire. Results showed impaired vigilance and cognitive flexibility (increased errors, slower responses) immediately after the fire, but recovery at 20-minutes. These findings indicate that a live indoor fire negatively impacts cognitive processing, but this effect is relatively short-lived and return to baseline functioning is seen 20-minutes after exiting the fire. The findings could be used to inform re-entry and cooling decisions.</p>","PeriodicalId":50503,"journal":{"name":"Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":"301-315"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140112053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}