Applied Ergonomics最新文献

{"title":"Predicting drivers’ takeover time for safe and comfortable vehicle control transitions: The role of spare capacity and driver characteristics","authors":"Kexin Liang ,&nbsp;Simeon C. Calvert ,&nbsp;Sina Nordhoff ,&nbsp;Ming Li ,&nbsp;J.W.C. van Lint","doi":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104603","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104603","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Conditionally automated driving requires drivers to resume vehicle control within constrained time budgets upon receiving takeover requests. Accurately predicting drivers’ takeover time (ToT) is essential for dynamically adjusting time budgets to individual needs across scenarios. This study addresses enduring challenges in reliability and interpretability of ToT prediction models by optimizing predictor selection. Using a driving simulator experiment, we examine the relationship between ToT, driver characteristics, and perceived Spare Capacity (pSC, a cognitive construct from Task-Capability Interface theory) using Category Boosting models. Results show that (i) incorporating 13 additional driver characteristics does not significantly improve prediction accuracy when pSC is already considered; and (ii) individual characteristics influence how drivers cognitively process takeover scenarios, and their predictive contribution likely overlaps with pSC. These findings suggest that monitoring cognitive states may be more effective for ToT prediction than extensive profiling of driver characteristics. This study provides a critical first step toward predictive frameworks for adaptive takeover strategies and offers guidance for designing personalized human–vehicle interactions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55502,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ergonomics","volume":"129 ","pages":"Article 104603"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144739736","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":"Adaptations to fatigue during a repetitive multiplanar lifting task","authors":"Emma J. Ratke ,&nbsp;Dennis J. Larson ,&nbsp;Michael W.R. Holmes ,&nbsp;Shawn M. Beaudette","doi":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104587","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104587","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Warehouse workers are often required to perform physically demanding repetitive lifting tasks leading to fatigue. Previous research has primarily focused on constrained lifting tasks when investigating fatigue. The purpose of the current study was to investigate fatigue-based movement adaptations during a multiplanar, ecologically relevant lifting task. Participants (n = 28) lifted, transferred, and lowered a mass continuously for 60 min. Full body kinematics and muscle activity of the lumbar erector spinae, rectus abdominis, external oblique, and anterior deltoids were collected continuously. Results suggest that the load moment arm decreased across the trial (4% decrease), and participants tended to complete movements faster (4% decrease). Further, participants exhibited less variability in thorax-pelvis flexion deviation phase when fatigued (9% decrease). Finally, rectus abdominis activity increased (4%MVIC increase), while anterior deltoid activity decreased over time (2% decrease). These behavioural, coordination-based, and muscular adaptations to fatigue all have potential implications for injury risk in repetitive lifting tasks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55502,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ergonomics","volume":"129 ","pages":"Article 104587"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144510972","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":"Multi-dimensional measurement of mental workload in industrial context: an experiment in the field of helicopter maintenance","authors":"Lorrys Berthon ,&nbsp;Fabien Bernard ,&nbsp;Sylvain Fleury ,&nbsp;Raphaël Paquin ,&nbsp;Simon Richir","doi":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104599","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104599","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Assessing mental workload is essential for optimizing the design of complex systems, particularly in aeronautical maintenance, where operators' activities serve as a crucial safety barrier to ensure optimal system safety levels. One of the roles of human factors in maintainability is, therefore, to anticipate maintenance activities and human behavior from the start of the design cycle. This study pursues a dual objective: firstly, to identify relevant for evaluating mental workload in an industrial maintenance environment, and secondly, to determine which of these indicators correlate with performance degradation. Ten participants performed five maintenance tasks of varying complexity on a helicopter, involving the removal, installation of components and a detailed inspection. Subjective measures (NASA-TLX), performance metrics (completion time), and cardiovascular data (heart rate, heart rate variability) were analyzed. We observed longer completion times and higher NASA-TLX scores for complex maintenance conditions. Regarding cardiovascular data, the results in the time domain of heart rate variability follow a similar trend compared to two other types of measurements. These results will be discussed in depth in this article. This study represents a further step in the multidimensional measurement of mental workload in maintenance within a realistic industrial context.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55502,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ergonomics","volume":"129 ","pages":"Article 104599"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144687422","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":"Technical field-evaluation of exoskeleton-assisted overhead work among carpenters","authors":"Mikkel Brandt ,&nbsp;Sandra Schade Jacobsen ,&nbsp;Sebastian Skals ,&nbsp;Ika Nimb ,&nbsp;Jeppe Z.N. Ajslev ,&nbsp;Emil Sundstrup ,&nbsp;Lars L. Andersen ,&nbsp;Markus Due Jakobsen","doi":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104582","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104582","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Carpenters in construction commonly perform overhead work tasks such as installing ceiling panels, plastering, and formwork. While laboratory studies suggest exoskeletons may reduce strain during such work, their effectiveness in real-life conditions remains uncertain. This randomized cross-over field study investigates the effects of a passive shoulder exoskeleton on muscle activity and kinematics in 20 carpenters during overhead work tasks. Results showed reduced peak muscle activity (nEMG) in the shoulders and forearms (−3.1 to −9.4 %), but increased activity in the lower back (2.3–3.4 %) when using the exoskeleton. Kinematic analysis revealed minimal changes in range-of-motion (&lt;3.1°) and peak joint angles. Participants reported good usability and willingness to use the exoskeleton in the future. This study demonstrates positive effects on shoulder load in real working conditions but highlights the need to consider increased low-back load when implementing exoskeletons for overhead work.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55502,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ergonomics","volume":"129 ","pages":"Article 104582"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144580674","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":"Impact of ergonomic interventions on musculoskeletal health and work performance in dentists and dental students: a scoping review","authors":"Sergio Sandoval-Alarcón ,&nbsp;Rosario Bäumle ,&nbsp;Héctor Ignacio Castellucci","doi":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104602","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104602","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dentists face various occupational demands that heighten their risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), including prolonged static postures, repetitive movements, unsuitable dental instruments, extended work hours, and insufficient rest breaks. This scoping review (ScR) aims to systematically map the effects of ergonomics interventions on musculoskeletal and performance variables in dentistry. Following PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR), searches were conducted in the Medline/PubMed and Web of Science databases, covering studies published between 2012 and 2023. Out of 4362 articles initially retrieved, 51 met the eligibility criteria. These articles were analyzed qualitatively to assess the impact of physical, non-physical, and mixed ergonomic interventions. The most frequently studied intervention was the use of dental loupes, followed by physical exercise programs. Musculoskeletal variables included pain reduction, posture, muscle function, physical stress, and surface body temperature, while performance outcomes involved work efficiency, procedure duration, tool positioning, ease and quality of dental procedures, and concentration levels. Musculoskeletal variables were assessed in all 51 studies, with 10 also evaluating performance outcomes. Positive effects of ergonomic interventions were reported in 38 studies, while 13 showed inconclusive results. No negative effects were observed. Overall, ergonomic interventions offer potential benefits for improving both musculoskeletal health and work performance in dentists and dental students.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55502,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ergonomics","volume":"129 ","pages":"Article 104602"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144680205","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":"Systematic review of electrical worker competency interventions: A systems-thinking perspective","authors":"David Waugh ,&nbsp;Sharon Newnam ,&nbsp;David Rodwell","doi":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104600","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104600","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Around the world, electrical industries implement various systems of regulation to control the inherent risks of working with electricity, including worker licencing. However, being licensed and being competent are not synonymous. Electrical worker competence, specified in this study as including skills, knowledge and attitudes, is crucial to ensuring worker safety. This paper details the results of a systematic review exploring the characteristics and safety outcomes of electrical worker competence interventions. The results are then mapped onto a systems-thinking framework, PreventiMap, to explore the breadth of electrical competence interventions across system levels and what relationships, if any, exist between interventions. Eighteen articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. The PreventiMap showed a predominance of worker competence interventions at the frontline worker. Of the 25 identified interventions, only 2 were mapped in levels outside the frontline worker system level. The quality of the included studies was low reflecting the challenges faced by effectiveness studies of complex interventions in workplace settings. Consistent with previous research, the results of this study highlight electrical worker competency interventions as being reductionist in nature; focusing primarily on the frontline worker level, and with minimal focus on relationships between interventions at different system levels. Accordingly, recommendations are made for research investigating the vertical integration of interventions, particularly those that include interventions at higher system levels.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55502,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ergonomics","volume":"129 ","pages":"Article 104600"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144724023","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":"Human-centric virtual lighting: Effects of color temperature and daylight simulation in virtual environments","authors":"Steffen Ronft ,&nbsp;Ann-Kathrin Beck ,&nbsp;Thomas Lachmann","doi":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104601","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104601","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As virtual environments and metaverse platforms transform human interaction, understanding how lighting influences perception and behavior in digital spaces is critical. This study investigates the effects of correlated color temperature (CCT) and virtual daylight on human evaluations of virtual environments across two complementary experiments: one conducted in an uncontrolled real-world setting and the other in a controlled laboratory environment. Building on principles of human-centric lighting (HCL), we propose a framework for human-centric virtual lighting (HCVL) to optimize user experience in immersive digital spaces. In Experiment 1, participants evaluated 12 renderings of virtual exhibition stands and meeting spaces under varied lighting conditions, using Flynn et al.’s semantic differential scale. The real-world setting prioritized ecological validity, with participants using personal devices (with, for example, heterogeneous brightness and resolution) and representing diverse demographics (22 nationalities, ages 20–58). Experiment 2 replicated the design in a controlled laboratory condition, utilizing standardized monitors, and a homogeneous participant group (German undergraduate students, ages 18–26). Both experiments assessed perceptions of warmth, brightness, spaciousness, and preference, with statistical analyses comparing warm vs. cool CCT and daylight vs. room lighting effects. Key findings revealed large effects of CCT on perceived brightness and medium effects on stimulation and spaciousness, aligning with physical lighting research. Virtual daylight elicited robust preferences, rated as brighter, more private and aesthetically appealing, reflecting innate human biases toward daylight. Crucially, the laboratory results confirmed the real-world findings but with greater consistency, underscoring the impact of device variability and demographic diversity on the result from real-world setting. This study makes three primary contributions: (1) Empirical validation of HCVL principles, demonstrating that the effects of CCT and daylight transcend environmental modality (physical vs. virtual); (2) A methodological framework for balancing ecological validity and experimental control in virtual lighting research; (3) Practical insights for virtual space designers, emphasizing the integration of user expectations (e.g., “conceptual lighting”) and adaptive daylight simulations. These results bridge the gap between physical and virtual lighting research, offering actionable guidelines for creating immersive, well-being-oriented digital spaces. Future work should explore cultural and ambient moderators of HCVL to support inclusive virtual spaces design.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55502,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ergonomics","volume":"129 ","pages":"Article 104601"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144713718","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 impacts of tactical vest load mass on the relationship between balance control capability and rifle marksmanship in soldiers","authors":"Kangwon Kim ,&nbsp;Woojin Park","doi":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104609","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104609","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated how varying masses of combat items attached to tactical vests moderate the relationship between soldiers' balance control capability and rifle marksmanship performance. Four load mass levels (2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 kg) were tested. Participants' postural sway was recorded during an upright standing task using a force plate, and their rifle marksmanship performance was measured in two postures using a mock-up rifle with an optical sensor. Correlation analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between postural sway and rifle marksmanship performance at each load level. Correlations between postural sway and rifle marksmanship performance measures generally increased and became more frequently statistically significant with heavier loads. These findings indicate that balance control capability is closely associated with military rifle marksmanship, particularly under heavier load conditions. Training programs and devices that improve balance control could significantly enhance soldier lethality and contribute to military operational success.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55502,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ergonomics","volume":"129 ","pages":"Article 104609"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144722434","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":"Are the shapes and sizes of pen barrel the factors to influence handwriting kinetics?","authors":"Li-Chieh Kuo ,&nbsp;Chung-Hung Tsai ,&nbsp;Chieh-Hsiang Hsu ,&nbsp;Cheng-Feng Lin ,&nbsp;Hsiu-Yun Hsu ,&nbsp;Chin-Wei Liu ,&nbsp;Yu-Chen Lin","doi":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104595","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104595","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Handwriting plays a vital role in children's learning. Choosing the correct writing tools, particularly in terms of pen shape and size, remains challenging. The influence of pen design on handwriting performance, particularly hand kinetics, is not fully understood. This study investigated how different pen shapes and sizes affect handwriting kinetics and performance in children and adults. Using a custom Force Acquisition Pen (FAP) system, the average force (AF), coefficient of variation of force (CVF), and force ratio (FR) were measured in 12 children (9.19 ± 0.97 years) and 18 adults (26.29 ± 3.21 years). Participants completed tracing tasks rather than free copying using circular and triangular pens with altered grip diameters (13, 17, and 21 mm), simulating the effect of different pen barrel thicknesses to standardize stroke paths and ensure consistency across trials. The findings revealed that, at smaller grip diameters (13 mm and 17 mm), triangular pens elicited lower FR values than circular pens in children. Adults showed more stable force control with a lower CVF across grip sizes. These results offer valuable guidance in selecting appropriate writing tools for children.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55502,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ergonomics","volume":"129 ","pages":"Article 104595"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144563716","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":"Going beyond the mean in examining the effects of exoskeleton use on motor and attentional task performance","authors":"Daniel Leibman,&nbsp;HeeSun Choi","doi":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104567","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104567","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examined how exoskeleton use affected motor and attention task performance and variability. Participants completed simulated industrial tasks in overhead or squatting postures, with and without exoskeleton support. Participants’ mean performance, intra-individual variability, and inter-individual variability in motor and attention task performance were compared between conditions. The use of an upper-body exoskeleton during the overhead task resulted in overall slower motor performance, while using a lower-body exoskeleton during the squatting task increased intra-individual variability in motor performance. Mixed results were observed for attention performance and mental workload measures, indicating both potentially beneficial and detrimental effects. Findings suggest that exoskeleton use can affect both motor and attention task performance, as well as intra-individual variability, which may be related to restricted movement, poor exoskeleton fit, and pain, though these effects may be task- and system-specific. Performance variability metrics may offer unique insights beyond mean performance measures in evaluating exoskeleton impacts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55502,"journal":{"name":"Applied Ergonomics","volume":"129 ","pages":"Article 104567"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144223155","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}