[1]
Work Status of Individuals with Advanced Cancer
Health Care: HC3 -- Understanding Caregiver Tasks
/
Terhaar, Abigail
/
Lee, Ju-Whei
/
Tevaarwerk, Amye
/
Sesto, Mary
/
Wiegmann, Douglas
/
Fisch, Michael
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 2014 Annual Meeting
2014-10-27
p.649-653
doi 10.1177/1541931214581153
© Copyright 2014 HFES
Summary: Lengthening survival times for advanced cancer patients emphasizes the
importance of continuing to work after diagnosis. Information and tools are
necessary to help these individuals remain working. Before we can develop
interventions, we must understand how advanced cancer affects employment. We
analyzed Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group's (ECOG) 'Symptom Outcomes and
Practice Patterns (SOAPP)' study to investigate what factors were associated
with employment of 680 advanced cancer patients. Univariable and multivariable
logistic regression analyses were conducted to compare patients identified as
stably working (Group A) to patients no longer working (Group B). Improving
ECOG performance status, race/ethnicity, receiving hormonal treatment, and
decreasing symptom interference were significantly associated with continuing
to work. Human factors engineers (HFEs) can help create strategies to mitigate
some physical and cognitive workloads that result in work interference. The
HFE's role should increase as the number of advanced cancer patients working
rises.
[2]
Influence of altered visual feedback on neck movement for a virtual reality
rehabilitative system
Health Care: HC6 -- Surgical Performance and Simulation Training
/
Chen, Karen B.
/
Ponto, Kevin
/
Sesto, Mary E.
/
Radwin, Robert G.
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 2014 Annual Meeting
2014-10-27
p.693-697
doi 10.1177/1541931214581162
© Copyright 2014 HFES
Summary: This paper investigates altering visual feedback during neck movement
through control-display (C-D) gain for a head-mounted display, for the purpose
of determining the just noticeable difference (JND) for encouraging individuals
with kinesiophobia (i.e. fear avoidance of movement due to chronic pain) to
effectively perform therapeutic neck exercises. The JND was defined as .25
probability of detecting a difference from unity C-D gain (gain=1). A
target-aiming task with two consecutive neck moves per trial was presented; one
neck move had varying C-D gain and the other had unity gain. The VR system was
able to influence neck moves without changing locations of the target.
Participants indicated whether the two neck movements were the same or
different. Logistic regression revealed that the JND gains were 0.903 (lower
bound) and 1.159 (upper bound) as the participants could not discriminate a
55° turn, ranging from 49.7° to 63.7°. This preliminary study shows
that immersive VR with altered visual feedback influenced movement. The
feasibility for rehabilitation of individuals with kinesiophobia will next be
assessed.
[3]
Improving Quality and Safety through Human Factors Collaborations with
Healthcare: The System Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety
Health Care: HC9 -- Health-Care Collaborations: Improving Patient Quality
and Safety Using Team and Systems Engineering Approaches
/
Wetterneck, Tosha
/
Kelly, Michelle M.
/
Carayon, Pascale
/
Sesto, Mary
/
Tevaarwerk, Amye
/
Chui, Michelle
/
Stone, Jamie
/
Hoonakker, Peter
/
Musa, Al
/
Holman, G. Talley
/
Beasley, John
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 2014 Annual Meeting
2014-10-27
p.728-732
doi 10.1177/1541931214581169
© Copyright 2014 HFES
Summary: Multiple reports from the Institute of Medicine and the National Academy of
Engineering, (IOM 2001; Reid et al., 2005; Kaplan et al., 2013) have called for
the use of human factors engineering (HFE) and systems engineering principles
and methods/tools to improve health care delivery. Yet, the integration of
engineers into health care settings and the education of clinicians and other
health care professionals on human factors and systems engineering principles
and methods/tools remain in its infancy. A recent editorial by Xiao and
Fairbanks (2011), discusses a small, but growing presence of professionals who
are 'bilingual' in both human factors and medicine. Indeed, Carayon (2011)
identified human factors as an innovation that will require diffusion into
healthcare through the use of HFE methods and tools, increasing the health care
professional knowledge of HFE, and the hiring HFEs in healthcare organizations.
To achieve the goal of integration, there will be many 'models' of healthcare
-- human factors collaborations, from experts working together from their
different 'silos' to true bilingualism. SEIPS, the Systems Engineering
Initiative for Patient Safety (Carayon et al., 2006), aims to integrate human
factors and systems engineering with healthcare disciplines. Our panel of
SEIPS-affiliated engineers and healthcare professionals represents many
different types of collaborations across this spectrum and their work spans
multiple healthcare settings and disciplines, including: ambulatory primary
care, inpatient pediatrics, community pharmacy, and oncology.
[4]
Effects of Orientation on Workload during Touch Screen Operation among
Individuals With and Without Disabilities
Posters: POS2 -- Poster & Demo Interactive Session 2
/
Kuehn, Katherine A.
/
Chourasia, Amrish O.
/
Wiegmann, Douglas A.
/
Sesto, Mary E.
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 2013 Annual Meeting
2013-09-30
p.1580-1584
doi 10.1177/1541931213571352
© Copyright 2013 HFES
Summary: As the use of touch screen technology increases in everyday situations for
all walks of life, universal design should be taken into account when designing
products to be used by a wide range of users. This re-search studies the
workload associated with touch screen use from a front and parallel orientation
for individuals with and without motor control disabilities. The NASA Task Load
Index (NASA-TLX) was used to assess workload. Participants with a motor control
disability (+MCD; n=20) and age-matched participants without a motor control
disability (-MCD; n=18) completed a four-digit touchscreen number entry task.
Results show that the +MCD group had a higher perceived workload than the -MCD
group. The workload demands of the parallel vs. front orientation were higher
for both groups across most TLX subscales. The magnitude of the difference in
workload between parallel and front orientation was greater for the +MCD group.
The results from this study suggest that when the parallel orientation is
necessary, careful consideration should be given to designing touch screen
interfaces to reduce workload for all users.
[5]
Use of force plate instrumentation to assess kinetic variables during touch
screen use
Long paper
/
Irwin, Curtis B.
/
Yen, Thomas Y.
/
Meyer, Robert H.
/
Vanderheiden, Gregg C.
/
Kelso, David P.
/
Sesto, Mary E.
Universal Access in the Information Society
2011-11
v.10
n.4
p.453-460
Keywords: Touch screen; Usability; Force; Impulse
Copyright © 2011 Springer-Verlag
Summary: Touch screens are becoming ubiquitous technology, allowing for enhanced
speed and convenience of user interfaces. To date, the majority of touch screen
usability studies have focused on timing and accuracy of young, healthy
individuals. This information alone may not be sufficient to improve
accessibility and usability of touch screens. Kinetic data (e.g. force,
impulse, and direction) may provide valuable information regarding human
performance during touch screen use. Since kinetic information cannot be
measured with a touch screen alone, touch screen-force plate instrumentation,
software, and methodology were developed. Individuals with motor control
disabilities (Cerebral Palsy and Multiple Sclerosis), as well as gender- and
age-matched non-disabled participants, completed a pilot reciprocal tapping
task to evaluate the validity of this new instrumentation to quantify touch
characteristics. Results indicate that the instrumentation was able to
successfully evaluate performance and kinetic characteristics. The kinetic
information measured by the new instrumentation provides important insight into
touch characteristics which may lead to improved usability and accessibility of
touch screens.
[6]
Differences in Long-term Employment and Health Outcomes Between Those with
and Without Cancer
Macroergonomics: ME2 - Under the Macroergonomics Umbrella
/
Faatin, Mahpara
/
Wiegmann, Douglas
/
Tevaarwerk, Amye
/
Sesto, Mary
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 55th Annual Meeting
2011-09-19
p.1135-1139
doi: 10.1177/1071181311551237
© Copyright 2011 HFES
Summary: Early detection of cancer and improvements in cancer management have made
long-term survival a reality for many cancer survivors. However, surviving
cancer may lead to considerable short-and long-term side-effects resulting in
work disability. The purpose of this project was to investigate differences in
employment and health outcomes between long-term cancer survivors (>10
years since diagnosis) and their noncancer sibling controls using data from the
Wisconsin Longitudinal Study. Employment outcomes included employment status,
full- or part-time status and retirement status. Health outcomes included
number of days spent in bed, fatigue and self-reported health status. The
results of this analysis showed significant differences in employment and
health outcomes between cancer survivors and controls. Cancer affected health
outcomes and retirement status although age and gender were also important
factors. Future research should evaluate risk factors for work disability and
the ability of human factors engineering/ergonomics to optimize the fit between
the demands of the work system and the capacity of the survivor.
[7]
Improving Employment Outcomes of Breast Cancer Survivors: Development of a
Web-Based Educational and Decision Support Tool
Posters: POS1 - Posters 1
/
Sesto, Mary
/
Wachowiak, Rebecca
/
Tevaarwerk, Amye
/
Faatin, Mahpara
/
Heidrich, Susan
/
Wiegmann, Douglas
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 55th Annual Meeting
2011-09-19
p.1333-1337
doi: 10.1177/1071181311551277
© Copyright 2011 HFES
Summary: A major consequence of surviving cancer is that treatment-related symptoms
can persist and result in work disability. This problem will continue to
escalate as treatment becomes more successful and the workforce ages.
Employment is a critical component of quality of life, yet no effective
intervention exists to improve employment outcomes following a cancer
diagnosis. An innovative, interdisciplinary approach to improve work ability
was used to develop a web-based, information support system for breast cancer
survivors. Strategies from human factors engineering (HFE), decision support,
and oncology symptom management were used to develop the WISE (Work ability
Improvement through Symptom management and Ergonomic education), a
survivor-centered intervention. The conceptual framework for the WISE is based
on a macroergonomics work systems model that evaluates aspects of the work
system and its interaction with the individual. The content and format of the
WISE is based on recommendations from subject matter experts and end users.
Application of HFE methods may empower survivors to maximize employment and
economic self-sufficiency. The purpose of this poster presentation is to report
on the content development and refinement of the WISE.
[8]
Examination of older females grip characteristics
AGING: A1 -- Safety and Physical Performance with Aging
/
Irwin, C. B.
/
Kage, C. C.
/
Gruben, K. G.
/
Sesto, M. E.
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 54th Annual Meeting
2010-09-27
v.54
p.140-144
© Copyright 2010 HFES
Summary: Loss of grip strength due to aging has been widely reported by researchers
but other factors may also be influential in age-related hand function
declines. For instance, older adults have demonstrated a propensity to orient
fingertip forces in a manner different from younger adults. Additionally, a
slowing in the maximal rate of force development due to aging has been found in
muscle groups ranging from the biceps to the quadriceps. These grip
characteristics may independently, or concurrently, affect hand function. Using
the Multi-axis (MAP) dynamometer, we evaluated the ability of younger and older
adult female participants to rapidly generate a maximal voluntary grip
exertion. The maximum grip force, rate of force development (N/sec) and grip
force vector orientation were measured. Older female participants had 69% the
grip force, 62% the rate of force development, and had grip force vector
orientations shifted 5.9 degrees as compared to younger female participants.
The ability to use one's hands is critical for completing activities of daily
living and retaining independence. The differences in grip characteristics
measured in this study may improve our understanding of the loss of function in
older adults' hands more than the decline in grip strength alone.
[9]
THE EFFECT OF DISABILITY AND APPROACH ON TOUCH SCREEN PERFORMANCE DURING A
NUMBER ENTRY TASK
COMPUTER SYSTEMS: CS2 -- Physical Issues in Computer Systems
/
Duff, Sacha N.
/
Irwin, Curt B.
/
Skye, Jennifer L.
/
Sesto, Mary E.
/
Wiegmann, Douglas A.
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 54th Annual Meeting
2010-09-27
v.54
p.566-570
© Copyright 2010 HFES
Summary: As touch screen technology improves in functionality and decreases in price,
these input devices are becoming increasingly more integrated into daily life.
People are frequently required to interact with touch screens at places ranging
from their local grocery stores to airport check-in kiosks. Since it is
becoming necessary for people to use touch screens in order to access needed
products or services, we conducted an experiment to examine how individuals
with varying motor control disabilities perform on a simple number entry task.
Since some individuals may also be wheelchair users, and the Americans with
Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines allows for the touch screen to be
approachable by a wheelchair user from the front or parallel (side), the effect
of approach on performance was also evaluated. Participants with and without
motor control disabilities, including wheelchair users, performed a number
entry task on a number pad with different combinations of button and gap sizes,
while seated at a touch screen kiosk. Results revealed that participants with
motor control impairments had significantly more inaccurate touches overall
than participants without. Performance from the front orientation was
significantly more accurate than from the side for all participants, regardless
of the presence of a motor control disability. Results from this study may be
used to guide design of touch screen accessibility for individuals with motor
control disabilities and wheelchair users.
[10]
Disability and Orientation-Specific Performance During a Reciprocal Tapping
Task
COMPUTER SYSTEMS: CS3 -- Usability and Evaluation
/
Irwin, C. B.
/
Duff, S. N.
/
Skye, J. L.
/
Wiegmann, D. A.
/
Sesto, M. E.
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 54th Annual Meeting
2010-09-27
v.54
p.581-585
© Copyright 2010 HFES
Summary: Reciprocal tapping tasks have frequently been used to quantify user
performance and motor control system function. This experiment used a
reciprocal tapping task to examine differences in performance for participants
oriented both in front and to the side of a touch screen. Evaluating
performance in different orientations for touch screen users is important
because public spaces and workplaces may have barriers which preclude touch
screens from always being operated from directly in front. Additionally,
building design standards may require a wheelchair user in a public building to
operate a touch screen from the side because there may not be enough clearance
to orient their wheelchair in a manner which allows them to only operate the
screen from the front. Participants with motor control impairments affecting
the upper extremity and participants without upper extremity motor control
impairments completed a study examining reciprocal tapping performance while
using a touch screen. Both groups included wheelchair users. Results indicate
the orientation of the user, with respect to the touch screen, influences the
number of taps which can be completed in five seconds and the amount of force
used to activate the buttons. Both variables are negatively affected when the
touch screen is oriented to the side of the user. Additionally, users with
motor control impairments affecting the upper extremity completed fewer taps
and had longer dwell times on the buttons than participants with nonimpaired
upper extremities. This experiment helps us begin to understand the impact of
user interface position but more research, including more ecologically valid
tasks for the user, is needed.
[11]
Timing and Accuracy of Individuals with and without Motor Control
Disabilities Completing a Touch Screen Task
Alternative Interaction Techniques and Devices
/
Irwin, Curt B.
/
Sesto, Mary E.
UAHCI 2009: 5th International Conference on Universal Access in
Human-Computer Interaction, Part II: Intelligent and Ubiquitous Interaction
Environments
2009-07-19
v.2
p.535-536
Copyright © 2009 Springer-Verlag
Summary: As touch screen technology improves in functionality and decreases in price,
these input devices are becoming much more prevalent. People are increasingly
required to interact with touch screens at places ranging from their local
grocery stores to airport check-in kiosks. Since it is becoming necessary for
people to use touch screens in order to access needed products or services, we
conducted an experiment to examine how individuals with varying motor control
disabilities perform on a simple number entry task. We feel this research is
important because, to date, most of the usability research related to touch
screens has only included young, healthy subjects.
[12]
The relationship between mechanical stiffness, dynamic strength and static
strength following eccentric or concentric activity
INDUSTRIAL ERGONOMICS: IE5 - Neuromuscular Responses
/
Chourasia, Amrish O.
/
Sesto, Mary E.
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 52nd Annual Meeting
2008-09-22
v.52
p.1083-1087
© Copyright 2008 HFES
Summary: Workplace exertions can involve static, muscle lengthening (eccentric), or
muscle shortening (concentric) exertions. The purpose of this study was to
examine the relationship between mechanical stiffness, dynamic strength and
static (isometric) strength following sub maximal eccentric or concentric
exercise. Participants were randomly assigned to perform eccentric or
concentric forearm supinations at 50% of isometric supination strength for 30
minutes. Mechanical stiffness, isometric and dynamic strength were measured
prior, one hour after and 24 hours after exercise. Average mechanical stiffness
decreased 31% (p < 0.05) after 24 hours for the eccentric group and
decreased 16% (p > 0.05) for the concentric group. Average static strength
in both groups recovered to within 2% of pre exercise levels for both groups
after 24 hours. Average dynamic strength decreased 18% (p < 0.05) 24 hours
after exercise for the eccentric group and increased 7% (p > 0.05) for the
concentric group. Significant correlation (r = 0.664 to 0.832, p < 0.05) was
observed between changes in mechanical stiffness and dynamic strength.
Reductions in dynamic strength and mechanical stiffness persisted 24 hours
after unaccustomed eccentric exertions but similar changes were not observed
for static strength.
[13]
Force and Impulse Production During the Use of a Touch Screen by Individuals
with Motor Control Disabilities
POSTERS: Input Devices
/
Irwin, Curt B.
/
Meyer, Robert H.
/
Yen, Thomas Y.
/
Kelso, David P.
/
Sesto, Mary E.
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 52nd Annual Meeting
2008-09-22
v.52
p.1317-1320
© Copyright 2008 HFES
Summary: People are increasingly required to interact with touch screens at places
ranging from grocery stores to airport kiosks. To date, most of the usability
research related to touch screens has included young, healthy subjects. Using
novel instrumentation consisting of a force plate and a touch screen, a number
entry study examined finger-touch screen interaction by participants with
Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, and non-disabled controls. Timing data as
well as peak forces and impulses in three dimensions were collected for each
touch. The results indicate that, although average peak force vector
magnitudes, impulses, and dwell times are similar between the groups, there are
significant differences within the same three variables by button size. Average
peak force vector magnitude increased by 11 percent while the average vector
impulse decreased by 29 percent from the smallest to the largest button size.
The average dwell time also decreased 23 percent from the smallest to the
largest button size.
[14]
Evaluation of an experimental mainstream cellular phone feature to allow use
by individuals with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities
/
Sesto, Mary
/
Nelson, Regina
/
Yan, Long
/
Vanderheiden, Gregg
Universal Access in the Information Society
2008
v.7
n.1/2
p.25-30
© Copyright 2008 Springer-Verlag
Summary: This proof-of-concept study evaluated the ability of individuals with
moderate to severe cognitive impairments to use a mainstream cellular phone
that was programmed with two new experimental interfaces (Flip and Picture
modes). Success in placing a call was measured following a brief demonstration
or instruction in phone use and again after a brief distraction. Sixteen
individuals with Mini-Mental State Examination scores ranging from 6 to 19
(mean= 12.31, SD=4.39) participated. The success rate using the Standard
dialing mode was 12.5% during the instruction phase and 6.3% in the carryover
phase. The Flip mode resulted in a 100% success rate for both the Instruction
and Carryover phases; the Picture mode resulted in a 100% success rate in the
Instruction phase and 81.3% success rate during Carryover phase. A potential
application of this work is that mainstream cellular phones could be designed
to include a simple feature that would make them usable by people with moderate
to severe cognitive disabilities.
[15]
Panel: The Need for System Solutions to Improve Employment Outcomes of
Cancer Survivors
MACROERGONOMICS: Improving Employment Outcomes of Cancer Survivors
/
Sesto, Mary E.
/
Yabroff, Robin K.
/
Bradley, Cathy J.
/
Feuerstein, Michael
/
Vanderheiden, Gregg C.
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 51st Annual Meeting
2007-10-01
v.51
p.986-990
© Copyright 2007 HFES
Summary: The good news is that the number of cancer survivors and length of survival
has increased due to early detection and treatment improvements. Of the
estimated 10.5 million cancer survivors in the United States, approximately 40%
are of working age (NCI, 2006). Unfortunately, one out of five survivors
experience cancer-related disabilities that affect employment. Survivors may
experience long-term and late-effects (including functional and general health
changes) resulting in less than optimal employment outcomes, including
long-term employment and work productivity. Although employment issues have
been recognized in this area, to date, the majority of research on work
productivity and return to work in human factors and ergonomics has focused on
common occupational injuries and illnesses. The application of theories,
methodologies, and perspectives from human factors research may serve to
optimize employment outcomes for cancer survivors.
[16]
Role of Human Factors Engineering in Improving Employment Outcomes Among
Cancer Survivors
MACROERGONOMICS: Macroergonomics in Decision Making, Teams, and Health Care
/
Sesto, Mary E.
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 50th Annual Meeting
2006-10-16
v.50
p.1510-1513
© Copyright 2006 HFES
Summary: What role will human factors engineers and return to work professionals play
in addressing the needs of cancer survivors in return to work? The National
Cancer Institute estimates that there are 10.1 million cancer survivors in the
United States. Of these, 3.8 million are working age adults (ages 20 to 64)
(2005). Due to early detection and treatment improvements, the length of
survival has increased. Unfortunately, survivors may experience short term and
long term side effects (physical, psychosocial and cognitive changes, and
fatigue) from treatment that result in functional limitations that may affect
their work productivity or their ability to return or continue in the work
place. Although the majority of human factors engineering/ergonomics and return
to work research has focused on occupational injuries and illnesses, the
application of this information to employment issues encountered by cancer
survivors may be extremely beneficial.
[17]
Comparison of Biomechanical and Anatomical Effects Following Eccentric and
Concentric Exertions
INDUSTRIAL ERGONOMICS: Injury Pathways
/
Chourasia, Amrish O.
/
Sesto, Mary E.
/
Jung, Youngkyoo
/
Howery, Robert S.
/
Radwin, Robert G.
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 49th Annual Meeting
2005-09-26
v.49
p.1287-1291
© Copyright 2005 HFES
Summary: Work place exertions may include muscle shortening (concentric) or muscle
lengthening (eccentric) contractions. This study investigates the upper limb
mechanical properties and magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the involved
muscles following submaximal eccentric and concentric exertions. Twelve
participants were randomly assigned to perform at 30° per second eccentric
or concentric forearm supination exertions at 50% isometric maximum voluntary
contraction (MVC) for 30 minutes. Measurement of mechanical stiffness,
isometric MVC, localized discomfort and MRI supinator: extensor signal
intensity ratio was done before, immediately after, 1 hour after and 24 hours
after the bout of exercise. A 53% average decrease in mechanical stiffness
after 1 hour was observed for the eccentric group (p< 0.05) compared to a 1%
average decrease for the concentric group (p> 0.05). Edema, indicative of
swelling, was observed 24 hrs after exercise, with an average increase in the
MRI supinator: extensor signal intensity ratio of 36% for the eccentric group
and less than 10% for the concentric group (p<0.05).
[18]
Strategies for Mainstream Cellular Phone Use by Individuals with Moderate to
Severe Cognitive Impairments
CONSUMER PRODUCTS: Issues in Usability
/
Vanderheiden, G. C.
/
Nelson, R. K.
/
Yan, L.
/
Sesto, M. E.
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 48th Annual Meeting
2004-09-20
v.48
p.937-940
© Copyright 2004 HFES
Summary: A population often overlooked in the design of cellular phones is people
with cognitive disabilities. This study evaluated the ability of persons with
moderate to severe cognitive impairments to use mainstream cellular phones
programmed with experimental interface features that allowed operation with
minimum cognitive ability. Two modes were tested. The first allowed an
individual to place calls by simply opening a flip phone. The second displayed
four pictures on the touchscreen and allowed a call to be made by touching one
of the pictures. Sixteen individuals with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
scores from 6 to 19 participated. There was a 100% success rate using the flip
mode in both Instruction and Carryover conditions and a 100% success rate in
Instruction and 81.3% success in Carryover for the picture mode. This was
compared to standard 'touchtone' dialing mode success rate of 12.5% in the
Instruction condition and 6.3% in Carryover condition.
[19]
Short-term Changes in Upper Extremity Dynamic Mechanical Properties
Associated with Power Hand Tool Use
INDUSTRIAL ERGONOMICS: Upper Extremity II
/
Radwin, R. G.
/
Sesto, M. E.
/
Richard, T. G.
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 47th Annual Meeting
2003-10-13
v.47
p.1261-1264
© Copyright 2003 HFES
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between repetitive eccentric
exertions in power hand tool operation and upper limb mechanical properties
including stiffness and inertial mass, and physiologic measures including
localized pain, discomfort, and swelling. Tool parameters, including peak
torque (3 Nm and 9 Nm) and torque build up time (50 ms and 250 ms), were
controlled in a full-factorial design. Twenty-nine participants were randomly
assigned to one of the four conditions and operated a pistol grip nutrunner
four times per minute for one hour in the laboratory. An average decrease in
stiffness (48%) and mass moment of inertia (60%) of the upper limb was observed
immediately following pistol grip nutrunner operation. A previously developed
dynamic tool operator model was used to predict resulting handle force and
displacement, and the conditions associated with the greatest handle force and
displacement demonstrated the greatest decrease in mechanical stiffness and
inertial mass, and the greatest increase in localized discomfort.
[20]
Upper Limb Dynamic Mechanical and Anatomical Properties among Assembly
Operators
INDUSTRIAL ERGONOMICS: Upper Extremity II
/
Sesto, M. E.
/
Radwin, R. G.
/
Block, W. F.
/
Best, T. M.
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 47th Annual Meeting
2003-10-13
v.47
p.1265-1268
© Copyright 2003 HFES
Summary: This study investigated upper limb mechanical and anatomical properties in
assembly workers. Fourteen male assembly workers were recruited from selected
jobs including power hand tool users and non-power hand tool users. Active
dynamic mechanical properties of the upper extremity were measured using a free
vibration apparatus. All workers underwent a physical examination, magnetic
resonance imaging and completed a symptom survey. Employees were categorized as
asymptomatic versus symptomatic based on reported forearm symptoms and physical
exam findings. Symptomatic individuals had 46% less mechanical stiffness and a
59% less mass moment of inertia of the forearm than the asymptomatic group.
Workers were stratified based on power tool use and two of the seven subjects
who regularly used power nutrunners demonstrated MRI T2 enhancement,
which is indicative of muscle edema. T2 MRI enhancement was not
demonstrated in the seven subjects who did not regularly use power nutrunners.
[21]
Functional Tests for Quantifying Recovery Following Carpal Tunnel Surgery
INDUSTRIAL ERGONOMICS: Upper-Extremity/VDT Research [Lecture]
/
Sesto, M. E.
/
Radwin, R. G.
/
Zachary, S. V.
/
Rockhill, B. J.
/
Harm, C. J.
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 45th Annual Meeting
2001-10-08
v.45
p.1097-1100
© Copyright 2001 HFES
Summary: This study considered two computer-controlled tests for quantifying
functional deficits in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), known as the Wisconsin
Test battery. The gap detection sensory test quantifies dynamic tactile
inspection thresholds for areas of the hand innervated by the median nerve. The
rapid pinch and release psychomotor test measures the initiation and control of
specific muscles innervated by the median nerve motor branch. Subjects were all
patients who had undergone carpal tunnel surgical procedures. To date, a total
of 30 subjects have been tested pre and post surgery. All subjects underwent a
physical examination and nerve conduction studies, completed a symptom survey,
and were administered the Wisconsin Test battery prior to surgery. Subjects
were tested immediately prior to surgery and again six weeks following surgery.
The data indicated that both psychomotor and sensory function for the surgical
hands markedly improved postoperatively, whereas the non-surgical hands did not
show similar improvements. These tests may be useful to quantify recovery and
function following CTS treatments.
[22]
Results of a Symptom Questionnaire on Selected Departments of Office Workers
at a Large Teaching and Research Institution
/
Alvarado, C.
/
Sesto, M.
Proceedings of the Ninth International Conference on Human-Computer
Interaction
2001-08
v.2
p.1030-1034
[23]
Worker Monitoring Tests for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Results From an
Industrial Longitudinal Study
5: MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS: Epidemiology in Musculoskeletal Disorders
[Research]
/
Sesto, Mary
/
Radwin, Robert G.
/
Salvi, Frank
/
Manning, Ronald
Proceedings of the Joint IEA 14th Triennial Congress and Human Factors and
Ergonomics Society 44th Annual Meeting
2000-07-30
v.44
n.5
p.553-556
© Copyright 2000 HFES
Summary: This paper presents the initial findings from a study using two
computer-controlled functional tests for sensory and motor deficits in carpal
tunnel syndrome (CTS). The gap detection sensory test quantifies dynamic
tactile inspection thresholds for areas of the hand innervated by the median
nerve. The rapid pinch and release psychomotor test measures the initiation and
control of specific muscles innervated by the median nerve motor branch. The
purpose of this ongoing study is to evaluate industrial subjects recruited from
varying high risk industrial settings, such as poultry processing, automotive
manufacturing, plastics manufacturing, assembly, and newspaper publishing for
longitudinal changes in test outcomes. A total of 169 subjects were tested
during the first year of this study. All subjects completed a symptom survey,
underwent a physical examination of the upper limbs, shoulder and neck, had a
nerve conduction study (NCS), and were administered the Wisconsin Test Battery.
Both hands of the subjects are examined and categorized by presence of absence
of physical exam findings, self-reported symptoms, and nerve conduction study
(NCS) results. The data was analyzed for differences between subjects reporting
positive or negative symptoms, and positive or negative physical exam and NCS
findings. In summary, the psychomotor and sensory test outcomes were related to
objective NCS findings but it is interesting to note that symptoms alone were
not significantly associated with functional sensory or psychomotor
performance. Unlike our previous studies, where CTS patients in the
electromyography (EMG) clinic seeking medical assistance were tested, all
subjects were from a working population. It is likely that most of the positive
exam and NCS subjects in the current study involve CTS symptoms that are less
severe than our previous studies using EMG clinic subjects, many whom were
preparing for surgery.
