Work - Volume 18, issue 2

Article Type: Other

Citation: Work, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 95-95, 2002

Authors: Rice, Valerie J. Berg

Article Type: Other

Citation: Work, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 97-98, 2002

Authors: Lincoln, Andrew E. | Smith, Gordon S. | Amoroso, Paul J. | Bell, Nicole S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: We describe the natural history of 13 musculoskeletal conditions requiring hospitalization and identify demographic, behavioral, psychosocial, occupational, and clinical characteristics most strongly associated with disability discharge from the Army. Subjects included 15,268 active-duty personnel hospitalized for a common musculoskeletal condition between the years 1989--1996 who were retrospectively followed through 1997. Back conditions had the greatest 5-year cumulative risk of disability (21%, for intervertebral disc displacement, intervertebral disc degeneration, and nonspecific low back …pain, respectively). Cox proportional hazards models identified the following risk factors for disability among males: lower pay grade, musculoskeletal diagnosis, shorter length of service, older age, occupational category, lower job satisfaction, recurrent musculoskeletal hospitalizations, more cigarette smoking, greater work stress, and heavier physical demands. Among females, fewer covariates reached statistical significance, although lower education level was significant in more than one model. Modifiable risk factors related to work (job satisfaction, work stress, physical demands, occupation) and health behaviors (smoking) suggest possible targets for intervention. Show more

Keywords: musculoskeletal conditions, natural history, disability, epidemiology, occupation, military personnel, injury

Citation: Work, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 99-113, 2002

Authors: Fabrizio, Andrew J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Persons with musculoskeletal-related disorders represent a prevalent source of outpatient visits, lost work time and disability in the military; however, research concerning the extent of work-related upper extremity disorders (WRUEDs) within this population is lacking. This literature review examined studies in civilian and military settings to ascertain the prevalence, cost and risk factors associated with WRUEDs. The results indicated that the prevalence and cost of WRUEDs in the civilian workforce are significant, …justifying the need to research the military population. The literature also outlined physical, individual and psychosocial factors associated with WRUEDs that will help identify potential risk factors within military occupations. Show more

Citation: Work, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 115-121, 2002

Authors: Pentikis, John | Lopez, Mary S. | Thomas, Robert E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: An ergonomics team from the US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive medicine evaluated 465 video display terminal (VDT) workstations in a Government office building over an 18-day period. Each workstation evaluation involved an assessment of the worker, the chair, the desk, the keyboard, the pointing device, the monitor, and the office environmental conditions. The team also collected worker pain and injury information. The problems seen during the evaluation were characteristic of most office environments …where VDT workstation furniture was purchased before the advent of mouse-driven software. The majority of furniture evaluated was not designed to meet the demands of intensive mouse use for prolonged periods of time. Much of the workstation furniture was not adjustable, chairs lacked adequate back support, and workers assumed non-neutral postures. As a result, more than 35% on-the-job pain. New office furniture that is adjustable, adequate desk space and storage space were among the solutions recommended by the ergonomics team. Show more

Keywords: video display terminals, office workstations, ergonomics, adjustability

Citation: Work, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 123-131, 2002

Authors: Gregg, R.L. | Banderet, L.E. | Reynolds, K.L | Creedon, J.F. | Rice, V.J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This 9 month prospective study, conducted at the US Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASGMA), examined the association of selected psychological variables (e.g., measures of tension/anxiety, sleep disturbance, Type A behavior pattern) with injury occurrence and physical performance in 126 soldiers. ANOVA and logistic regression analyses revealed significant relationships between: 1) Traumatic injury occurrence and mean tension/anxiety scores, 2) Mean self-reported sleep disturbance scores and traumatic injury occurrence, 3) The Type A behavior …pattern (abbreviated Jenkins Activity Survey) and number of sit-ups repetitions completed in 2 minutes, one component of the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), 4) The Type A behavior pattern and total score APFT. No significant associations were found for mean tension/anxiety scores and overuse injuries, or Type A behavior pattern and two mile run time or number of push-up repetitions completed in 2 minutes. These data suggest traumatic injury occurrence is influenced by tension/anxiety and disturbances in sleep habits. Additionally, individuals with higher Jenkins Activity scores (characteristic of the Type A behavior pattern) perform better physically. Show more

Citation: Work, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 133-139, 2002

Authors: Williams, Jeffrey O. | Bell, Nicole S. | Amoroso, Paul J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: High-risk drinking is among the top three prevention priorities of the Department of Defense. Research suggests that enlisted male soldiers are particularly at risk for unhealthy drinking behaviors. 292,023 enlisted male soldiers who responded to a Health Risk Appraisal (HRA) survey between 1990 and 1998 were dichotomized into high and low-risk drinking groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that high-risk drinkers wore seatbelts less frequently, were more likely to drive > 15 mph over the speed …limit, and to smoke more than 20 cigarettes/day. This high-risk group was predominately young < 25), Caucasian, high school educated or less, and most likely employed as infantrymen or craftsworkers. The two highest risk occupational groups (infantrymen and craftsworkers) differ from each other, and from other Army occupations. Intervention programs should include safe driving habits and smoking cessation, as well as high-risk drinking, and should be tailored to the specific needs of the group at highest risk. Show more

Citation: Work, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 141-150, 2002

Authors: Flynn, Timothy W. | Cavanagh, Peter R. | Sommer, H. Joseph | Derr, Janice A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: {\it Objective.} To determine the reliability of tibial flexural wave propagation velocity (FWPV) and the effect of overlying soft-tissues on the result. {\it Design.} The velocity of tibial flexural wave propagation was repeatedly measured in healthy subjects. {\it Background.} The tibia is the most frequently stress-fractured bone of runners and in military training populations. Developing techniques to measure tibial bone strength and, thereby, fracture resistance may be useful in pre-participation examinations in …order to identify at-risk individuals. One such method, tibial flexural wave propagation velocity (FWPV) has been reported to be a measure of tibial stiffness. {\it Methods.} The tibial FWPV was measured 80 times per subject (10 trials X 2 setups/day X 4 days) in a sample of 25 young women. Two methods of calculating FWPV were used (Peak method time domain and Phase method frequency domain). Intraclass correlations (ICCs) were calculated. {\it Results.} The results demonstrated that the peak method was more reliable then the phase method. The ICCs ranged from 0.81--0.96 for the peak method and from 0.59--0.89 for the phase method. The 95% confidence intervals demonstrated that the FWPV could discriminate between subjects with low, medium, or high velocity values with reasonable accuracy and confidence. The soft-tissue overlying the tibia was not significantly (p = 0.63) correlated with FWPV. {\it Conclusion.} In summary, it is possible to discriminate between varying levels of tibial FWPV. Furthermore, if FWPV is related to bone stress fracture resistance, then this method may be useful in determining stress fracture risk prior to intensive physical activity. {\it Relevance.} The tibia is the most frequently stress-fractured bone of runners and in military training populations. This study explores the feasibility of tibial FWPV as a potential method to assess tibial stress fracture resistance. Show more

Keywords: flexural wave propagation velocity, stress fractures, tibia, biomechanics, bone quality

Citation: Work, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 151-160, 2002

Authors: Senier, Laura | Bell, Nicole S. | Yore, Michelle M. | Amoroso, Paul J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Data from the Total Army Injury and Health Outcomes Database (TAIHOD) were used to describe 28,352 fall-related hospitalizations among active-duty Army soldiers between 1980 and 1998. Soldiers who were younger than age 26, single, and had a high school education or less were at greatest risk. Falls from a height were more likely to be fatal than other types of falls, accounting for 88% was known, 64% and half of these occurred during training. The most …common type of fall during training was fall from a height (37%) and ladders accounted for 49% research should include identification of specific behavioral and occupational risk factors for falls, particularly those occurring during training activities, and falls occurring off duty. Show more

Keywords: accidental falls, Army, injuries and wounds, hospitalizations, database, military, free text

Citation: Work, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 161-170, 2002

Authors: Knapik, Joseph J. | Hickey, Charles | Ortega, Samson | Pontbriand, Rene de

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Snowshoes are a common method of locomotion across snow but no investigations has previously examined the energy cost of different snowshoe models or looked for desirable snowshoe design characteristics. To this end, four Marines were studied while walking at 4 km/h in four different types of snowshoes. They traversed a field with an average grade of 2.4%, downhill and once uphill with each snowshoe. Expired respiratory gases (for energy cost measures) and heart rates were collected …continuously during the walk. The Pride Assault and US Army Standard models had a lower energy cost than the Montana Light model and tended to have a lower cost than the British Assault model. Correlations between snowshoe mass/surface area ratios and energy cost were 0.81 and 0.72 on the uphill and downhill portions of the course, respectively. Examination of the physical attributes of the snowshoes suggested several design characteristics may be favorable from an energy cost perspective: 1) a hinge-and-binding system that allows the snowshoe to be dragged across the snow, 2) an upturned front that pushes snow away and allows a more horizontal (less vertical) displacement of the snowshoe during locomotion, 3) a narrow profile that avoids leg abduction, and 4) a lower mass to surface area ratio. Further research will be necessary to determine the importance of these factors because of the limited number of subjects and the single snow condition examined here. Show more

Citation: Work, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 171-177, 2002