Work - Volume 6, issue 2

Authors: Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1996-6201

Citation: Work, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 73-75, 1996

Authors: Schüldt, Kristina | Lagrelius, Margareta

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Seven females, six laboratory assistants, participated in the experimental part of the study. The level of muscular activity in different sitting work postures was recorded, using surface electrodes, as full-wave-rectified and low-pass filtered EMG, and normalised. The laboratory assistants also rated the degree of exertion in four different body regions during their ordinary microtome sectioning work, comparing the use of anterior chest support with the use of their usual chair with lumbar support. The use of anterior chest support reduced the muscular activity in the lumbar back muscles but increased it in the shoulder muscles. Perceived exertion in the neck, …shoulders and thoracic back regions increased. Anterior chest support does not seem to solve the problem of neck- and-shoulder load-elicited pain during the work of preparing laboratory sections. Show more

Keywords: Anterior chest support, Cervical spine, Chair, EMG, Ergonomics, Lumbar support, Female, Muscle function, Neck/shoulder and back muscles, Sitting posture, Work posture

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1996-6202

Citation: Work, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 77-85, 1996

Authors: Schreuer, Naomi | Lifshitz, Yair | Weiss, Patrice L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Typing in the work setting, with its emphasis on speed, force and repetitive movements and its tendency to be performed under less than optimum conditions has been one of the major causes of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorder (CTD). This disorder, also known as overuse syndrome, is a chronic condition believed to result from habitual overuse of the digits, hands or arms. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between typing habits, specifically the influence of typing frequency, speed and style, on the incidence of injury. One hundred Israeli female typists aged between 20 and 60 years …with no prior history of orthopedic or neurological disease participated in the study. Data collection took place at the work setting and consisted of a clinical evaluation of the upper extremities and trunk, a typing test, and a questionnaire which included questions concerning demographic information, occupational history, and upper extremity usage in the home and at work. Subjects were asked whether they had suffered from pain or other symptoms in the upper extremity (shoulder, arm, forearm, elbow or hand) on more than three occasions in the last year or on one occasion lasting more than a week. Subjects who answered no to this question were designated as ‘non-sufferers’. Those who answered yes to the question were designated ‘sufferers’. The 100 women who participated in the study represented a wide range of ages and educational levels. The variables describing on-the-job performance showed a wide range of values. Similar variability was found in the anthropometric variables. On the basis of the subjective criterion, 40 of the women belonged to the group labeled ‘sufferers’. The remaining 60 subjects belonged to the group of ‘non-sufferers’. The Odd's ratio test (OR), a common statistical procedure for risk factor estimation, was used to determine threshold levels associated with the development of CTD. Age, hours worked per week, typing speed, and years worked as a typist were variables in which at least one cut-off value generated a significant OR. The delineation of factors associated with typists who are classified as ‘sufferers’ establishes a portrait of the typical worker at risk for the development of CTD and provides insight into ways in which employers, clinicians and workers themselves could reduce the risk of CTD. Show more

Keywords: Upper extremity cumulative trauma disorder, Ergonomics, Typing, Prevention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1996-6203

Citation: Work, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 87-95, 1996

Authors: Laflamme, Lucie | Menckel, Ewa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study examines non-specific and specific age-related accident frequencies among Swedish non-ferrous are miners. Age-related accident ratios (ARs) were calculated for all accidents aggregated and for different accident types over a ten-year period, using five age categories and three time intervals. ARs tended to be lower among older workers but they varied between age groups and time periods for almost all accident types. They were higher at the end than at the start ofthe study period for the age cohort 25–34 for all accident types, and for the cohort 16–24 for two accident types. The results suggest that age-related risks …are influenced by labor-market factors. In physically demanding jobs, reductions in personnel may expose middle-age and younger workers to higher risks, because of ‘basic capacities’ being exceeded or due to a lack of relevant experience. Show more

Keywords: Age-related accident risk, Accident patterns, Multivariate analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1996-6204

Citation: Work, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 97-105, 1996

Authors: Piela, Catherine R. | Hallenberg, Kristin K. | Geoghegan, Anne E. | Monsein, Matthew R. | Lindgren, Bruce R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: This study explores the hypothesis that clients with low back injury can estimate their own functional capacities for waist-level lifting, lifting from the floor, and standing tolerance prior to formal functional capacity testing. Summary of background data: The frequent use of functional capacity evaluations for clients with industrial injuries and health care cost containment prompted research on the appropriateness and need for ohjective functional capacity evaluations. Study design/methods: All clients referred to the Sister Kenny Institute Work Injury Program for functional capacity evaluations from July 1991 to May 1992 were screened for eligibility and willingness to participate. Seventy-five subjects …participated in the study. These subjects predicted their capacities prior to formal functional capacities testing; formal testing results were then compared to the predictions. Results: Results indicated the majority of low back injured clients' actual test scores were not within 20 tests. Conclusion: The outcome of this study indicates it is difficult for clients to accurately predict their own functional capacities following low back injuries. Therefore, when functional capacities remain in question, functional capacity evaluations continue to be a valuable and cost-effective route to promote a safe return to work. Show more

Keywords: Self assessment, Chronic pain, Disability ratings, Functional capacity evaluation, Return to work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1996-6205

Citation: Work, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 107-113, 1996

Authors: Henry, Alexis D. | Costa, Charlene | Ladd, Donna | Robertson, Claudine | Rollins, James | Roy, Lea

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine time use patterns and variables related to time use, including feelings about time use, time management, and academic achievement, among normal college students. Time use was examined from the perspective of the model of human occupation. One hundred and six male and female occupational therapy students enrolled at Worcester State College in Worcester, MA completed two self-report questionnaires and a demographic questionnaire. The subjects completed the Occupational Questionnaire (Riopel Smith, Kielhofner, and Watts, 1986) which measured time use (activities engaged in during a typical 24-h period), and feelings about time use (related …to competence, value, enjoyment) for the activities they reported. In addition, they completed the Time Management Questionnaire (Britton and Tesser, 1990, which measured their time attitudes, preferences for short range planning, and preferences for long range planning. The results of the study suggest that older students and those experiencing role overload perceive themselves as less competent, and value and enjoy their time use less than younger students and those with fewer role demands. In addition, the use of time management was related to academic achievement. Implications of the findings are discussed. Show more

Keywords: Roles, Role overload, Habits, Model of human occupation, Perceivcd control, Perceived competence

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1996-6206

Citation: Work, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 115-126, 1996

Authors: Ramos, Diane | Schoenmann, Lynn | Scott, Donna | Trent, Julie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Therapists working in the area of work rehabilitation have seen the incidence of cumulative trauma disorders from vibration increase dramatically over the past decade. Vibration affects millions of workers each year. The effects of vibration can be seen in either a segmental or whole-body fashion. The purpose of this article is to review the literature that examines whole-body vibration, hand-arm vibration syndrome, and suggestions for preventative strategies are presented. This article concludes with a case study in order to assist the reader in synthesizing the relevant information provided.

Keywords: Whole-body vibration, Hand-arm vibration, Cumulative trauma disorders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1996-6207

Citation: Work, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 127-132, 1996

Authors: Lechner, Deborah

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1996-6208

Citation: Work, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 133-134, 1996

Authors: Turner, Mindy Oxman

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1996-6209

Citation: Work, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 135-136, 1996

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1996-6210

Citation: Work, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 137-138, 1996