Publications by authors named "Allison Stephens"
Automotive assembly operations require power tools to secure fasteners and these operations have been linked to increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders. This work was designed to develop physical capability limits for direct current right-angle power tool (RAPT) operations using psychophysics. Forty females fastened joints of different hardness's using three fastening strategies, at three fastening frequencies.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: To determine the state of the literature on assessing heat-stress using physiological parameters. To provide recommendations to the nuclear industry regarding worker heat-stress management practices.
Methods: A scoping review identified relevant articles.
Article Synopsis
- The study focuses on predicting clinical outcomes in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) undergoing left heart catheterization (LHC), specifically looking at the left ventricular pressure ratio (LVPR).
- A retrospective analysis involved 176 HFrEF patients, assessing LVPR against standard hemodynamic measures to identify risks for in-hospital complications.
- Results showed that a LVPR value of ≤3.96 indicated a higher risk of therapy escalation and lower in-hospital survival, establishing LVPR as a useful tool for assessing patient risk during LHC.
Right-angle power-tools (RAPT) employed in automotive manufacturing promote greater productivity and quality fastenings, as well as, improve process efficiency. Due to RAPT technological advances automotive manufactures desire to understand their ergonomics consequences within a laboratory environment, however, laboratory-based representation must accurately represent the real world. A survey within automotive assembly plants was conducted to capture RAPT operation data.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a workplace leg-strengthening program on self-reported function, physical capacity, and work-related outcomes among desk-based workers.
Methods: Forty-three desk-based workers were randomized to a 12-week exercise program or no exercise control. The primary outcome was change in self-reported physical function on the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) from baseline to follow-up.