Estimated energy expenditure of nursing assistants in long term care.

Unlabelled: Ergonomic research on nursing work has focused primarily on the biomechanical analysis of patient handling tasks. Few studies have addressed the intensity of a full day of nursing work as measured by changes in heart rate and energy expenditure.

Objective: A pilot study was conducted between August 2009 and May 2010 to examine the intensity of performing nursing assistant work in long term care settings and to assess the usefulness of heart rate monitoring as a measure of work intensity.

Effect of wearing a static wrist orthosis on shoulder movement during feeding.

Objective: This study compares the effect of wrist immobilization with non-immobilization on shoulder abduction, shoulder flexion, and shoulder rotation during feeding.

Method: Twenty right-hand-dominant participants with no upper-extremity dysfunction performed a controlled feeding activity under 2 separate wrist conditions: (1) while wearing a static wrist orthosis and (2) with the wrist not immobilized (free wrist). A Motion Monitor system using small magnetic sensors was used to measure range of motion.

Ergonomic recommendations and their impact on child care workers' health.

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact ergonomics has had on the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms and injuries among child care workers in Wisconsin using a Classroom and Work Methods Survey developed for this investigation. Information on perceived need for and knowledge of ergonomic interventions, the extent to which ergonomic interventions had been introduced to child care settings, and barriers to implementation of ergonomic recommendations was gathered. Two hundred and fifty-eight respondents completed the survey.

Determining the accuracy of the psychophysical approach to grip force measurement.

This study examined the accuracy of estimating actual grip force by measuring perceived force simulation using a hand dynamometer. A multifactorial design was used to ascertain whether there was a difference between actual and perceived grip force performance using three levels of force, three different age groups, males and females, and both dominant and nondominant hands. One hundred ninety-eight participants were asked to exert an exact amount of grip force marked on a dynamometer, and then asked to replicate the same amount without the visual feedback of the dial.

Relationship of demographic variables on perception of fatigue and discomfort following prolonged standing under various flooring conditions.

It has been suggested that prolonged standing is associated with pain and discomfort experienced by assembly line workers and other occupations. In an attempt to alleviate these problems, companies have implemented ergonomic interventions which include alterations to the flooring conditions upon which workers stand. The purpose of this study was to investigate assembly line workers' perceptions of fatigue and discomfort associated with various body regions after standing for an 8-h shift on three different flooring conditions: (1) standing on a wood-block floor, (2) standing on a floor mat, and (3) wearing insoles.

Work rehabilitation programs: a 1997 survey.

By adapting to the changing health care environment, legislative reforms, and consumer needs, work rehabilitation programs have experienced a metamorphosis. This study surveyed occupational therapists currently employed in work programs to ascertain a current demographic profile of work rehabilitation programs. Respondents indicated the delivery of services in the areas of prevention, assessment and rehabilitation.

A comparison of the effects of floor mats and shoe in-soles on standing fatigue.

In assembly line positions and other occupations, employees experience pain and discomfort associated with long periods of standing. Modifying flooring is a common intervention method used to alleviate problems associated with constrained standing. This study investigated the effects of four different standing conditions upon assembly workers' perception of general fatigue and discomfort associated with various body parts following 1 week of 8-h days of exposure to each condition.