Refining indices of upper limb musculoskeletal disorder risk at work through motion analysis based quantitative data

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Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) particularly affect the upper limbs, are very costly to treat and are associated with long recovery times which can prevent timely return to work. These painful conditions develop over a long period of time with fatigue, discomfort and stress as leading indicators although all of posture, repetition, force and psychosocial factors are recognised to contribute. Motion recording and analysis allow both quantitative and qualitative determination of known MSD risk factors during Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Skin-mounted markers with multi-camera 3-dimensional motion analysis systems like VICON MCAMTM are be coupled with specially created computer programs to model the upper limbs' postural and repetition risks. In this work, potential energy of the upper arms reflects postural risks, while elbow, forearm and hand postures will be further quantified over time relative to high-risk extreme postures. Qualitative motion descriptions will be used to reveal repetitive patterns associated with MSD risks. Force factors must be captured with external sensors which must be co-ordinated with postural and repetition factors, as well as perceived stressors. This work proposes to combine these factors first in a laboratory setting and subsequently in work environments with a wearable data capture technology to study working-aged adults' common work-related ADLs. This will be used to define a practical quantitative measurement tool to describe MSD risk. This tool will be applied to create a database allowing comparison across populations with no known upper limb disability and those with challenges, including unilateral amputation and prosthesis use, discomfort or mobility limitations. This multi-faceted tool and data collection will assist Industrial Engineers understand ergonomic MSD risks associated real work methods.