Impact of workstation and wearable technologies on musculoskeletal disorder risk in computer-intensive sedentary environments

工作站和可穿戴技术对计算机密集型久坐环境中肌肉骨骼疾病风险的影响

• 批准号: RGPIN-2020-05591
• 负责人: Black, Nancy
• 金额: $ 1.89万
• 依托单位: Université de Moncton
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2021
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2021-01-01 至 2022-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=739834
• 关键词: Impact; workstation; wearable; technologies; musculoskeletal

While most modern workplaces use computers, computers were not designed for human well-being. With increasing computer use, the sedentary nature of work rises. Computers and other current communication tools in offices eliminate various physical task requirements. In contrast, ergonomics research shows that regular, large movements are required at least every 30 minutes to maintain good physical and psychological health and well-being. Such movements are `inefficient' but `necessary'. Some existing tools may encourage such desirable movements. Furniture designers are creating chairs and work surface options to support healthier postures. Adjustable office chairs can fit users with seat and backrest height and slope, arm rest location, and flexible supportive components, particularly for the lower back. Rocking-supports or cantilevered systems further encourage movement while seated. Work surfaces may be height-adjustable including variations between sitting and standing heights; furthermore, these allow each person to work at the recommended slightly-below-relaxed-elbow height. Unfortunately, employers are reticent to provide such fully functional elements when workers can work in less-than-optimal conditions. Prevalent significant discomfort amongst office workers is ignored, although it indicates increased Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) risk. Notably, MSDs account for longer than average work absences and higher than average workers compensation costs. During a controlled setting study with 3 workstations, postural gestures (including differing degrees and planes of movement) have been associated with changes in back and neck pain and fatigue. How such frequency and type of postural changes affect health indicators (physiology, perception and posture) in real working environments is only partially understood. This program will study this complex question using pattern recognition and big-data analysis techniques, to determine how healthy postural patterns vary with work or equipment interventions. This program will analyse postural variation categories across body regions using non-invasive recording techniques and applying pattern recognition and machine learning methods. Wireless wearable sensors already measure variations in physical parameters which are precursors to Musculoskeletal disorders. This project will explore the ability of these sensors, and new systems supported by intelligent phones that most workers use regularly. Once reliable models are defined, we will measure the effect of 1) varying dynamic workstation elements, 2) regularly using wearable consumer technologies, and 3) using both in combination. The proposed research program will enhance our understanding of how these elements are used in regular work environments accounting for posture, physiology and perception.

虽然大多数现代工作场所都使用计算机，但计算机并不是为人类福祉而设计的。随着计算机使用的增加，工作的久坐性质上升。办公室中的计算机和其他当前通信工具消除了各种物理任务要求。 相比之下，人体工程学研究表明，至少每30分钟需要每30分钟进行常规的大型运动，以保持良好的身体和心理健康和福祉。这样的运动是“效率低下”，但“必要”。 一些现有的工具可能会鼓励这种理想的运动。家具设计师正在创建椅子和工作表面选择，以支持更健康的姿势。可调节的办公椅可以使用户适合座椅，靠背高度和坡度，手臂休息位置以及灵活的支撑组件，特别是对于下背部。摇摆支持或悬臂系统在坐着时进一步鼓励移动。工作表面可能是可调节的，包括坐姿和站立高度之间的变化；此外，这些使每个人都可以在建议的略带宽带的肘部高度上工作。不幸的是，当工人可以在不太最佳的条件下工作时，雇主不愿提供这种功能齐全的要素。尽管这表明肌肉骨骼疾病（MSD）风险增加，但办公室工作人员普遍不适。值得注意的是，MSD的占时间高于平均工作缺勤，高于平均工人补偿成本。 在对3个工作站的受控设置研究中，姿势手势（包括不同程度和移动平面）与背部和颈部疼痛和疲劳的变化有关。姿势变化的频率和类型如何影响实际工作环境中的健康指标（生理，感知和姿势）。该计划将使用模式识别和大数据分析技术研究这个复杂的问题，以确定健康或设备干预措施的健康姿势模式的变化。 该计划将使用非侵入性记录技术并应用模式识别和机器学习方法来分析身体区域之间的姿势变异类别。无线可穿戴传感器已经测量了物理参数的变化，这是肌肉骨骼疾病的前体。该项目将探索这些传感器的能力，以及大多数工人定期使用的智能手机支持的新系统。一旦定义了可靠的模型，我们将测量1）不同动态工作站元素的效果，2）定期使用可穿戴的消费者技术，以及3）两者结合使用。拟议的研究计划将增强我们对这些元素如何在常规工作环境中使用的理解，以说明姿势，生理和感知。