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Objective: To develop modular software to assess angular impulse and to determine the effect of a reduced dataset on the net angular impulse acting at the L5/S1 joint. Background. With the prevalence and incidence of lower back pain increasing annually, accurate assessment of physical job demands is needed. Many lab based approaches exist to measure the moments acting on the lower back, but require advanced and sensitive testing equipment. Of the methodologies currently used in industrial settings, most require significant contributions of time or money to be implemented. There is a need for cost and time effective methods to record a worker’s kinematic data over their whole shift. Methods: Twelve participants performed 12 consecutive lifts under five lifting conditions: SQ00 (squat 0kg); SQ04 (squat 4kg); SQ10 (squat 10kg); FP04 (fast squat 4kg); ST04 (stoop 4kg). Kinematic data of the upper limbs, head, and trunk was recorded with external load data and kinetic analysis was performed by implementing an extension of the Hof (1992) method called the lined-segment engine (LSE) to calculate the angular impulse (N•m•s) acting on the L5/S1 joint. Results: The LSE was sensitive to changes in load, lifting speed, and lifting posture (p < 0.05). There was no difference in dynamic, quasi-static, or static models when calculating angular impulse, but there was a difference in the L5/S1 angular impulse when the upper limbs were removed from the dynamic LSE model (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The LSE requires further refinement, but could be a generic approach to kinetic calculations. A scaled no-arms model for calculating the angular impulse acting on the low back could be used to assess field based lifting studies with 5.8% error. / Thesis (Master, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2013-08-03 15:05:03.257

In typed functional programming there is often the need for combining pure and monadic (or other effectful) computations, but the required lifting must be done manually by the programmer and may result in cluttered code. This thesis explores ways to allow the compiler to perform this task automat- ically. Several possible approaches are described, where the final one reduces the task to solving a system of linear diophantine equations. Apart from monads, the described method is also considered for the case of applicative functors as another abstraction to represent effectful operations. 1

<p>In order to increase the independence in everyday life of the elderly population, we have developed a lifting aid for loading in the private car trunk. Independence from outside assistance affects self-esteem in a positive direction and can help increase the quality of life for a large group of individuals. As people age and experience changes in performance, it is important that aids and support is available, particularly to reduce the experience of aging and it’s increasing physical limitations. The aim was to develop a function prototype characterized by simplicity, which facilitates loading of the private car</p><p>trunk.</p><p>The project was conducted at the request of Autoadapt AB, which is one of the leading</p><p>actors in car adaptations for individuals with disablilities. A function prototype of the product Easy Load has been produced through dynamic product development and its</p><p>various tools. In an attempt to meet the requirements of simplicity and ease of use,</p><p>concepts such as universal design and usability affected the project.</p><p>In order to find a user need that could form the basis of the project, proceedings began</p><p>with a pre-study that included observations and group interviews of members in a</p><p>pensioner club in Halmstad. The Product development work continued with several</p><p>brainstorming sessions with participants from a number of the university's engineering</p><p>programs. Ideas from the sessions, together with the results from the benchmarking,</p><p>formed the basis for final product design and function. A key requirement was that the</p><p>product could be fitted in sedan car models with easy grips and without any permanent</p><p>fixings.</p><p>Construction of the prototype was made mostly in the University’s mechanical</p><p>workshop, using both self-constructed and sourced components. Stress and installation</p><p>testing and risk analysis pursuant to FMEA highlighted deficiencies that the project</p><p>group sought to adjust. In cases where this did not happen, the project group made</p><p>concrete improvement proposals to simplify further development.</p><p>This project shows that lifting aids products without permanent fixings are possible to develop for use in sedan car models. Specific product criteria have been met through a designed function prototype for loading in the private car trunk.</p>

Study Design. This study investigated the effects of a lumbar support belt on lumbar disc deformation and joint angles. Trunk strength and endurance were also compared to disc deformation and joint angles to determine if any meaningful relationships existed. Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine if back support belts relieve stresses encountered by the lumbar spine during lifting activities and thus reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, trunk strength and endurance measures were collected in order to determine if strong, well conditioned trunk musculature aids in the support of the lumbar spine. Summary of Background Data. Low-back pain and injury are responsible for a major portion of lost work days and injury compensation claims. Back support belts have been proposed as a counter measure towards reducing low-back injuries in the industrial setting. Methods. Twelve male subjects (average age, 49.7 years) performed two sessions of stoop type lifting with a loaded milk crate (11.5 kg), at a rate of 4 repetitions per minute, for a total 15 minutes per session in accordance with the NIOSH 1993 lifting equation. The order of testing with and without a belt was randomized for the two sessions. Fluoroscopic images were collected prior to and following both lifting sessions. Fluoroscopic images were collected with the subjects positioned at the initiation (flexed trunk), mid-range, and completion of the lift (erect standing). Images were imported into Auto Cad where lumbar disc deformation and joint angles were measured by calculating changes in position of adjacent vertebra (L3-4 and L4-5). A reduction of deformation was deemed indicative of reduced stress. Trunk extension and flexion strength were measured with a Kin Com isokinetic dynamometer. Trunk flexion endurance was measured via a 60 second curl-up test. Results. Analysis of variance revealed that compressive and shear disc deformation were reduced while in the erect trunk posture for the support belt condition (p<.05). No significant reduction in disc deformation was detected while in flexed trunk postures for the support belt condition (p>.05). A significant inverse relationship was detected (p<05) between: abdominal strength and shear stress (flexed trunk positions), abdominal endurance and shear stress (erect trunk), and spinal erector strength and L4-L5 joint angle (erect trunk). Conclusions. During stoop type lifting, support belts provide a measurable amount of stress reduction of the lumbar spine when the trunk is in the erect posture, with little effect during flexed trunk positions. Strong, well conditioned trunk musculature is associated with reduced stress on the lumbar spine. / Graduation date: 1998

This study applies the Washington State Ergonomics Tool to waste industry jobs in Texas. Exposure data were collected by on-site observation of fourteen different multi-task jobs in a major national solid waste management company employing more than 26,000 employees. This company has nationwide operations, and these jobs represent the majority of workers involved in the collection and processing of solid waste. The WSET uses observational checklist methodology to evaluate generic risk factors in the following six major categories: awkward posture, highly repetitive motion, high hand force, repeated impact, lifting, and hand-arm vibration. The assessment tool incorporates these risk factors and combinations of risk factors into checklists for identifying three levels of potential exposure: safe, -caution zone" and -hazard zone" jobs. The tool was developed for employers to use in determining whether a job was likely to increase the risk of workplace musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) to their employees. OSHA 200 logs were used as the main source of morbidity data. If there was one recorded WMSD, the job was classified as -positive. "If there was no recorded WMSD, the job was classified as -negative. "-Safe"jobs were those predicted not to expose workers to increased risk of WMSDs. Those that possessed one or more -caution zone"criteria but still fell below the -hazard zone" threshold required the employer to provide -awareness education" for employees and to further analyze the job for the presence of -hazard zone" risk factors. If hazard zone risk factors were not present, no further action was required. Jobs that upon further analysis possessed one or more of the -hazard zone"criteria were labeled -hazardous" jobs. If the further analysis shows the presence of risk factors established in the hazard zone criteria (Appendix B), the employer would be required to take corrective action to reduce exposures to below the hazardous level. Of the three jobs predicted to be -safe"by -caution zone" criteria, two did not have injuries and one did. Of the eleven jobs predicted by -caution zone"criteria to increase the risk of WMSDs, six resulted in injuries and five did not. Of the four jobs predicted by -hazard zone"criteria to be -problem"jobs, two jobs did result in injury and two did not. This study found that the WSET -caution zone"criteria were more effective at predicting which jobs were likely to increase the risk of WMSDs than was the -hazard zone"checklist. The caution zone had high sensitivity and low specificity. The hazard zone criteria reflect a low sensitivity and a low specificity. Further analysis revealed the WSET was helpful in predicting back injuries associated with lifting but not effective at predicting jobs with the potential for upper extremity injuries.

In order to increase the independence in everyday life of the elderly population, we have developed a lifting aid for loading in the private car trunk. Independence from outside assistance affects self-esteem in a positive direction and can help increase the quality of life for a large group of individuals. As people age and experience changes in performance, it is important that aids and support is available, particularly to reduce the experience of aging and it’s increasing physical limitations. The aim was to develop a function prototype characterized by simplicity, which facilitates loading of the private car trunk. The project was conducted at the request of Autoadapt AB, which is one of the leading actors in car adaptations for individuals with disablilities. A function prototype of the product Easy Load has been produced through dynamic product development and its various tools. In an attempt to meet the requirements of simplicity and ease of use, concepts such as universal design and usability affected the project. In order to find a user need that could form the basis of the project, proceedings began with a pre-study that included observations and group interviews of members in a pensioner club in Halmstad. The Product development work continued with several brainstorming sessions with participants from a number of the university's engineering programs. Ideas from the sessions, together with the results from the benchmarking, formed the basis for final product design and function. A key requirement was that the product could be fitted in sedan car models with easy grips and without any permanent fixings. Construction of the prototype was made mostly in the University’s mechanical workshop, using both self-constructed and sourced components. Stress and installation testing and risk analysis pursuant to FMEA highlighted deficiencies that the project group sought to adjust. In cases where this did not happen, the project group made concrete improvement proposals to simplify further development. This project shows that lifting aids products without permanent fixings are possible to develop for use in sedan car models. Specific product criteria have been met through a designed function prototype for loading in the private car trunk.

The parallel bars is used in physical therapy and is mainly used for patients who have to train walking and balance after a stroke or an operation. It consists of two long handrails with two legs on each handrail. These legs go down into two ground-plates and are locked at the wanted height with a pin. The parallel bars is an appreciated device and is used on a daily basis in many care units. The main issue with the manual parallel bars is that it is very difficult and heavy for a single person to adjust the height of it. If a larger adjustment of the height has to be done, the legs have to be adjusted one at a time otherwise the they will be locked. Often the height isn’t adjusted after every single patient because it’s so difficult and therefore the training doesn’t get optimal for patient. The purpose with this project has been to find a solution that makes the height easier to adjust, so that the parallel bars will be adjusted after each patient. Our goal was to develop and produce a functional prototype of the solution. The result was Levo which is a lifting device that complements the parallel bars. Levo is a simple product to handle and has wheels which makes it easy to move around. To adjust the height of the parallel bars with Levo, place Levo in the middle of the handrail and press the button. The handrail will go up and the button can be released when the right height is reached. To lower the handrail, press the button and push the handrail down. Release the button when it has reached the wanted height. Levo has a construction which makes it possible to use as a complement to almost every manual parallel bars on the market. For a product to be used in care units it has to meet special demands. To know which demands and what properties Levo had to fulfill to be a product that physiotherapists could use and wanted in their work, we contacted several physiotherapists. For example the product could not have any sharp edges and had to be easy to clean. The product also had to be easy and fast to use when the height of the parallel bars should be adjusted. The physiotherapists point of view was in consideration during the developing process of Levo and many different solutions was compared to find an optimal solution that fulfilled all the demands. / Den manuella gåbarren är ett hjälpmedel inom sjukgymnastiken för att träna patienter i gång och balans. Barren är uppbyggd av två långa ledstänger med två ben på vardera ledstång. Dessa ben sitter fast i varsin bottenplatta som håller ihop barren på bredden och hindrar den från att välta. Gåbarren är ett uppskattat hjälpmedel och används på de flesta sjukgymnastikenheter inom sjukvården i Sverige. För att kunna reglera höjden på ledstängerna efter patientens behov behöver vårdpersonalen lösgöra benen i bottenplattan samt lyfta ledstången till önskat läge för att sedan låsa benet i det läget. När barren behöver justeras flera höjdlägen behöver arbetet göras stegvis på alla ben då benen annars låser sig för varandra. Eftersom arbetet med att justera höjden på barren är tungt och tidskrävande slarvas det ofta med att anpassa höjden efter varje patient. Detta i sin tur kan bli ett problem för patienten som inte får en optimal träning i barren. Syftet med projektet är att hitta en lösning till problemet med höjdjusteringen som gör det enkelt för vårdpersonalen att justera höjden för varje patient. Målet är att ta fram en fungerande prototyp på lösningsförslaget. Resultatet blev produkten Levo som är en separat lyftanordning till gåbarren. Levo är en smidig och lättanvänd produkt som är enkel att flytta till barren då den har hjul. Levo används genom att den placeras under barrens ena ledstång och höjden på Levo justeras med hjälp av en knapp. Önskas ledstången att höjas hålls knappen inne tills rätt höjdnivå uppnås. Skall ledstången sänkas hålls knappen inne tills rätt höjd har nåtts samtidigt som personen trycker ner ledstången. Fördelen med Levo är att den utför det tunga arbetet med att lyfta barren, samtidigt som den inte är i vägen för patienten eftersom den enkelt kan flyttas undan efter användning. Den har inget behov av eluttag eller liknande eftersom lyftmekanismen i är en gasfjäder som inte kräver någon skötsel. Under arbetet med att ta fram Levo intervjuades sjukgymnaster för att få en uppfattning om vilka egenskaper och krav som produkten behöver uppfylla för att den ska få användas inom sjukvården, samt vara tilltalande för personalen. Den får till exempel inte ha vassa kanter och måste vara lätt att rengöra. En annan viktig del är att den måste vara lätt att använda och det skall gå snabbt att justera höjden på barren med den, annars är risken stor att den inte användas. Detta togs hänsyn till under framtagningen av Levo där flera olika typer av lyftmekanismer jämfördes för att hitta en optimal lösning som uppfyllde sjukgymnasternas krav.

This study applies the Washington State Ergonomics Tool to waste industry jobs in Texas. Exposure data were collected by on-site observation of fourteen different multi-task jobs in a major national solid waste management company employing more than 26,000 employees. This company has nationwide operations, and these jobs represent the majority of workers involved in the collection and processing of solid waste. The WSET uses observational checklist methodology to evaluate generic risk factors in the following six major categories: awkward posture, highly repetitive motion, high hand force, repeated impact, lifting, and hand-arm vibration. The assessment tool incorporates these risk factors and combinations of risk factors into checklists for identifying three levels of potential exposure: safe, -caution zone" and -hazard zone" jobs. The tool was developed for employers to use in determining whether a job was likely to increase the risk of workplace musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) to their employees. OSHA 200 logs were used as the main source of morbidity data. If there was one recorded WMSD, the job was classified as -positive. "If there was no recorded WMSD, the job was classified as -negative. "-Safe"jobs were those predicted not to expose workers to increased risk of WMSDs. Those that possessed one or more -caution zone"criteria but still fell below the -hazard zone" threshold required the employer to provide -awareness education" for employees and to further analyze the job for the presence of -hazard zone" risk factors. If hazard zone risk factors were not present, no further action was required. Jobs that upon further analysis possessed one or more of the -hazard zone"criteria were labeled -hazardous" jobs. If the further analysis shows the presence of risk factors established in the hazard zone criteria (Appendix B), the employer would be required to take corrective action to reduce exposures to below the hazardous level. Of the three jobs predicted to be -safe"by -caution zone" criteria, two did not have injuries and one did. Of the eleven jobs predicted by -caution zone"criteria to increase the risk of WMSDs, six resulted in injuries and five did not. Of the four jobs predicted by -hazard zone"criteria to be -problem"jobs, two jobs did result in injury and two did not. This study found that the WSET -caution zone"criteria were more effective at predicting which jobs were likely to increase the risk of WMSDs than was the -hazard zone"checklist. The caution zone had high sensitivity and low specificity. The hazard zone criteria reflect a low sensitivity and a low specificity. Further analysis revealed the WSET was helpful in predicting back injuries associated with lifting but not effective at predicting jobs with the potential for upper extremity injuries.

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in the squat kinematics and kinetics while wearing two different types of footwear. Ten men that compete at a collegiate level of powerlifting participated in the study. The participants performed the squat in both Chuck Taylor (flat soled) and Adidas (raised heel) shoes 3 times per shoe at 80% of 1 RM. During the testing sessions, sagittal plane kinematics of the shank were measured using 2-D video analysis. A force plate was used to measure the ground reaction forces of the right foot. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the medial lateral ground reaction forces (raised heel 63.58 N, flat soled 65.79 N), or the shank angles (raised heel 67.4 degrees, flat soled 65.7 degrees) of the participants. In conclusion, the participants were able to accommodate for a 1 inch raised heel in their shoe without altering shank position of medial-lateral ground reaction forces. / School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science