Submitted by Alisson Mota (alisson.davidbeckam@gmail.com) on 2015-06-25T20:42:14Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Bárbara Iansã de Lima Barroso 1.2.docx: 46406 bytes, checksum: d4c678edbfc922924fc15ecb9dba954c (MD5) Dissertação - Bárbara Iansã de Lima Barroso 2.2.doc: 2276352 bytes, checksum: 0812bb7ee5f175aa1e3ff1fb0641052d (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Divisão de Documentação/BC Biblioteca Central (ddbc@ufam.edu.br) on 2015-06-29T19:57:56Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Bárbara Iansã de Lima Barroso 1.2.docx: 46406 bytes, checksum: d4c678edbfc922924fc15ecb9dba954c (MD5) Dissertação - Bárbara Iansã de Lima Barroso 2.2.doc: 2276352 bytes, checksum: 0812bb7ee5f175aa1e3ff1fb0641052d (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Divisão de Documentação/BC Biblioteca Central (ddbc@ufam.edu.br) on 2015-06-29T20:22:21Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Bárbara Iansã de Lima Barroso 1.2.docx: 46406 bytes, checksum: d4c678edbfc922924fc15ecb9dba954c (MD5) Dissertação - Bárbara Iansã de Lima Barroso 2.2.doc: 2276352 bytes, checksum: 0812bb7ee5f175aa1e3ff1fb0641052d (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-06-29T20:22:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Bárbara Iansã de Lima Barroso 1.2.docx: 46406 bytes, checksum: d4c678edbfc922924fc15ecb9dba954c (MD5) Dissertação - Bárbara Iansã de Lima Barroso 2.2.doc: 2276352 bytes, checksum: 0812bb7ee5f175aa1e3ff1fb0641052d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-12-31 / Não Informada / Contributions from various areas of knowledge makes the occupational health a focal point in the national manufacturing industry, clarifying certain matters of unusual interest in today's society, thus the order of postural disorders has been considered a serious public health problem, because reach a high incidence of economically active population worldwide, disabling it temporarily or permanently to certain professional activities. The practical relevance of this research is directed to the attention of office chairs produced in Brazil, as well as the study of worker-seat interface during the implementation of occupational activity performed in the sitting posture, and may be directed to the aid of the acquisition of furniture office, reducing the risks of disorders in employees who perform computer activity. Regarding the practical goals of this research are concerning the assessment of dimensions and design make it a suitable chair for development work in the Coordenação de Análise Documental (CODOC), located in this sector Superintendência da Zona Franca de Manaus (SUFRAMA) . Understand the theory that defines the dimensions and design of a chair at the workstation computer; consideration of the levels of comfort and discomfort during the implementation of computerized work activity, identifying the types of chairs available for the labor in the PIM; measure comfort levels during performance of work activity computerized, with two models of chairs available in SUFRAMA CODOC sector. Analyze the existence of correlation with the pathophysiology acquired during the workday and the RSI. The study was conducted via a structured interview, based on research from Iida (1998) and Guimarães (2001), in order to evaluate the sensation of discomfort and pain in seventy-one (71) employees, and forty-five ( 45) were females, representing 63%. And twenty-six (26) corresponding to 37% male, the mean age is 27.5% for women and 35.8% for men; officials had different levels of academic instruction, not being a factor variable for the research. This study, on the nature, is classified as applied, since it is oriented to the generation of knowledge driven solutions to specific problems of selection of chairs to work on computer terminals. Regarding the approach, it is a qualitative and quantitative, considering both the statistical analysis of data measured in opinion as to the scale of spontaneous individuals involved in the research, now in relation to their goals as the criteria for classification of Gil (1991 ), this research is classified as exploratory, because it aims to provide greater familiarity with the problem of evaluation of chairs for computer terminals. By obtaining the ranking, there was a preference swivel chair without armrests, curved lumbar support, height adjustment and having depth of the seat and backrest. / As contribuições de diversas áreas do conhecimento tornam a saúde do trabalhador um ponto focal na indústria produtiva nacional, esclarecendo determinadas questões de interesse incomum da sociedade atual, dessa forma, as patologias de ordem postural tem sido considerado um sério problema de saúde pública, pois, atingem uma alta incidência da população economicamente ativa mundialmente, incapacitando-a temporariamente ou definitivamente para determinadas atividades profissionais. A relevância prática desta pesquisa está voltada ao conhecimento das cadeiras de escritório produzidas no Brasil, assim como, o estudo da interface trabalhador–cadeira, durante a execução da atividade ocupacional realizada na postura sentada, podendo ser direcionado para o auxilio da aquisição do mobiliário de escritório, diminuindo os riscos de DORT em colaboradores que desempenham atividade informatizada. Em relação aos objetivos práticos dessa pesquisa, são referentes à avaliação das características dimensionais e de design que tornam uma cadeira adequada para o desenvolvimento do trabalho na Coordenação de Análise Documental (CODOC), setor esse localizado na Superintendência da Zona Franca de Manaus (SUFRAMA). Conhecer a teoria que define as características dimensionais e de design de uma cadeira no posto de trabalho informatizado; apontar os níveis de conforto e desconforto durante a execução da atividade laboral informatizada; identificar os tipos de cadeiras disponíveis para a atividade laboral dentro da SUFRAMA; mensurar os níveis de conforto durante a execução da atividade laboral informatizada, com dois modelos de cadeiras disponíveis na SUFRAMA setor CODOC. Analisar a existência da correlação com as fisiopatologias adquiridas durante a jornada de trabalho e os DORT. O estudo foi realizado através da aplicação de entrevista estruturada, baseado nas pesquisas de Iida (1998) e Guimarães (2001), como forma de avaliação da sensação de desconforto e dor em setenta e um (71) colaboradores; sendo, quarenta e cinco (45) do sexo feminino, correspondendo 63%. E vinte e seis (26) correspondente a 37% masculino; a media de idade é de 27,5% para as mulheres e 35,8% para os homens; os funcionários possuíam distintos níveis de instrução acadêmica, não sendo fator variável para a pesquisa. Este estudo, quanto à natureza, é classificado como aplicado, uma vez que está orientado à geração de conhecimentos dirigidos a soluções de problemas específicos de seleção de cadeiras para trabalhos em terminais informatizados. No que concerne à abordagem, ela é de caráter qualitativo e quantitativo, pois considera tanto a análise estatística de dados aferidos em escala quanto à opinião espontânea dos indivíduos envolvidos na pesquisa, já em relação aos seus objetivos conforme os critérios de classificação de Gil (1991), esta pesquisa é classificada como exploratória, pois, visa proporcionar maior familiaridade com o problema de avaliação de cadeiras para terminais informatizados. Com a obtenção do ranking, observou-se a preferência da cadeira giratória, sem apoio de braço, com curvatura do apoio lombar; possuindo ajuste de altura e profundidade do assento e encosto.

<p>Children with myelomeningocele (MMC) usually have problems with daily life activities, but the background to their problems is not altogether obvious. An understanding of the possible causes of activity problems is a prerequisite for the effectiveness of physical therapy. The overall aim of the present studies was to identify impairments above the cele level, which might influence mobility in children with MMC (study I) and to analyse sitting posture (study II) and the movement characteristics of reaching movements (study III and IV). </p><p>In total, 41 children and young adults with MMC and without mental retardation were investigated. Study I comprised 32 children, 6-11 years. Mobility and the caregiver assistance required for mobility were quantified according to the Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) and correlation between mobility and neurological impairment, hand function and cognitive function were calculated. The results showed that nine children achieved independent mobility and that there was a moderate and significant correlation between the need for physical assistance and high cele level, impaired hand function and impaired cognitive function. In those children who used a wheelchair, only poor hand strength was significantly correlated with the need for caregiver assistance.</p><p>Study II comprised 11 children, 10-13 years, and a control group of 20 healthy children. Sitting posture was investigated by using a force plate and analysed from the frequency and the amplitude of the postural sway. The reaction forces before and during rapid arm lift were also analysed. The result showed that children with MMC had significantly lower sway frequency compared to the controls. In both groups, the ground reaction forces were registered before the children lifted their arms. Study III and IV comprised 31 children and young adults, 9-19 years and 31 matched controls. Reaching movements were investigated with a digitising tablet, linked to a computer. The ability to program and execute reaching movements was analysed and also the ability to adapt reaching to new visuomotor conditions. The results showed that the MMC group had poorer precision, less straight movements and shorter deceleration phases as compared to the controls. In both groups the movements were pre-programmed. In addition, adaptation of reaching to new visuomotor conditions was poor in the MMC group as compared to the controls. </p><p>In conclusion we found that impairments above the cele level influenced mobility and the control of sitting posture in children with MMC. Reduced precision and co-ordination of reaching, and also difficulties with motor adaptation, could partly explain thier problems with hand activities. These findings need to be considered in therapy programs for children and young adults with MMC.</p>

Children with myelomeningocele (MMC) usually have problems with daily life activities, but the background to their problems is not altogether obvious. An understanding of the possible causes of activity problems is a prerequisite for the effectiveness of physical therapy. The overall aim of the present studies was to identify impairments above the cele level, which might influence mobility in children with MMC (study I) and to analyse sitting posture (study II) and the movement characteristics of reaching movements (study III and IV). In total, 41 children and young adults with MMC and without mental retardation were investigated. Study I comprised 32 children, 6-11 years. Mobility and the caregiver assistance required for mobility were quantified according to the Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) and correlation between mobility and neurological impairment, hand function and cognitive function were calculated. The results showed that nine children achieved independent mobility and that there was a moderate and significant correlation between the need for physical assistance and high cele level, impaired hand function and impaired cognitive function. In those children who used a wheelchair, only poor hand strength was significantly correlated with the need for caregiver assistance. Study II comprised 11 children, 10-13 years, and a control group of 20 healthy children. Sitting posture was investigated by using a force plate and analysed from the frequency and the amplitude of the postural sway. The reaction forces before and during rapid arm lift were also analysed. The result showed that children with MMC had significantly lower sway frequency compared to the controls. In both groups, the ground reaction forces were registered before the children lifted their arms. Study III and IV comprised 31 children and young adults, 9-19 years and 31 matched controls. Reaching movements were investigated with a digitising tablet, linked to a computer. The ability to program and execute reaching movements was analysed and also the ability to adapt reaching to new visuomotor conditions. The results showed that the MMC group had poorer precision, less straight movements and shorter deceleration phases as compared to the controls. In both groups the movements were pre-programmed. In addition, adaptation of reaching to new visuomotor conditions was poor in the MMC group as compared to the controls. In conclusion we found that impairments above the cele level influenced mobility and the control of sitting posture in children with MMC. Reduced precision and co-ordination of reaching, and also difficulties with motor adaptation, could partly explain thier problems with hand activities. These findings need to be considered in therapy programs for children and young adults with MMC.

Professional truck drivers are highly exposed to fatigue and work related injuries. Truck drivers are common victims of musculoskeletal disorders, frequently suffering from pain symptoms particularly in the neck, shoulder and lower back. This situation is believed to be a contributor to the high absenteeism in this job category. A high percentage of this problem is due to the adoption of an unhealthy driving posture resulting from inappropriate seat design. This incorrect and poor design is owing to the insufficient and obsolete anthropometrical data which has been used for decades for arranging and positioning components in the driver environment. The main objective of the present study was to create and construct a mathematical model which clarifies and predicts the drivers’ comfortable sitting posture and position. It was hypothesized that the length and height characteristics of some body segments as well as the body weight and waist circumference of the driver have a great impact on the selection of a specific sitting posture. The steering wheel positions as well as the pedal/floor locations were hypothesized to be highly correlated to the driver’s selected posture and the corresponding comfort. The effect of the seat position on posture selection and related comfort assessments constituted the other hypothesis of the study which received extra attention. A laboratory experiment on a Scania truck cab mock-up was conducted. The seat track travel along a vertical as well as horizontal forward-backward path was obtained by mounting the seat on the motorized rigid frame which allowed unrestricted vertical and fore-aft travel. The seat cushion angle and backrest angle were adjusted by pivoting the entire seat and backrest around a lateral axis and independently. The pedal components were mounted on a motorized platform, thus allowing unrestricted fore-aft and height travel without any changes in the pedal angles. The steering wheel was mounted on the instrument panel by two independent pneumatic axes which allowed a wide range of adjustments including tilting and moving along the sagittal plane for adjusting the height and distance. The test plan called for 55 international highly experienced heavy truck drivers. The drivers were recruited to span a large range of body weight and stature, in particular to ensure adequate representation of both the extreme as well as the normal group of drivers. The drivers filled in a general information questionnaire before undergoing the anthropometrical measurements and thereafter the test trials. The experiment contained a subset of test conditions with five different trials using random selection sampling procedure. Drivers were asked to adjust the components in a wide range of trajectory according to a written protocol. A sparse set of threedimensional body landmark locations and the corresponding comfort assessments were recorded. As the main part of the result, the mathematical models using multiple regression analyses on selected body landmarks as well as anthropometrical measures were developed which proposed a linear correlation between parameters. The differences between the observed data and the corresponding predicted data using the model were found to be minimal and almost dispensable. Additionally, the drivers preferred to sit in the rearmost position and at a rather high level relative to the rest of the available and adjustable area. Considering the normal adjustable seat area of the cab, only a very small part of the observed Hpoint data lies within this area while a large remaining amount of data lies outside of it. Moreover, the difference between the observation (plotted H-point data) and the neutral H-point was found to be significant. Furthermore, and since some of the data lies almost on the border of the adjustable area, it may indicate a reasonable tendency for even more seat adjustment in the backward direction. A conceptual model consisting of four different parameters was developed and presented in the end. These parameters of the model suggest being as key factors which play a central role on process of decision making regarding the selection of a desirable sitting posture. Any eventual modifications and adjustments for elimination or minimizing discrepancies, biases or obscured factors affecting the quality of the mathematical model would be a case for future study. The investigation of a complete assessment of comfort should be supplemented with an analysis of how many truck drivers are satisfied with the comfort in the end. / QC 20100824

This study is mostly based on previous research, which includes Sub-national actor’s attitudes and regional action towards the European Union. The purpose of the study is to investigate if four Swedish municipalities in Värmland operate internationally towards the European Union and deepen an understanding of their actions. The main research question is:   - How can we increase our understanding of municipal action against the European Union?   The research questions of this study are answered through qualitative method and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Eight key informants in position either as politicians or official workers were selected for interviews whose position is either politicians or official workers. The results were then analysed based on theories such as Fusion and regional action. The study shows that the four Swedish municipalities in Sweden operate internationally in varied form. The actions of smaller municipalities seem to be dictated to large extend by the available resources.

Background: Prolonged sitting in an automobile seat may alter the passive tissue stiffness of the lumbar spine differentially in males and females. Gender specific ergonomic interventions may be indicated for the automobile seat design. Purpose: To compare time-varying passive lumbar spine stiffness in response to a two hour simulated driving trial with time-varying lumbar spine and pelvic postures during sitting in an automobile seat. A secondary purpose was to investigate gender differences in lumbar spine stiffness, seat/occupant pressure profile, discomfort rating and posture. Methods: Twenty (10 males, 10 females) subjects with no recent history of back pain were recruited from a university population. Participants completed a simulated driving task for two hours. Passive lumbar range of motion was measured on a customized frictionless jig before, halfway through and at the end of the two-hour driving trial. Changes in the passive moment-angle curves were quantified using the transition zone slopes, breakpoints and maximum lumbar flexion angles. Lumbar spine and pelvic postures were monitored continuously during the simulated driving trial with average and maximum lumbar flexion angles as well as pelvic tilt angles being calculated. Results: Both men and women initially demonstrated an increase in transitional zone stiffness after 1 hour of sitting. After 2 hours of sitting, transitional zone stiffness was found to increase in males and decrease in females. During sitting, women were found to sit with significantly greater lumbar flexion than males and to significantly change the amount of lumbar flexion over the 2 hour period of simulated driving. Conclusions: Postural differences during simulated driving were demonstrated between genders in this study. In order to prevent injury to the passive elements of the spine during prolonged driving, gender specific ergonomic interventions, such as improved lumbar support, are indicated for the automobile seat.

Background: Prolonged sitting in an automobile seat may alter the passive tissue stiffness of the lumbar spine differentially in males and females. Gender specific ergonomic interventions may be indicated for the automobile seat design. Purpose: To compare time-varying passive lumbar spine stiffness in response to a two hour simulated driving trial with time-varying lumbar spine and pelvic postures during sitting in an automobile seat. A secondary purpose was to investigate gender differences in lumbar spine stiffness, seat/occupant pressure profile, discomfort rating and posture. Methods: Twenty (10 males, 10 females) subjects with no recent history of back pain were recruited from a university population. Participants completed a simulated driving task for two hours. Passive lumbar range of motion was measured on a customized frictionless jig before, halfway through and at the end of the two-hour driving trial. Changes in the passive moment-angle curves were quantified using the transition zone slopes, breakpoints and maximum lumbar flexion angles. Lumbar spine and pelvic postures were monitored continuously during the simulated driving trial with average and maximum lumbar flexion angles as well as pelvic tilt angles being calculated. Results: Both men and women initially demonstrated an increase in transitional zone stiffness after 1 hour of sitting. After 2 hours of sitting, transitional zone stiffness was found to increase in males and decrease in females. During sitting, women were found to sit with significantly greater lumbar flexion than males and to significantly change the amount of lumbar flexion over the 2 hour period of simulated driving. Conclusions: Postural differences during simulated driving were demonstrated between genders in this study. In order to prevent injury to the passive elements of the spine during prolonged driving, gender specific ergonomic interventions, such as improved lumbar support, are indicated for the automobile seat.

Postprandial hypertriglyceridemia (PPHT), an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis (Smyth and Heron 2006; Nordestgaard, Benn et al. 2007), is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) (Kolovou, Anagnostopoulou et al. 2005). It has been proposed that elevated triglycerides after a high-fat meal may be a postprandial phenomenon (Zilversmit 1979). PPHT are commonly concurrent with sedentary behaviors, such as extended sitting, which amplify PPHT (Levine, Vander Weg et al. 2006). The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of prolonged sitting with or without a balanced caloric diet and walking with a balanced diet on postprandial triglycerides (PPTG). Seven healthy, young men (age, 25.6 ± 3.7 y; height, 174 ± 5 cm; weight, 71.4 ± 6.2kg; VO2max, 49.3 ± 7.7 ml/kg/min) were recruited from a college and from within the Austin community. After 2 days of food and activity control (D1and D2), subjects performed one of three trials in a randomized, cross-over design for 2 days (D3 and D4); (1) active walking with a balanced diet (WB), (2) prolonged sitting with a hyper-caloric diet (SH), and (3) prolonged sitting with a balanced diet (SB). High fat tolerance tests (HFTT) were conducted on the following day, (D5), after 13 hour over-night fasting. Blood samples were obtained in the fasting state and every hour for 6 hours after subjects had eaten a high fat test meal consisting of 1.2 g fat, 1.1 g CHO, 0.2 g protein/kg body mass. All food was provided during the 5-day duration of the study. Body postures, heart rate, and daily steps were monitored. In both sit trials (SH and SB), subjects sat ~320 minutes longer and took 10 times fewer steps than WB. In WB, the total area under the curves for plasma triglycerides (AUC[subscript T] TG) was lower, compared to SH by 21.3% (p<0.001) and to SB by 19.7% (N.S.; p = 0.055), respectively. In WB, the incremental AUC TG (AUC[subscript I] TG), an index of postprandial response, was lower than both SH by 17.4% (p <0.005) and SB by 20.1% (p <0.05), respectively. Postprandial plasma insulin concentration was lower in WB, compared to SH by 19.4% (p <0.005) in AUC[scubscript T] and 18.8 % (p < 0.05) in AUC[subscript I]. No differences were shown in the metabolic responses between SB and SH despite the diet modifications. These findings indicate that two days of prolonged sitting significantly amplifies PPTG and suppresses insulin action. / text

Sitting with mobile devices In my major work I explore how people sit more hunched with a small screen in hand, despite the existence of ergonomic office chairs and other seating options. My question is if I can impact the user, and encourage them to obtain a better posture with the help of the armchairs rests, and in this way minimize the impact on the neck. As a designer I want to comment on, but also highlight our use of mobile devices by adapting the shape of the armchair to fit this need. / Ett sittande med mobila enheter I mitt examensarbete undersöker jag som designer hur människan sitter allt mer hopkrupet med en liten skärm i handen trots att det finns ergonomiska kontorsstolar och andra sittartefakter. Jag undrar om jag kan påverka användaren genom att hitta en ny form i karmstolens armstöd och på såsätt undvika eventuella låsningar och smärtor i nacke. Jag som designer vill kommentera, och även främja vårt användande av mobila enheter genom att förändra karmstolen så att armstöden passar vårt sittandet idag.

The purpose of the present study was to assess the pressure distribution responses to three hour seating bouts in a standard car seat condition compared to a Comfort Motion Technology (CMT) car seat condition. Twelve males participated in the study. Subjects came in for two separate sessions no more than one week apart. Pressure distribution on the backrest and seat pan was assessed in a three hour seating bout. Pressure variables associated with increased seating comfort were collected across six distinct 28 minute cycles and then averaged across these six cycles. The pressure variables were contact area, peak contact pressure, and force. The CMT car seat condition exhibited greater back contact area (p= .003) and less back peak pressure (p= .003) than the standard car seat condition. In addition, the CMT car seat condition had greater seat peak pressure (p< .001) and greater back force (p< .001) than the standard car seat condition. In conclusion, the CMT car seat condition is more comfortable than the standard car seat condition. / School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science