RESUMEN
The aim of this study was to evaluate different handles used in axillary crutches with a Pressure Mapping System. The Grip Versatek system from Tekscan Inc. was used to measure the levels and the distribution of contact pressure in the hands during a simulated activity of ambulation with crutches. The sample included ten able-bodied subjects: five men and five women. The results show that the different models of handles appear to have influenced the pressure levels measured during the activity. Therefore, the measurement equipment provides parameters that allow the comparison among different designs and assess their contribution to the comprehension of the demands of ergonomic handles.
Asunto(s)
Muletas , Ergonomía , Mano/fisiología , Procesamiento de Señales Asistido por Computador , Adulto , Diseño de Equipo , Femenino , Voluntarios Sanos , Humanos , Masculino , PresiónRESUMEN
Long term wheelchair usage has been related to a number of problems, among which pressure ulcers are one of most concern. The design of wheelchair seat cushions has been of increasing interest among researchers, as it can influence seat interface pressure and user's comfort. The aim of this study was to investigate the subjects' perception comfort, stability and body posture of six different commercially available wheelchair cushions. The evaluation was through a questionnaire, where the subjects rate their perceptions on a ten point visual analog scale after staying seated in the cushion for two minutes. The results shows that the RohoTM aircell cushion was preferred by the users, while the least preferred one was the water cushion. Individuals' subjective perceptions may compliment objective data on seat interface pressure, thus contributing to a more complete view of the users' experience during wheelchair cushion usage.
Asunto(s)
Personas con Discapacidad/rehabilitación , Comodidad del Paciente , Postura , Úlcera por Presión/prevención & control , Silla de Ruedas/normas , Adolescente , Diseño de Equipo , Ergonomía , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Seguridad del Paciente , Sustancias Viscoelásticas , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
This study aimed to report on the design and development of a low cost Reverse Walker through a participative development cycle with people undergoing rehabilitation. The creation and fundamentals of the concept are described, as well as the development of prototypes and their provision to subjects with mobility problems. The Reverse Walker benefits the user by promoting a more upright posture and favoring the development of postural balance. Enhancing the mobility of people with disabilities may benefit their independence, social participation and quality of life.
Asunto(s)
Personas con Discapacidad/rehabilitación , Diseño de Equipo/economía , Dispositivos de Autoayuda/economía , Andadores/economía , Anciano , Niño , Ahorro de Costo , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Equilibrio Postural , Prueba de Estudio ConceptualRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The handling of materials, which occurs in the industrial sector, is associated with lesions on the lumbar spine and in the upper limbs. Inserting handles in industrial boxes is a way to reduce work-related risks. Although the position and angle of the handles are significant factors in comfort and safety during handling, these factors have rarely been studied objectively. OBJECTIVE: To compare the handling of a commercial box and prototypes with handles and to evaluate the effects on upper limb posture, muscle electrical activity, and perceived acceptability using different grips while handling materials from different heights. METHOD: Thirty-seven healthy volunteers evaluated the handles of prototypes that allowed for changes in position (top and bottom) and angle (0°, 15°, and 30°). Wrist, elbow, and shoulder movements were evaluated using electrogoniometry and inclinometry. The muscle electrical activity in the wrist extensors, biceps brachii, and the upper portion of the trapezius was measured using a portable electromyographer. The recorded data on muscle movements and electrical activity were synchronized. Subjective evaluations of acceptability were evaluated using a visual analog scale. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The prototypes with handles at a 30° angle produced the highest acceptability ratings, more neutral wrist positions, lower levels of electromyographic activity for the upper trapezius, and lower elevation angles for the arms. The different measurement methods were complementary in evaluating the upper limbs during handling.
Asunto(s)
Ergonomía , Elevación , Músculo Esquelético/fisiología , Postura , Extremidad Superior , Soporte de Peso/fisiología , Fenómenos Biomecánicos , Humanos , Elevación/efectos adversos , Masculino , Plásticos , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The handling of materials, which occurs in the industrial sector, is associated with lesions on the lumbar spine and in the upper limbs. Inserting handles in industrial boxes is a way to reduce work-related risks. Although the position and angle of the handles are significant factors in comfort and safety during handling, these factors have rarely been studied objectively. OBJECTIVE: To compare the handling of a commercial box and prototypes with handles and to evaluate the effects on upper limb posture, muscle electrical activity, and perceived acceptability using different grips while handling materials from different heights. METHOD: Thirty-seven healthy volunteers evaluated the handles of prototypes that allowed for changes in position (top and bottom) and angle (0°, 15°, and 30°). Wrist, elbow, and shoulder movements were evaluated using electrogoniometry and inclinometry. The muscle electrical activity in the wrist extensors, biceps brachii, and the upper portion of the trapezius was measured using a portable electromyographer. The recorded data on muscle movements and electrical activity were synchronized. Subjective evaluations of acceptability were evaluated using a visual analog scale. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The prototypes with handles at a 30° angle produced the highest acceptability ratings, more neutral wrist positions, lower levels of electromyographic activity for the upper trapezius, and lower elevation angles for the arms. The different measurement methods were complementary in evaluating the upper limbs during handling. .
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Masculino , Adulto Joven , Ergonomía , Elevación , Músculo Esquelético/fisiología , Postura , Extremidad Superior , Soporte de Peso/fisiología , Fenómenos Biomecánicos , Elevación/efectos adversos , PlásticosRESUMEN
In order to achieve better postures and decrease musculoskeletal risks adequate design of hand/box couplings for manual materials handling (MMH) are still needed. No studies evaluating upper limb movement thorough direct measurements during box handling in workplace were identified in the literature. In this study we describe the types of grip and movements adopted by ten workers when handling redesigned boxes with cutout handles between different heights on industrial pallets. The new handles were used by 90% of the workers through different types of grip. Electrogoniometric measurements showed relatively safe forearm and wrist movements, although elbow inadequate range of movement was recorded. Despite the good acceptance of the cutout by workers, the new design requires extra internal space in the boxes reducing applications for this alternative of box.