Despite the promising impact that exoskeletons might have on reducing MSDs, on-farm investigations of are limited. This study explored farmers' perceptions feasibility and practicality exoskeleton use in Canadian prairie grain livestock farm operations. Fifteen workers (age 25–70 years) used a passive back-supporting during standardized unique tasks at their own farms. They then participated semi-structured interviews regarding experiences trials, advantages disadvantages use, suggested...

Abstract Objective The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients followed longitudinally using video‐conferencing and inter‐professional care support have comparable disease control those in traditional in‐person rheumatology clinics. Methods This a randomized controlled trial for 85 RA allocated either follow‐up or video‐conferenced with urban‐based rheumatologists rural physical therapist examiners. Follow‐up every 3 months 9 months. Outcome...

As the sustainability of agricultural workforce has been threatened by high prevalence back pain, developing effective interventions to reduce its burden within farming will contribute long-term health and productivity workers. Passive back-support exoskeletons are being explored as an intervention physical demands on muscles, consequently mitigate risk in many industrial sectors.This study investigated whether exoskeleton use could farmers' low muscle load. Electromyography was used...

Measuring low back injury risk factors in field research presents challenges not encountered laboratory environments.We compared the practical application of five measurement methods (observations, interviews, electromyography (EMG), inclinometry, and vibration monitoring) for 223 worker days 50 heavy-industry worksites western Canada. Data collection successes, challenges, costs, data detail were documented each method.Measurement success rates varied from 42.2% (seatpan accelerometer) to...

The objective of this study was to use and evaluate three postural assessment methods for epidemiological studies back disorders. were: (1) a data-logging inclinometer; (2) observations by trained observers; (3) self-reports employees. All were feasible in 50 heavy industry worksites. Inclinometry provided quantitative measures flexion–extension (mean 17°, SD 11.2°), lateral flexion 8.5°, 2.6°) trunk movement speed 14.3° per second, 4.9° second). Observations estimates time spent various...

The extent of the musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) problem is not well understood among Canadian farmers, and little too known about their epidemiology. purpose this study was therefore to (1) determine prevalence MSDs farmers in one province; (2) describe types severities these disorders patterns occurrence. This cross-sectional analysis conducted using baseline survey data from Saskatchewan Farm Injury Cohort Study. Reports MSDs, demographic health-related variables, reports farm-related...

Objectives This study compared the cost efficiency of observation and inclinometer assessment trunk upper-arm inclination in a population flight baggage handlers, as an illustration general procedure for addressing trade-off between resource consumption statistical performance occupational epidemiology. Methods Trunk with respect to line gravity were assessed three days on each 27 airport handlers using simultaneous video recordings. Labor equipment costs associated data collection...

Chronic back disorders (CBD) are a significant public health concern. Profiling Canadians with CBD and the associated biopsychosocial factors at national population level is important to understand burden of this condition how clinicians, systems, related policies might address potentially growing problem. We performed secondary analysis 2009 2010 Canadian Community Health Surveys calculate prevalence better differences between people without CBD. An estimated 20.2% adult reports having...

Touchscreen input in commercial aircraft cockpits offers potential advantages, including ease of use, modifiability, and reduced weight. However, tolerance to turbulence is a challenge for their deployment. To better understand the impact on cockpit methods we conducted comparative study user performance with three -- touch, trackball (as currently used aircraft), touchscreen stencil overlay designed assist finger stabilization. These were compared across variety interactive tasks at levels...

In a contemporary sample of Saskatchewan farm people, to relate the degree mechanized and also non-mechanized work occurrence being overweight or obese. Secondarily determine prevalence obese, compare these levels with those reported for general populations. Cross-sectional analyses baseline survey data provided 2849 individuals (2619 adults) from 1216 farms in 2013. Age/sex-standardized obesity were compared between cohort Durations specific types described by metabolic equivalent scoring....

The present study assessed full-shift trunk and upper arm postural exposure amplitudes, frequencies, durations among Swedish airport baggage handlers aimed to determine whether exposures differ between workers at the ramp (loading unloading aircraft) sorting areas. Trunk postures were measured using inclinometers during three full work shifts on each of 27 male working a large airport. Sixteen worked 11 in area. Variables summarizing movements calculated, mean values variance components...

This article investigates the opportunities of using digital building platforms based on Building Information Modelling (BIM) to increase occupational health and safety (OHS) in design, construction, operation deconstruction. The data collection followed a mixed-method approach with systematic mapping review focus group discussions industry practitioners from Swedish construction real estate industry. Use cases were identified both venues, as prevailing barriers, potential facilitators, best...

Improved assessment of whole body vibration exposure is needed for epidemiological studies investigating the causes low back disorders. Vibration was measured on 54 worker-days in five heavy industries, with data collected observed and self-reported driving conditions, demographics, vehicle characteristics. Variables significant at p < 0.1 simple linear regressions (20 34) were retained mixed effects multiple to determine best prediction rms level 8-h equivalent exposure. measured, average,...

Chronic back disorders (CBD) are prevalent, costly, and among the most common reasons for seeking primary care; however, little is known regarding comparative use of family physician, chiropractic, physiotherapy services people with CBD in Canada. Elucidating these differences may identify potential gaps access to care inform development strategies improve access. The research objectives were investigate patterns health profile factors associated self-reported physicians, chiropractors,...

Purpose: In this cross-sectional study, we examined the distribution of physiotherapists at health region level across Canada in relation to self-reported physiotherapy use provinces and territories. Method: We drew on two data sources: question from 2014 Canadian Community Health Survey physiotherapists’ primary employment information, obtained Institute Information’s 2015 Physiotherapist Database. then applied geospatial mapping Pearson’s correlation analysis resulting variables. Results:...

There is accelerating development of digital Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) interventions in construction, but it not clear whether they reduce the risk injury illness. This systematic mapping review summarized state evidence developed recommendations for practitioners researchers. During a keyword search scientific databases, 392 unique records were identified 24 (∼6%) included review. The was conducted within an Evidence Maturity framework public health interventions, which outlines...

Documentation of posture measurement costs is rare and cost models that do exist are generally naïve. This paper provides a comprehensive model for biomechanical exposure assessment in occupational studies, documents the monetary three methods different stakeholders data collection, uses simulations to evaluate relative importance components. Trunk shoulder variables were assessed 27 aircraft baggage handlers 3 full shifts each using typical ergonomic studies: self-report via questionnaire,...

Although rural and remote residents face general challenges accessing health care in comparison to urban dwellers, for musculoskeletal conditions like chronic back disorders (CBD) is particularly challenging due lack of access physical yherapists. Telerehabilitation such as secure videoconferencing offers one solution this disparity delivery, but incorporating the perspectives practitioners patients important when developing new sustainable models.This study investigated experiences during a...

Background Children living on farms experience exceptionally high risks for traumatic injury. There is a large body of epidemiological research documenting this phenomenon, yet few complementary studies that have explored the deep underlying reasons such trends. Fundamental to understanding decision-making processes parents surrounding their choice bring children, or not, into farm worksite. Objectives To (1) document parent views and benefits raising children family farm, and, (2)...

Many occupations in agriculture, construction, transportation, and forestry are non-routine, involving non-cyclical tasks, both discretionary non-discretionary work breaks, a mix of activities. Workers these industries exposed to seated whole body vibration (WBV) tasks consisting physical, mental, or combination demands. Risk assessment tools for non-routinized jobs have emerged but there remains need understand the combined effects different demands improve risk methods ultimately inform...

Whole body vibration is a significant physical risk factor associated with low back pain. This study assessed farmers' exposure to whole on the Canadian prairies according ISO 2631-1. Eighty-seven measurements were collected triaxial accelerometer embedded in rubber seat pad at operator-seat interface of agricultural machinery, including tractors, combines, pickup trucks, grain sprayers, swathers, all-terrain vehicles, and skid steers. was highest vertical axis, mean (range)...