Journal article
Characterizing exposure to physical risk factors among reforestation hand planters in the Southeastern United States
Applied ergonomics, Vol.66, pp.1-8
01/2018
DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2017.07.013
PMID: 28958420
Abstract
Low back and neck/shoulder pain are commonly reported among reforestation hand planters. While some studies have documented the intensive cardiovascular demands of hand planting, limited information is available regarding exposures to physical risk factors associated with the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among hand planters. This study used surface electromyography (EMG) and inertial measurement units (IMUs) to characterize the muscle activation patterns, upper arm and trunk postures, movement velocities, and physical activity (PA) of fourteen Southeastern reforestation hand planters over one work shift. Results indicated that hand planters are exposed to physical risk factors such as extreme trunk postures (32.5% of time spent in ≥45° trunk flexion) and high effort muscle exertions (e.g., mean root-mean-square right upper trapezius amplitude of 54.1% reference voluntary exertion) that may place them at increased risk for developing MSDs. The findings indicate a need for continued field-based research among hand planters to identify and/or develop maximally effective interventions.
•Hand planters are frequently exposed to extreme postures and movement velocities.•Forceful exertions were common and often exceeded those observed in other industries.•Hand planters have few opportunities for rest and recovery.•Additional research is needed to develop new planting tools and interventions.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Characterizing exposure to physical risk factors among reforestation hand planters in the Southeastern United States
- Creators
- Robert F Granzow - Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Auburn University, 3301 Shelby Center for Engineering Technology, Auburn, AL 36849, USAMark C Schall - Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Auburn University, 3301 Shelby Center for Engineering Technology, Auburn, AL 36849, USAMathew F Smidt - School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, 3423 School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn, AL 36849, USAHoward Chen - Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, UI Research Park #164 IREH, Iowa City, IA 52242, USANathan B Fethke - Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, S347 CPHB, Iowa City, IA 52242, USARong Huangfu - Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Auburn University, 3301 Shelby Center for Engineering Technology, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Applied ergonomics, Vol.66, pp.1-8
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.apergo.2017.07.013
- PMID
- 28958420
- NLM abbreviation
- Appl Ergon
- ISSN
- 0003-6870
- eISSN
- 1872-9126
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Grant note
- name: Southeast Center for Agricultural Health and Injury Prevention, award: 5U54-OH007547-15; name: Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention and Education, award: 2U54-OH007541-16; DOI: 10.13039/100000030, name: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; DOI: 10.13039/100000030, name: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 01/2018
- Academic Unit
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering; Occupational and Environmental Health; Industrial and Systems Engineering; Injury Prevention Research Center
- Record Identifier
- 9983997438202771
Metrics
17 Record Views