Objective: The aim of this study was to measure the capability of a triaxial accelerometer (Virtual Corset) to collect humeral elevation angles and exposure parameters in a simulated occupational environment.
Background: There is a need for an economical ambulatory device to estimate elevation angles and exposure parameters in occupational groups.
Method: A magnetic tracking device was used to assess the ability of the Virtual Corset to evaluate humeral elevation angles and identify exposure parameters with in vivo dynamic conditions for 16 female dental hygienists.
Results: Significant differences were found for the reaching task with the Virtual Corset, underestimating the means of the average humeral elevation angle by 10° and the means for the range of the humeral elevation by 4°. Furthermore, significant differences were found for the exposure parameters with the Virtual Corset, overestimating the jerk by 4% and underestimating the percentage time above 40° and 60° by 9% and 4%, respectively. However, the Virtual Corset was able to identify similar kinematics patterns and exposure data when compared with a magnetic tracking device.
Conclusion: The outcomes of the study suggest that the Virtual Corset may be useful for data collection during a dental hygienist workday. Professions that have similar patterns of angular velocity and acceleration and humeral range of elevation as the dental hygienist flossing technique may benefit from the use of the Virtual Corset.
Application: This study provides evidence that the Virtual Corset can be used to reconstruct humeral elevation angles and identify exposure parameters in some tasks of dental hygienists.
Akesson, I., Johnsson, B., Rylander, L., Moritz, U., & Skerfving, S. ( 1999). Musculoskeletal disorders among female dental personnel: Clinical examination and a 5-year follow-up study of symptoms. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 72, 395-403.
2.
Amasay, T., & Karduna, A.R. ( 2009). Scapular kinematics in constrained and functional upper extremity movements. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 39, 618-627.
3.
Amasay, T., Zodrow, K., Kincl, L., Hess, J., & Karduna, A. ( 2009). Validation of tri-axial accelerometer for the calculation of elevation angles. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics , 39, 783-789.
4.
Bernard, B. (Ed.). (1997). Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and workplace factors: A critical review of epidemiologic evidence for work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the neck, upper extremity, and low back (NIOSH Publication No. 97-141). Washington, DC: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
5.
Bernmark, E., & Wiktorin, C. ( 2002). A triaxial accelerometer for measuring arm movements . Applied Ergonomics, 33, 541-547.
6.
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2008). Nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses requiring days away from work, 2007 (USDL 08-1716). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Labor.
7.
David, G.C. ( 2005). Ergonomic methods for assessing exposure to risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Occupational Medicine , 55, 190-199.
8.
Estill, C.F., MacDonald, L.A., Wenzl, T.B., & Petersen, M.R. (2000). Use of accelerometers as an ergonomic assessment method for arm acceleration: A large-scale field trial . Ergonomics, 43, 1430-1445.
Graichen, H., Bonel, H., Stammberger, T., Englmeier, K.H., Reiser, M., & Eckstein, F. ( 2001). Sex-specific differences of subacromial space width during abduction, with and without muscular activity, and correlation with anthropometric variables. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 10, 129-135.
11.
Hansson, G.A., Arvidsson, I., Ohlsson, K., Nordander, C., Mathiassen, S.E., Skerfving, S., & Balogh, I. ( 2006). Precision of measurements of physical workload during standardised manual handling: Part 2. Inclinometry of head, upper back, neck and upper arms. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology , 16, 125-136.
12.
Hansson, G.A., Asterland, P., Holmer, N.G., & Skerfving, S. ( 2001). Validity and reliability of triaxial accelerometers for inclinometry in posture analysis. Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing, 39, 405-413.
13.
Hirashima, M., Kudo, K., Watarai, K., & Ohtsuki, T. ( 2007). Control of 3D limb dynamics in unconstrained overarm throws of different speeds performed by skilled baseball players. Journal of Neurophysiology, 97, 680-691.
14.
Li, G., & Buckle, P. ( 1999). Current techniques for assessing physical exposure to work-related musculoskeletal risks, with emphasis on posture-based methods . Ergonomics, 42, 674-695.
15.
Liss, G.M., Jesin, E., Kusiak, R.A., & White, P. ( 1995). Musculoskeletal problems among Ontario dental hygienists . American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 28, 521-540.
16.
Ludewig, P.A., Cook, T.M., & Shields, R.K. ( 2002). Comparison of surface sensor and bone-fixed measurement of humeral motion. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 18, 163-170.
17.
Mathiassen, S.E., Burdorf, A., van der Beek, A.J., & Hansson, G.A. ( 2003). Efficient one-day sampling of mechanical job exposure data: A study based on upper trapezius activity in cleaners and office workers . American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, 64, 196-211.
18.
Mathiassen, S.E., Moller, T., & Forsman, M. ( 2003). Variability in mechanical exposure within and between individuals performing a highly constrained industrial work task. Ergonomics, 46, 800-824.
19.
McPherson, E.J., Friedman, R.J., An, Y.H., Chokesi, R., & Dooley, R.L. ( 1997). Anthropometric study of normal glenohumeral relationships . Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 6, 105-112.
20.
Moller, T., Mathiassen, S.E., Franzon, H., & Kihlberg, S. ( 2004). Job enlargement and mechanical exposure variability in cyclic assembly work. Ergonomics, 47, 19-40.
21.
Morse, T., Bruneau, H., Michalak-Turcotte, C., Sanders, M., Warren, N., Dussetschleger, J., Diva, U., Croteau, M., & Cherniack, M. ( 2007). Musculoskeletal disorders of the neck and shoulder in dental hygienists and dental hygiene students. Journal of Dental Hygiene, 81, 10.
22.
Ohlsson, K., Attewell, R.G., Palsson, B., Karlsson, B., Balogh, I., Johnsson, B., Ahlm, A., & Skerfving, S. ( 1995). Repetitive industrial work and neck and upper limb disorders in females. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 27, 731-747.
23.
Punnett, L. ( 1998). Ergonomic stressors and upper extremity disorders in vehicle manufacturing: Cross sectional exposure-response trends. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 55, 414-420.
Sommerich, C.M., McGlothlin, J.D., & Marras, W.S. ( 1993). Occupational risk factors associated with soft tissue disorders of the shoulder: A review of recent investigations in the literature . Ergonomics, 36, 697-717.
26.
Sporrong, H., Sandsjo, L., Kadefors, R., & Herberts, P. ( 1999). Assessment of workload and arm position during different work sequences: A study with portable devices on construction workers. Applied Ergonomics, 30, 495-503.
27.
Svendsen, S.W., Bonde, J.P., Mathiassen, S.E., Stengaard-Pedersen, K., & Frich, L.H. ( 2004). Work related shoulder disorders: Quantitative exposure-response relations with reference to arm posture. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 61, 844-853.
28.
Svendsen, S.W., Gelineck, J., Mathiassen, S.E., Bonde, J.P., Frich, L.H., Stengaard-Pedersen, K., & Egund, N. ( 2004). Work above shoulder level and degenerative alterations of the rotator cuff tendons: A magnetic resonance imaging study. Arthritis and Rheumatism, 50, 3314-3322.
29.
Vasseljen, O., & Westgaard, R.H. (1997). Arm and trunk posture during work in relation to shoulder and neck pain and trapezius activity. Clinical Biomechanics, 12, 22-31.
30.
Veeger, H.E. ( 2000). The position of the rotation center of the glenohumeral joint. Journal of Biomechanics, 33, 1711-1715.
31.
Werner, R.A., Franzblau, A., Gell, N., Hamann, C., Rodgers, P.A., Caruso, T.J., Perry, F., Lamb, C., Beaver, S., Hinkamp, D., Eklund, K., & Klausner, C.P. (2005). Prevalence of upper extremity symptoms and disorders among dental and dental hygiene students. Journal of the California Dental Association, 33, 123-131.
32.
Werner, R.A., Hamann, C., Franzblau, A., & Rodgers, P.A. ( 2002). Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome and upper extremity tendinitis among dental hygienists. Journal of Dental Hygiene , 76, 126-132.
33.
Werner, S.L., Gill, T.J., Murray, T.A., Cook, T.D., & Hawkins, R.J. ( 2001). Relationships between throwing mechanics and shoulder distraction in professional baseball pitchers. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 29, 354-358.
34.
Wu, G., van der Helm, F.C., Veeger, H.E., Makhsous, M., Van Roy, P., Anglin, C., Nagels, J., Karduna, A.R., McQuade, K., Wang, X., Werner, F.W., & Buchholz, B. ( 2005). ISB recommendation on definitions of joint coordinate systems of various joints for the reporting of human joint motion: Part 2. Shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand. Journal of Biomechanics, 38, 981-992.
