Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Publications Copyright (c) 2013 University of Iowa All rights reserved. http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs Recent documents in Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Publications en-us Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:37:54 PDT 3600 Operating Engineers: Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and the Trade http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/179 http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/179 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:36:44 PDT Chris L. Zimmermann et al. Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Injuries among Operating Engineers: A Review and Guidelines for Improvement http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/178 http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/178 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:36:42 PDT Chris L. Zimmermann et al. Effects of vibration frequency and postural changes on human responses to seated whole-body vibration exposure http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/177 http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/177 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:36:39 PDT Abstract  The present investigation evaluated the effects of changes in pelvic orientation and vibration frequency on the seated human’s response to whole-body vibration (WBV). Seat-to-trunk and seat-to-head acceleration transmissibility, peak-to-peak pelvic motion and erector spinae EMG and mean erector spinae EMG was collected across three pelvic orientations (9 anterior pelvic tilt, neutral pelvis, and 9 posterior pelvic tilt) and frequencies ranging from 4.5 to 16 Hz. Subjects included 30 healthy males between the ages of 18 and 35. Ensemble averages, two vibration cycles in length, were produced for each subject within each frequency–pelvic orientation combination. Group ensemble averages within each frequency–pelvic orientation combination were then compared using ANOVA. Changes in pelvic orientation produced significant differences in acceleration transmissibility, pelvic motion, and erector spinae EMG. At frequencies below 6 Hz, acceleration transmissibility at the head and pelvic motion were significantly greater in the posterior pelvic orientation than in the other two. At frequencies above 6 Hz, acceleration transmissibility at the head and trunk were significantly greater in the anterior pelvic orientation than in the other two. Peak-to-peak EMG responses were similar across all pelvic orientations at frequencies below 6 Hz. However, above 6 Hz, the response was significantly greater in the anterior pelvic orientation than in the other two. Thus, vibration frequency and pelvic orientation were shown to have significant interactive effects on the seated human’s response to WBV. These interactive effects need to be considered when determining appropriate vibration exposure guidelines.

]]> Chris L. Zimmermann et al. Effects of Stair-Stepping Exercise Direction and Cadence on Emg Activity of Selected Lower-Extremity Muscle Groups http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/176 http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/176 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:36:37 PDT Chris L. Zimmermann et al. Civilization as a threat to human health? http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/175 http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/175 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:36:34 PDT T. Tmovec Three-dimensional scapular orientation and muscle activity at selected positions of humeral elevation http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/174 http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/174 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:36:32 PDT Thomas M. Cook Electromyographic Activity of Selected Leg Musculature in Subjects with Normal and Chronically Sprained Ankles Performing on a Baps Board http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/173 http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/173 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:36:29 PDT G. Soderberg et al. Effect of Seat Angle, Lumbar Support and Footrest Height on Ischial Tuberosity Pressure http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/172 http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/172 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:36:27 PDT R. K. Shields et al. Effect of Seat Angle and Lumbar Support on Seated Buttock Pressure http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/171 http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/171 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:36:25 PDT R. K. Shields et al. Seat Angles + Support - Reply http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/170 http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/170 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:36:23 PDT R. K. Shields et al. Lumbar Support Thickness - Effect on Seated Buttock Pressure in Individuals with and without Spinal-Cord Injury http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/169 http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/169 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:36:21 PDT R. K. Shields et al. Ergonomics: applying what we know http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/168 http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/168 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:36:19 PDT S. Schneider et al. Effect of pneumatic power tool use on nerve conduction velocity across the wrist http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/167 http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/167 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:36:16 PDT John C. Rosecrance et al. Test-Retest Reliability of a Self-Administered Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Job Factors Questionnaire Used in Ergonomics Research http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/166 http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/166 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:36:14 PDT John C. Rosecrance et al. A comparison of isometric strength and dynamic lifting capacity in men with work-related low back injuries http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/165 http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/165 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:36:11 PDT John C. Rosecrance et al. Comparison of a digital electroneurometer and standard nerve conduction studies for the measurement of median nerve sensory latency http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/164 http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/164 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:36:09 PDT The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of measuring median nerve distal sensory latency with a portable digital electroneurometer. The results from the digital electroneurometer were compared to standard nerve conduction studies in 51 subjects (40 asymptomatic hands and 12 hands with probable carpal tunnel syndrome). There was a high correlation (r=0.92) between the latencies obtained from the electroneurometer and the onset latencies measured by standard nerve conduction studies. The mean difference between distal sensory latencies for matched pairs of latency measurements was 0.09 (+/-0.21) ms. The use of the digital electroneurometer for obtaining distal sensory latencies proved to be objective and valid. The electroneurometer would be useful in a variety of occupational and clinical settings for screening of peripheral neuropathy where standard nerve conduction equipment may be unavailable or impractical.

]]> John C. Rosecrance et al. The Use of Participatory Action Research and Ergonomics in the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Newspaper Industry http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/163 http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/163 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:36:07 PDT John C. Rosecrance et al. Active Surveillance for the Control of Cumulative Trauma Disorders - a Working Model in the Newspaper Industry http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/162 http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/162 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:36:05 PDT John C. Rosecrance et al. Sensory nerve recovery following median nerve provocation in carpal tunnel syndrome http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/161 http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/161 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:36:04 PDT The purpose of this study was to evaluate the recovery of median nerve sensory nerve action potentials (SNAP) following median nerve provocation in hands with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Repeated nerve conduction measurements were performed before and after wrist flexion combined with resisted finger flexion in 35 hands with a clinical diagnosis of CTS and in 25 asymptomatic control hands. Orthodromic sensory median nerve potentials were recorded over an 8 cm segment between the palm and wrist. Hands with CTS had significant reductions in nerve potential amplitude and latency following median nerve provocation. Hands with mild to moderate CTS, had the greatest reductions in nerve potential amplitude and the longest amplitude recovery times following median nerve provocation. Determination of changes in amplitude and amplitude recovery time of the median nerve SNAP following median nerve provocation has the potential to improve the accuracy of the electrophysiological diagnosis of CTS.

]]> John C. Rosecrance et al. Carpal tunnel syndrome among apprentice construction workers http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/160 http://ir.uiowa.edu/oeh_pubs/160 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:36:01 PDT BACKGROUND: In terms of lost-work time and restricted workdays, surgery, and rehabilitation, one of the most costly occupational musculoskeletal disorders is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of CTS among apprentice construction workers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included apprentices from four construction trades. Apprentices completed a self-administered questionnaire and received electrophysiologic studies assessing median nerve function across the carpal tunnel. A surveillance case definition for CTS was based on characteristic hand symptoms and the presence of median mononeuropathy across the carpal tunnel. RESULTS: Of the 1,325 eligible apprentices, 1,142 (86.2%) participated in the study. The prevalence of CTS among apprentices was 8.2%; sheet metal workers had the highest rate (9.2%). In operating engineers, the prevalence of CTS was significantly higher (OR = 6.9; 95% CI = 2.6-18.2) among the heavy equipment mechanics than the drivers of those vehicles. Body mass index, age, and self-reports of working overhead were associated with prevalent CTS. Less than 15% of the apprentices with CTS sought medical attention for their disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Many construction workers begin developing CTS before or during their apprenticeship. Few apprentices seek medical attention for hand symptoms characteristic of CTS. The results of this study indicate a public health need for the implementation of prevention strategies for CTS in the construction industry.

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