Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene Commons^™

Développement D’Un Outil Personnalisé D’Aide À La Décision En Vue De Minimiser Les Risques En Manutention Impliquant Des Postures Symétriques Et Asymétriques, Aboulfazl Shirazi-Adl, Navid Arjmand, André Plamondon

Rapports de recherche scientifique

Les charges excessives imposées sur la colonne vertébrale lombaire constituent un facteur de risques important pour les maux de dos. La modélisation biomécanique de la colonne vertébrale est la seule approche non invasive permettant d’estimer ces charges, mais la complexité de ces modèles limite leur utilisation par des ergonomes. Pour aider ces derniers à identifier des situations à risque de blessures au dos afin de limiter le chargement aux structures lombaires, il existe des outils d’aide à la décision comme l’équation de levage du NIOSH (Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation, Waters et al., 1993) ainsi que les tables …

The Effects Of The Traditional Scaling Technique Versus A Modified Scaling Technique On Muscle Activity And Pinch Force Generation: A Pilot Study, Jessica R. Suedbeck, Cortney Armitano-Lago

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose: Dental hygienists perform precision instrumentation tasks repetitively throughout the workday, placing them at increased risk for developing a musculoskeletal disorder. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine differences in muscle activity and pinch force generation between the traditional scaling technique and a modified scaling technique.

Methods: A convenience sample of dental hygienists (n=12) acted as their own controls in this counterbalance-designed pilot study. Muscle activity and pinch forces were assessed while participants performed traditional and modified scaling techniques with designated instruments on artificial calculus applied to the lower left quadrant of a typodont, for a period of …

Comparing Melatonin Use To Bright Light Therapy In Mitigating Cardiovascular Effects Due To Shift Work Disorder In Shift Working Adults, Alexandra Hirt

Capstone Showcase

Introduction: Circadian Misalignment is a term used to describe a mismatch in one’s physiologically determined sleep patters and their actual sleep wake behaviors. Shift workers often end up in a vicious cycle of being in a state of chronic circadian misalignment, which then can lead to health problems, extreme fatigue, and insomnia, known as Shift Work Disorder (SWD).This has been studied in night shift workers who, when compared to daytime workers, have an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and coronary heart disease.These results are not dependent on any behavioral risk factors, such as smoking and poor …

Structural Remodeling Of The Lumbar Multifidus, Thoracolumbar Fascia And Lateral Abdominal Wall Perimuscular Connective Tissues: A Search For Its Potential Determinants, Christian Larivière, Sharon M. Henry, Richard Preuss

Études primaires

Recently remodeling of lumbar soft tissues has received increased research attention. However, the major determinants that influence remodeling need to be elucidated in order to understand the impact of different rehabilitation modalities on tissue remodeling. The main aim of this study was to explore the between-subject variance of different measures of lumbar soft tissues quantified with rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI). RUSI measures (n = 8) were collected from 30 subjects without and 34 patients with LBP: (1) lumbar multifidus (LM) echogenicity (fatty infiltration/fibrosis) at three vertebral levels (L3/L4, L4/L5 and L5/S1) (n = 3); (2) posterior layer thickness …

The Effect Of Extensible And Non-Extensible Lumbosacral Orthoses On Anticipatory Postural Adjustments In Participants With Low Back Pain And Healthy Controls, Christian Larivière, Richard Preuss

Études primaires

Background

Wearing a lumbosacral orthosis (LSO) is known to influence spine mechanics, but less is known about how LSOs affect motor control. Whether the use of a LSO can negatively affect motor control of the lumbar spine is still under debate.

Objective

The current study examined the immediate effects of two flexible LSOs (extensible and non-extensible) on the anticipatory postural adjustments that prepare the spine for a predictable perturbation.

Design

A comparative study using a repeated measures design in a laboratory setting.

Methods

Healthy controls (n = 20) and participants with low back pain (n = 40) performed a rapid …

Structural Remodeling Of The Lumbar Multifidus, Thoracolumbar Fascia And Lateral Abdominal Wall Perimuscular Connective Tissues: Medium-Term Test-Retest Reliability Of Ultrasound Measures, Christian Larivière, Dany H. Gagnon, Richard Preuss

Études primaires

Abstract

Introduction

Growing interest is being paid to the lumbar multifidus (LM) intramuscular fatty infiltrations and fibrosis that are secondary to low back pain as well to the remodeling of perimuscular connective tissues (fasciae) such as the thoracolumbar fascia and fascia sheets separating the abdominalwall muscles. Magnetic resonanceimaging and computed tomography have traditionally been used but rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) is much more affordable and practical, which can accelerate research and clinical applications on this topic. The aim of this study was to test the medium-term (8 weeks) test-retest reliability of the corresponding RUSI measures.

Methods

Thirty-four participants …

Dysphagia And Masticatory Performance As A Mediator Of The Xerostomia To Quality Of Life Relation In The Older Population., Ting-Yu Lu, Jen-Hao Chen, Je-Kang Du, Ying-Chun Lin, Pei-Shan Ho, Chien-Hung Lee, Chih-Yang Hu, Hsiao-Ling Huang

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Background: The impact of poor oral health on older adults' quality of life is a public health problem. In this study, the mediating effects of dental status, occlusal condition, dysphagia, and masticatory performance on the association between xerostomia and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) were assessed in the older adult population.Methods: Stratified cluster sampling was used to recruit 1076 community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older from Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Community care centers were randomly selected according to their geographic classifications (urban, rural, or mountainous areas). Assessments of dental status and occlusal condition were performed by dentists. Information on demographics, …

The Use Of Animal-Assisted Therapeutic Interventions In The Hospital Setting During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Alicia Cesare

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Handlers of therapy and/or facility dogs working within hospital settings have experienced various barriers and challenges within their practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Animal-assisted interventions, specifically therapeutic working dogs, are a valued source of support to individuals, communities, hospital settings, and disaster sites during times of community distress. The purpose of this study was to identify barriers and solutions to the continued use of animal-assisted therapeutic interventions in support of patients and families within the hospital setting during the COVID-19 pandemic. This researcher’s position within the research is the knowledge and experience of being a facility dog handler within the …

Factors In The Probability Of Covid-19 Transmission In University Classrooms, Charles Connor

Numeracy

University students and faculty members need an effective strategy to evaluate and reduce the probability that an individual will become infected with COVID-19 as a result of classroom interactions. Models are developed here that consider the probability an individual will become infected as a function of: prevalence of the disease in the university community, number of students in class, number of class meetings, and transmission rate in the classroom given the presence of an infected individual. Absolute probabilities that an individual will become infected in a classroom environment cannot be calculated because some of these factors have unknown values. Nevertheless, …

Initial And Repeated Point Prevalence Surveys To Inform Sars-Cov-2 Infection Prevention In 26 Skilled Nursing Facilities - Detroit, Michigan, March-May 2020, Guillermo V. Sanchez, Caitlin Bierdon, Lauren R. Fink, Kelly M. Hatfield, Jordan Micah F. Polistico, Monica P. Meyers, Rebecca S. Noe, Casey E. Copen, Amanda K. Lyons, Gonzalo Gonzalez, Keith Kiama, Mark Lebednick, Bonnie K. Caander, Amen Agbonze, Aimee R. Surma, Avnish Sandhu, Valerie H. Mika, Tyler Prentiss, John Zervos, Donia A. Dalal, Amber M. Vasquez, Sujan C. Reddy, John Jernigan, Paul E. Kilgore, Marcus J. Zervos, Teena Chopra, Carla P. Bezold, Najibah K. Rehman

Department of Pharmacy Practice

No abstract provided.

Costing Of Actions To Safeguard Vulnerable Mexican Households With Young Children From The Consequences Of Covid-19 Social Distancing Measures, Mireya Vilar-Compte, Víctor Pérez, Graciela Teruel, Aranzazu Alonso, Rafael Pérez-Escamilla

Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works

COVID-19 has imposed unprecedented challenges to society. As the pandemic evolves, the social distancing measures that have been globally enforced, while essential, are having undesirable socioeconomic side effects particularly among vulnerable populations. In Mexico, families who depend upon informal employment face increased threats to their wellbeing, and households who in addition have young children may face long-term consequences. The Mexican government has not yet taken actions, but a coalition of non-governmental organizations is advocating in partnership with academic institutions for social protection actions such as a cash transfer and basic services subsidies for families with young children, subsisting from the …

Swimming Pool Environment And Respiratory Health Issues Experienced By Masters Swimmers: Results From A Literature Review And Survey Of United States Masters Swimming Clubs, Jody C. Gan, Julia Snegg, William Harder

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

After three members of a Masters adult swim club died of lung cancer, both a literature review and survey were conducted with representatives from 746 United States Masters Swimming clubs to explore a possible relationship between swimming and cancers of the respiratory tract. Six other clubs reported known cancers of the respiratory tract among club members, but none of the other 740 clubs reported a similar cluster of lung cancer. More clubs reported cases of chronic respiratory infections and widespread complaints about air quality. While no studies exploring a relationship between swimming and lung cancer could be found in the …

Développement D’Outils Pour L’Évaluation Du Processus D’Implantation Et L’Analyse Économique D’Une Intervention Ergonomique : Le Cas D’Une Intervention De Prévention Des Troubles Musculosquelettiques Dans L’Industrie De L’Abattage Et De La Transformation De La Volaille, Émilie Desjardins, Hélène Sultan-Taïeb, France St-Hilaire, Nicole Vézina, Élise Ledoux, Patricia Bélanger, Rita Naji

Rapports de recherche scientifique

Depuis les années 1990, Nicole Vézina et son équipe ont réalisé des travaux de recherche qui ciblent l’apprentissage de l’affilage et de l’aiguisage des couteaux dans un objectif de prévention des troubles musculosquelettiques (TMS). Le cas à l’étude est une intervention implantée dans le département d’éviscération d’une usine d’abattage et de transformation de la volaille située au Québec. Il s’agit d’une intervention ergonomique de prévention des TMS avec plusieurs types de transfert d’apprentissage dans un contexte de travail à la chaîne à cadence élevée. L’objectif général de cette étude était de développer des outils de collecte de données adaptés aux …

An Ergonomic Assessment Of Healthcare Rehabilitation Workers, William Shepherd, Laramie Locke, Katherine Archibong

Scholars Week

Patient handling is a common task within the healthcare industry. Rehabilitation Therapists (RTs) and Rehabilitation Therapist Assistants (RTAs) report a significantly high incidence rate of low-back injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The purpose of this study was to characterize the ergonomic risks associated with patient transfers and assisted gait therapy. Exposure to ergonomic risk factors were assessed using the Strain Index (SI), Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), and 3-Dimensional Static Strength Prediction Program (3DSSPP). Subjects included three RTs and one RTA at a local assisted living and rehabilitation healthcare facility. Preliminary results indicate a high risk of developing MSDs …

Incapacité Due À Un Trouble Musculosquelettique : Les Inquiétudes Liées À L'Environnement De Travail, Marie-France Coutu, Marie-José Durand, Iuliana Nastasia, Fergal O'Hagan, Patrick Gosselin, Marie-Élise Labrecque, Sara Pettigrew, Djamal Berbiche

Rapports de recherche scientifique

Environ une personne sur trois dans le monde vivrait avec un trouble musculosquelettique (TMS) persistant. Plusieurs auteurs soulignent l’influence significative des facteurs psychosociaux, dont l’anxiété, sur le développement de l’incapacité prolongée. Associées à l’anxiété, des inquiétudes excessives ont été documentées chez des travailleurs ayant une douleur persistante d’origine musculosquelettique. Les inquiétudes ne favorisent pas l’adaptation en contexte d’une situation problématique. Cependant, aucune étude n’a jusqu’à présent tenté de comprendre ces inquiétudes, en lien avec l’environnement de travail. Une meilleure compréhension de ce phénomène semble un incontournable pour offrir une action mieux ciblée aux travailleurs ayant une incapacité au travail prolongée. …

Development Of A Diabetes Self-Management + Mhealth Program: Tailoring The Intervention For A Pilot Study In A Low-Income Setting In Mexico, Robin Whittemore, Mireya Vilar-Compte, Soraya Burrola-Méndez, Annel Lozano-Marrufo, Roberta Delvy, Mariana Pardo-Carrillo, Selene De La Cerda, Ninfa Pena-Purcell, Rafael Pérez-Escamilla

Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a public health pandemic disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. The purpose of this formative research was to adapt evidence-based diabetes self-management education programs to the context of Seguro Popular clinics in Mexico. A theory-based mHealth (pictorial text messaging) component was developed.

Method: Our formative research and development of the program protocol consisted of six phases: (1) interviews and focus groups with stakeholders on the challenges to T2D management, curriculum content needs, and the use of mHealth as a supplement to a DSME program; (2) review of the theoretical underpinning, curriculum, and interactive strategies …

Effet De L’Expertise Et Du Sexe Sur Les Contraintes À L’Épaule En Manutention, Etienne Goubault, Romain Martinez, Najoua Assila, Jennifer Dowling-Medley, Élodie Monga-Dubreuil, Sophie-Anne Scherrer, André Plamondon, Mickaël Begon

Rapports de recherche scientifique

L’atteinte de troubles musculosquelettiques (TMS) parmi les travailleurs et travailleuses au Québec était récemment estimée à 732 000 cas (Stock et al., 2014). Ces TMS sont associés aux activités professionnelles impliquant des efforts physiques prolongés, intenses et/ou répétitifs, telles que des tâches d’assemblage, de manutention, d’aide à la personne ou encore de maintien de posture prolongée sur un poste de travail. Les membres supérieurs, qui représentaient 30,1 % des cas de TMS déclarés et acceptés au Québec de 1998 à 2007 (Michel et al., 2010), sont les plus touchés après le dos. Plus particulièrement, l’épaule figure comme l’articulation …

Workplace Cleaning For Covid-19: Guidance Document, David Krause,, Cheri Marcham, John Springston, Alex Lebeau, Robert Rottersman, Timothy Froehlig, George (Jerry) Mccaslin

Publications

Critical and essential workplaces operating during this pandemic need to implement procedures to reduce the risk of workers, contractors, vendors, customers, and members of the community becoming infected on their premises. Outside of healthcare and paramedical facilities, the infrastructure and standard practices of infection prevention and control have not been commonplace. Establishing enhanced routine cleaning and disinfection procedures in offices, factories, warehouses, call centers, grocery stores, and other non-healthcare workplaces is a critical step in reducing exposures and infections.

Adherence To A Home Exercise Programme Following A Clinical Programme For Non-Acute Non-Specific Low Back Pain: An Exploratory Study, Judith L'Heureux, Marie-France Coutu, Djamal Berbiche, Christian Larivière

Études primaires

Purpose:Lack of adherence to home exercise programmes is hypothesised to partially explain the modest clinical effects seen in patients with low back pain. This study explored the association between the main biopsychosocial factors and adherence using a theory-driven approach including the fear-avoidance model, the common-sense model and the working alliance concept.

Methods: A repeated measures design was used. During and after an eight-week clinical exercise programme, 48 participants with non-acute and disabling low back pain followed a home exercise programme. Questionnaires assessed home exercise adherence and biopsychosocial factors at baseline, after the eight-week clinical programme and at the six-month follow-up. …

Structural Remodelling Of The Lumbar Multifidus, Thoracolumbar Fascia And Lateral Abdominal Wall Perimuscular Connective Tissues: A Cross-Sectional And Comparative Ultrasound Study, Christian Larivière, Richard Preuss, Dany H. Gagnon, Hakim Mecheri, Sharon M. Henry

Études primaires

Introduction

With low back pain (LBP), remodelling of the lumbar soft tissues involves both trunk muscles and neighbouring passive connective tissues. The aim of the present study was to compare three quantitative measures of these tissues, using ultrasound imaging (USI), among healthy controls and individuals with LBP.

Methods

USI measures from 30 healthy subjects and 34 patients with non-acute LBP were compared between groups and sexes. The measures employed were (1) lumbar multifidus echogenicity (fatty/fibrosis infiltration) at three vertebral levels; (2) posterior layer thickness of the thoracolumbar fascia, and (3) thickness of the perimuscular tissues surrounding the external oblique, internal …

Three-Month Efficacy Of Three Knee Braces In The Treatment Of Medial Knee Osteoarthritis In A Randomized Crossover Trial, Xavier Robert-Lachaine, Yoann Dessery, Étienne L. Belzile, Sylvie Turmel, Philippe Corbeil

Études primaires

Immediate biomechanical and functional effects of knee braces are often reported, however, the duration and type of knee brace treatment for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) remain unclear. The objective was to evaluate usage, comfort, pain, and knee adduction moment (KAM) of three knee braces each worn 3 months by patients. Twenty-four patients with KOA were assigned in a randomized crossover trial a valgus three-point bending system brace (V3P-brace), an unloader brace with valgus and external rotation functions (VER-brace) and a stabilizing brace used after ligament injuries (ACL-brace). Functional questionnaires and gait assessment were carried out before and after each brace wear …

Exposition Aux Bioaérosols Dans Les Centres De Traitement Des Eaux Usées : Application D’Approches Moléculaires Et Risque Viral, Caroline Duchaine, Marc Veillette, Vanessa Dion Dupont, Hamza Mbareche, Évelyne Brisebois, Jacques Lavoie, Yves Beaudet

Rapports de recherche scientifique

Le traitement des eaux usées comporte plusieurs étapes susceptibles de générer des bioaérosols auxquels des travailleurs peuvent être exposés. Bien que la littérature à ce sujet soit relativement abondante, les connaissances relatives au risque, à l’exposition et à la fréquence de certaines maladies chez cette population demeurent mal documentées. L’environnement des centres de traitement des eaux usées est complexe à plusieurs égards. En effet, les différents sites de traitement représentent des risques variables en ce qui a trait à la nature et à la concentration des bioaérosols, ainsi qu’au type de travail effectué. La majorité des études s’intéressant à cette …

Retour Et Maintien Durable En Emploi Après Un Trouble Musculosquelettique : Pistes D’Action Pour Le Superviseur, Iuliana Nastasia, Marie-France Coutu, Romain Rives, Jessica Dubé, Sarah Gaspard, Audrey Quilicot

Rapports de recherche scientifique

Les troubles musculosquelettiques (TMS) demeurent un problème majeur de santé au travail dans les pays industrialisés. Les conséquences de l’incapacité au travail représentent un fardeau important pour les travailleurs et leurs familles, mais aussi pour les organisations. Même si plusieurs études sur l’incapacité au travail soulignent le rôle important du superviseur dans le contexte de différents programmes de retour au travail, peu se sont intéressées spécifiquement au rôle de celui-ci, à ses responsabilités ainsi qu’à ses actions pour faciliter la réintégration des travailleurs qui ont eu une blessure musculosquelettique reliée au travail.

L’objectif général de cette étude est de proposer …

Dépression Et Douleurs Musculosquelettiques : Évaluation Préliminaire D'Une Approche De Réadaptation Axée Sur La Promotion Du Retour Au Travail, Michael J. L. Sullivan, Timothy Wideman, Aliki Thomas

Rapports de recherche scientifique

Nombre de personnes ayant subi une blessure au travail présentent des symptômes de douleur et de dépression. La combinaison de symptômes de douleur et de dépression peut avoir un effet négatif sur le rétablissement de l’individu. La présence de symptômes de dépression peut nuire à la capacité d’accomplir de nombreuses activités importantes de la vie quotidienne, inclusion faite des activités professionnelles. Des études ont démontré que les travailleurs blessés qui présentent des symptômes de dépression demeurent absents du travail deux fois plus longtemps que les travailleurs blessés non dépressifs. Les interventions utilisées pour traiter la douleur et l’incapacité fonctionnelle chez …

Preliminary Evaluation Of An Approach To Rehabilitation Aimed At Promoting Return-To-Work In Individuals With Co-Morbid Musculoskeletal Pain And Depression, Michael J. L. Sullivan, Timothy Wideman, Aliki Thomas

Rapports de recherche scientifique

Nombre de personnes ayant subi une blessure au travail présentent des symptômes de douleur et de dépression. La combinaison de symptômes de douleur et de dépression peut avoir un effet négatif sur le rétablissement de l’individu. La présence de symptômes de dépression peut nuire à la capacité d’accomplir de nombreuses activités importantes de la vie quotidienne, inclusion faite des activités professionnelles. Des études ont démontré que les travailleurs blessés qui présentent des symptômes de dépression demeurent absents du travail deux fois plus longtemps que les travailleurs blessés non dépressifs. Les interventions utilisées pour traiter la douleur et l’incapacité fonctionnelle chez …

Initiation Of A Roundtable Meeting To Determine Safety Hazards And Provide Education To Range Bison Herd Workers, Lucia Finocchiaro

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

This capstone project serves as an important piece of greater project studying bison handling. Bison production is both a growing and dangerous industry. As a new enterprise in many parts of the country and on tribal lands, significant numbers of untrained employees may be hired. This project undertakes methods to better understand the risks associated with bison handling and to thereby improve handling procedures and increase safety. Herd managers (from tribal and non-tribal sites), researchers, safety experts, and stakeholders were brought together for a roundtable meeting in Omaha. This meeting was designed to provide stakeholders a forum to discuss common …

Redefining Burnout: Exploring Common Conceptualizations And The Neurophysiology Of Chronic Stress To Establish An Integrated Allostatic Model, Danny A. Guzzi

Dissertations

Burnout is a widely researched stress-related phenomenon associated with numerous adverse outcomes for employees and organizations. Unfortunately, burnout is not well understood and research to this point has been flawed due to a lack of consensus on the definition, dimensionality, and context of the construct. Prevalent conceptualizations of burnout have been criticized for being arbitrarily developed without solid theoretical foundation and for failing to clearly distinguish burnout from depression or other work-related conditions such as compassion fatigue, secondary traumatization, and vicarious traumatization. The current project first examines relevant literature to identify commonalities among prevalent burnout conceptualizations. Then relevant stress research …

The Effect Of Extensible And Non-Extensible Lumbar Belts On Trunk Postural Balance In Subjects With Low Back Pain And Healthy Controls, Ali Shahvarpour, Richard Preuss, Christian Larivière

Études primaires

Background

Previous findings suggest that wearing a lumbar belt may benefit some patients with low back pain; however, the mechanisms of action are not yet fully understood.

Research question

The effect of wearing two flexible (extensible and non-extensible) lumbar belts on trunk postural control was investigated during an unstable sitting task.

Methods

Healthy subjects and subjects with LBP sat on a wobbling chair, with and without the lumbar belts. Chair rotation was measured in the sagittal and frontal planes, and 10 linear and nonlinear measures of balance were computed to assess the quantity (3 measures) and quality (7 measures) of …

Systematic Literature Review Of Indoor School Exposure To Pm2.5 In Children, Brittany Wagner, Ami Zota

GW Research Days 2016 - 2020

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that puts a strain on lung function and breathing. It is the leading cause of school absenteeism and hospitalization for American children. Genetics play a major role in allergy related disease development such as asthma, but environmental exposures are proving to be a potential contributor to childhood asthma. Despite the sufficient data regarding air pollution, there is a huge knowledge gap regarding indoor air quality and its relationship with health outcomes such as asthma. Many of the studies available only look at outdoor air pollution levels, while children spend the majority of their time …

Trunk Musculoskeletal Response In Maximum Voluntary Exertions: A Combined Measurement-Modeling Investigation, F. Ghezelbash, Z. El Ouaaid, A. Shirazi-Adl, A. Plamondon, N. Arjmand

Études primaires

Maximum voluntary exertion (MVE) tasks quantify trunk strength and maximal muscle electromyography (EMG) activities with both clinical and biomechanical implications. The aims here are to evaluate the performance of an existing trunk musculoskeletal model, estimate maximum muscle stresses and spinal forces, and explore likely differences between males and females in maximum voluntary exertions. We, therefore, measured trunk strength and EMG activities of 19 healthy right-handed subjects (9 females and 10 males) in flexion, extension, lateral and axial directions. MVEs for all subjects were then simulated in a subject-specific trunk musculoskeletal model, and estimated muscle activities were compared with EMGs. Analysis …