• 대한인간공학회지
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• 제20권2호
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• pp.71-82
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• 2001

Twisting posture in lifting tasks has been identified as a risk factor of low back pain. However, it has been usually estimated in terms of compressive stress or muscular activity. Thus, this study was conducted to predict the influence on muscular fatigue during lifting simulation. Fifteen young and healthy subjects were recruited and performed isometric trunk exertions during upright standing, two-level flexions and five-level asymmetric twisting conditions. EMG signals from five primary trunk muscles in right part of body were collected during 20sec for 45 different lifting conditions. RMS(root mean square) and MPF(mean power frequency) parameters were used to analyze the EMG signals. Twisting postures were significant in right erector spinae(ERSR), right latissimus dorsi(LATR), right internal oblique(INOR) for muscular activities. Especially, when trunk was $30^{\circ}$ CCW twisting posture. ERSR and INOR activities increased respectively by 11% and 3%. Regarding the trunk muscle fatigue, we found that MPF shifts in twisting posture increased 2.3 and 2.6 times for ERSR and INOR muscles respectively. Therefore, It is probable for workers to suffer from low back disorders when they were exposed to a extreme twisting posture during prolonged lifting. This study suggests NIOSH(National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) lifting equation needs the time-duration multiplier in addition to asymmetric multiplier.

• 한국안전학회지
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• 제26권1호
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• pp.58-64
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• 2011

This study evaluated the effects of the handle width(shoulder width, 1.25${\times}$shoulder width, 1.5${\times}$shoulder width), height(3 levels : knee, medium, knuckle) and horizontal angle($0^{\circ}$, $10^{\circ}$) on the pushing, lifting, and twisting strengths which were required for carrying single or two wheel barrows. Twelve healthy college students(male) participated in the experiment. In each experimental condition($3{\times}3{\times}2$=18), the subjects exerted three forces(pushing, lifting, and twisting clockwise). The experimental conditions and three forces were tested in random order, and a minimum 2 minutes of rest was provided between exertions. Results showed that the mean and maximum pushing forces showed greater values when the horizontal angle was $0^{\circ}$ than $10^{\circ}$(p=0.016). However, the three independent variables had no statistically significant effects on the lifting forces(p>0.1). The mean and maximum twisting forces increased as the handle width became larger(p<0.05). Also, there was a marginal effect of the horizontal angle(p=0.065) on the twisting force. From the results of this study, the horizontal angle of $0^{\circ}$ and the wider handle width were suggested for the design of single-wheel barrows.

• 한국안전학회지
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• 제27권2호
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• pp.84-91
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• 2012

This study evaluated three forces (lifting, pushing and twisting) required to maneuver the single-wheel barrows according to handle height, width, horizontal angle and vertical angle. The four independent variables were varied in two levels. Handle height was varies in two levels : 'knuckle height (KH)' and 'KH + 0.1 ${\times}$ stature'. The two handle widths were '1.5 ${\times}$ shoulder width (SW)' and '1.75 ${\times}$ SW'. Two angles of $0^{\circ}$ and $15^{\circ}$ were used for horizontal and vertical angles. The 24 factorial design was used in the experiment. Twelve healthy male students (undergraduate and graduate) participated in the experiment. Subjects exerted three forces (pushing, lifting, and twisting clockwise) in each experimental condition. The order of 16 treatment conditions was determined randomly. Results showed that the effects of the four factors were different according to three forces. While lifting and twisting forces were higher in 'knuckle height', the pushing force was higher in 'KH + 0.1 ${\times}$ stature' (p < 0.05). Lifting and pushing forces showed higher values in the horizontal angle $0^{\circ}$ than in $15^{\circ}$. Handle width and vertical angle showed no statistically significant main effects on three forces (p > 0.05). Results of this study could be used as basic data for the ergonomic design of handle variables of one- or two-wheel barrows.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제35권4호
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• pp.238-243
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• 2018

Background: Various factors can alter the efficacy of acupuncture treatment, such as the location of points, manipulations, depth of insertion, needle retention time, and needle type. In this study, the effect of needle diameter on the efficacy of acupuncture treatment was quantitatively evaluated. Methods: Five acupuncture needles of different diameters used in clinical practice were compared. Force on the porcine tissue phantom was measured using a sensor. Lifting-thrusting and twisting-rotating movements were performed using a needle insertion-measurement system. After repeated measurements, force magnitude was calculated and compared. Following this, we correlated needle diameter and force magnitude during lifting-thrusting and twisting-rotating movements. Results: The force magnitude was significantly altered between needle diameters during lifting-thrusting movements, as shown by a significant positive correlation between needle diameter and force magnitude. In contrast, there was no difference in force magnitude with different needle diameters during twisting-rotating movements. Conclusion: Needle diameter can significantly affect stimuli and force magnitude dependent upon the type of manipulation. Research into the effect of other needle type characteristics and stimulation method is necessary to fully elucidate the role of acupuncture needle choice in treatment efficacy.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• 제38권2호
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• pp.163-170
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to provide analysis of physiological, biomechanical responses occurring from the operation to lifting or twist lifting task appears frequently in agricultural work. Methods: This study investigated the changes of physiological factors such as heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV) and biomechanical factors such as physical activity and kinetic analysis in the task of twisting at the waist while lifting. Results: Heart rates changed significantly with the workload. The result indicated that the workload of 2 kg was light intensity work, and the workload of 12 kg was hard intensity work. Physical activity increased as the workload increased both on wrist and waist. Besides, stress index of the worker increased with the workload. Dynamic load to herniated discs was analyzed using inertial sensor, and the angular acceleration and torque increased with the workload. The proposed measurement system can measure the recipient's physiological and physical signals in real-time and analyzed 3-dimensionally according to the variety of work load. Conclusions: The system we propose will be a new method to measure agricultural workers' multi-dimensional signals and analyze various farming tasks.

• 대한인간공학회지
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• 제25권2호
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• pp.11-22
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• 2006

The muscular-skeletal disorders(MSDs) that have become a major issue recently in Korean industrial safety area are mainly caused by manual material handling task. The objective of this study is to provide scientific data for the establishment of work safety standard for Korean workers through the experiments of lifting task under various conditions, in order to prevent the muscular-skeletal disorders in the industrial work site. Eight male college students were recruited as participants. Three different lifting frequencies(1, 3, 5 lifts/min) and three twisting angles(including the sagittal plane and two asymmetric angles; i.e., 0°, 45°, 90°) for symmetric and asymmetric tasks, respectively, with three lifting range from floor to knuckle height, knuckle to shoulder, floor to shoulder height for one hour's work shift using free style lifting technique were studied. The maximum acceptable weight of load(MAWL) was determined under the different task conditions, and the oxygen consumption, heart rate, and RPE were measured or recorded while subjects were lifting their MAWLs. The results showed that: (1) The MAWLs were significantly decreased as the task frequency and task angle increased.; (2) The heart rate, oxygen consumption, RPE significantly increased with an increase in lifting frequency although maximum acceptable weight of lift decreased.; (3) The highest heart rate and oxygen consumption was recorded at the lifting range of floor to shoulder, followed by floor to knuckle and knuckle to shoulder.; (4) The RPE value showed that subjects perceived more exertion at the high frequency rate of lifting task and lifting range of floor to shoulder height. (5) The modeling for MAWL using isometric strength, task angle and lifting frequency were developed. It is expected that use of the results provided in this study may prove helpful in reducing MMH hazards, especially from lifting tasks for Korean, and can be used as a basis for pre-employment screening.

• 대한예방한의학회지
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.115-123
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• 2014

Objective : The objective of this study is to develop a Qigong exercise program to reinforce musculoskeletal system of seniors appropriate for physical strength and conditions of seniors aged 65 years or above based on health Qigong exercise of oriental medicine. Method : Qigong exercise motions that can improve strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance of seniors were developed by primarily performing literature review of Qigong experts on the fields like oriental medicine, Qigong exercise, physical education and health science and secondarily using motion training for increased validity of motions. Results : The Qigong exercise program for musculoskeletal system of seniors was designed with 12 motions repeated 8 times and 20 minutes per session, including shoulder exercises (alternate turning of left and right shoulders, turning both arms back and forth, holding and lifting elbow to put it aside), waist exercises (wrapping the head with hands to bow, twisting waist while looking at the tip of hand, large spinning of ball, putting hands together to pull back), and knee exercises (going up a down while lifting a rock, balancing the body while lifting a knee, lifting and spreading knees while drawing circle with arms, raising both arms to the side while lifting heels, breathing). Conclusion : Once the effects of Qigong exercise for musculoskeletal system of seniors developed in this study are tested, the program is expected to contribute to development of Qigong exercise, a core part of oriental medicine health improvement project.

• 한국직업건강간호학회지
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• 제7권2호
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• pp.130-135
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• 1998

To investigate the working characteristics of the workers by place of duty, a study was carried out among 591 male workers aged 20-55 employed in an automobile industry in Korea. Workers participated to this study were divided into low back pain(LBP) and control group, according to the self-reports by written questionnaires. Work factors and complaint rates of low back pain were compared to the work places. The results were as follows ; 1) The complaint rates of low back pain were 49.2%(292 men) as a whole, 58.6%(34 men) in Production Control Department I, 50.2%(120 men) in Stamping Tool Department, 46.9%(138 men) in Bus Department. 2) Lifting and earring work of individual workers were directly associated with low back pain. Frequency of lifting and carring work is higher in the Final Body Section(Production Dept. I) and Body I Section(Bus Dept.). 3) LBP group were more frequently involved in working in awkward position(Quality Control Section of Stamping Tool Dept.), bending(Body I Section of Bus Dept.) and twisting posture(Sash Section and Body I Section of Bus Dept.). 4 )Workers exposed to vibration during working shows the higher complaint rate of low back pain.

• 한국직업건강간호학회지
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• 제3권호
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• pp.21-30
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• 1993

For the purpose of disclosing the magnitude of low back pain problems of hospital nursing personnel and its possible causes, a questionaire survey was carried out on 418 nurses and nurse aides if a university hospital in Seoul. The results were as follows : 1. Of 418 nurse and nurse aides, 268 persons(64.1%) have experienced 1,145 spells of low back pain during 6-month period. 2. The pain and/or discomfort was mostly limited to the back, although 19% of the episodes accompanied radiating pain to the low extremities. 3. Of those with low back pain, 23 persons(8.6%) were medically diagnosed and 17 persons(6.3%)-underwent medical treatment. Those who sick leave amounted to 8 persons(3.0%). 4. The occurrence of low back pain showed significant association with assignment of duties(wards) and work shifts, while the association was not significant in terms of ranks, careers and overtimes. 5. The occurrence of low back pain was closely associated with lifting and carrying of loads, standing and twisting postures as well as the amount of work. 6. Among the nonoccupational factors, drinking showed statistically significant association with the occurrence of low back pain.

• 지역사회간호학회지
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• 제6권2호
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• pp.319-334
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• 1995

To investigate the risk factors of low back pain, an epidemiological study was carried out among male workers aged 20-55 employed in an automobile industry in Korea during the time period from February 1993 to October 1995. Workers participated to this study were divided into low back pain group(LBP) and control group, according to the self-reports by written questionnaires. General characteristics, medical history, work related factors, fatigue, and MMPI were compared between two groups. To clarify the relationship between job related low back pain and radiologic features of lumbar spine, radiographic study was carried out. The resultant data were processed for $x^2-test$, t-test, and stepwise logistic regression to confirm the adjusted odds ratios. The results were as follows: 1. History of back disease, lifting and carrying work, excessive physical fatigue, and weakend back strength of individual workers were directly associated with low back pain. Odd ratios of these 4 risk factors of low back pain were 5.07, 3.34, 1.49, and 1.22 respectively. 2. The frequency of low back pain history was significantly higher in LBP group. 3. Back muscle strength of lumbar spine of LBP group were significantly lower than control group. 4. The workers in LBP group revealed high fatigue symptoms. 5. In MMPI test LBP group showed higher scales in hypochondriasis, depression, hysteria, psychopathic deviate, paranoia, psychasthenia, schizophrenia, and hypomania. 6. LBP group were more frequently involved in lifting and carrying, working in awkward position, bending, twisting and using lower extremities. 7. LBP group were exposed more to vibration during working. 8. In the Analysis of radiographs of lumbar spine, Jacob's line not crossing fourth lumhar disc space, transitional vertebrae and lumbar displacement more than 4.4mm in standing lateral view were more frequently observed in LBP group than control group. Through these results, it is concluded that identification of previous history of back problem, change of work or working environment for workers with previous back problem and measures to relieve both physical and psychological fatigue of the workers are required for optimal management of work-related back problems among workers. In the present study, several results were different from the previous reports: Jacob's line not corssing fourth lumbar disc space, lumbarization, and vertebral slipping (spondylolisthesis) more than 4.4mm are related to backache. Meticulous studies are required to elucidate the difference.