• 농촌의학ㆍ지역보건
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• 제33권1호
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• pp.1-10
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• 2008

일개 농촌 마을에서 농한기를 활용하여 시행된 근골격계 질환 예방사업을 소개하고 주요 사업결과를 분석하여 농업인의 건강증진을 위한 기초자료로 활용하고자 본 연구를 수행하였다. 2006년 12월 5일부터 2007년 1월 26일까지 사곳리 마을회관을 12회 방문하여 4번의 기초교육과 5번의 심화교육 등 9번의 근력 및 유연성 강화교육을 실시하였다. 교육 전(사전평가), 기초교육과 심화교육 사이(중간평가), 교육 후(최종평가) 등 3회에 걸쳐 의사 2인에 의한 근골격계 질환 평가, 시각통증척도에 의한 근골격계 통증 평가, 생활체육 전문가 3인에 의한 좌우의 악력, 배근력, 하지근력, 몸통, 어깨, 하지, 무릎유연성 측정을 통한 근골격계 근력 및 유연성 평가, 설문지를 사용한 어깨, 허리, 무릎의 기능 평가를 실시하였다. 총 12회의 일정 중 1회 이상 참석한 농업인은 총 57명이었으며 남자가 20명(35.1%), 여자가 37명(64.9%)이었으며 평균 연령은 60.7(±8.1)세였다. 근골격계 질환 검진에서 한 번 이상의 검진을 받았던 43명중 32명(74%)이 한 가지 이상의 근골격계 질환을 가지고 있었으며, 퇴행성관절염이 26명(60.5%), 근막통 증후군이 19명(44.2%), 허리디스크가 10명(23.3%)이었다.목어깨, 허리, 무릎다리의 통증정도는 1차, 2차 평가 간, 2차, 3차 평가 간, 1차, 3차 평가 간의 비교에서 모두 감소하는 경향을 보였으며 3차 평가에서 1차 평가에 비해 목어깨, 허리, 무릎다리 모두 유의한 통증의 감소를 보였다(p<0.05). 근골격계의 기능을 1차, 2차 평가 간, 2차, 3차 평가 간, 1차, 3차 평가 간 비교한 결과 모두 기능점수가 우수하게 변화했으나 통계적으로 유의하지 않았다. 근력 및 유연성 정도는 좌우의 악력, 배근력, 하지근력, 몸통, 어깨, 하지, 무릎유연성을 측정하였으며 1차 평가에 비해 3차 평가에서 모든 항목에서 근력 및 유연성 정도가 통계적으로 유의하게 증가하였다(p<0.05).연구대상자의 수가 적었고, 농한기에 의한 근골격계 질환의 개선 효과를 배제할 수는 없었지만 이번연구를 통하여 일부 농업인에서 근골격계 질환 관리 프로그램 실시 후 근골격계 질환의 단기적인 개선효과를 볼 수 있었다. 근골격계 질환의 중장기적인 개선효과를 기대할 수 있는 추가적인 연구와 농번기를 통한 관리 프로그램에 대한 추가적인 연구가 필요하다.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제19권1호
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• pp.25-29
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of two different lifting posture on the plantar foot pressure, force and COP(center of pressure) trajectory path during object lifting. Fourteen healthy adults who had no musculoskeletal disorders were instructed to lift with two postures(stoop and squat) and two object weights(empty box and 10 kg box). Plantar foot pressures, forces and COP trajectory path were recorded by the F-mat system(Tekscan, Boston, USA) during object lifting with barefoot. Plantar foot surface was defined as seven regions for pressure measurement; two toe regions, three forefoot regions, one midfoot region and one heel region. Paired t-test was used to compare the outcomes of peak pressure and maximum force with different two lifting postures and two object weights. Plantar peak pressure and maximum force under hallux was significantly greater in squat posture than stoop posture during the two different boxes lifting(p<.05). During the empty box lifting, maximum force under lessor toes was significantly less and plantar peak pressure under second metatarsal region was significantly greater in squat than stoop(p<.05). Maximum force under heel was significantly less in squat than stoop posture during 10kg box lifting(p<.05). Finally, COP trajectory path was significantly greater in squat than stoop(p<.05). These findings confirm that there are significantly change in the structure and function of the foot during the object lifting with different posture. Future studies should focus on the contribution of both structural and functional change to the development of common foot problems in adults.

• 대한안전경영과학회지
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• 제16권4호
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• pp.371-378
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• 2014

Manual materials handling tasks are the main risk factors for the work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Many assistant tools for manual materials handling are being used in various kind of industries. One of them is a 4-wheeled cart which is widely used in manufacturing factories, hospitals, etc. The major force required to control the 4-wheeled cart is pushing and pulling. There are two types of handles being used for the 4-wheeled cart : vertical type (two vertical handles), and horizontal type (one horizontal handle). This study tried to investigate the pushing forces and subjective discomforts (hand/writst, shoulder, low back, and overall) of the two handle types with different handle height and distance conditions. Twelve healthy male students (mean age = 23.4 years) participated in the experiment. The independent variables were handle angle (horizontal, vertical), handle height (low, medium, high), and handle distance (narrow, medium, wide). The full factorial design was used for the experiment and the maximum pushing forces were measured in 18 different conditions ($2{\times}3{\times}3$). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) procedure was conducted to test the effects of the independent variables on the pushing force and discomfort levels. Handle height and angle were found to be the critical design factors that affect the maximal pushing forces and subjective discomfort. In the middle height, subjects exerted higher pushing forces, and experience lower discomfort levels compared to the high, and low height. There was no statistical influence of the handle distance to the pushing forces and subjective discomfort levels. It was found out that the effects of the handle angle (horizontal and vertical) on both pushing force and subjective discomfort were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The vertical handle revealed higher pushing force and lower discomfort level than the horizontal handle. The reason for that was thought to be the different postures of the hand when grasping the handles. The horizontal handle induced pronaton of the hand and made hand posture more deviated from the neutral position.

• 대한안전경영과학회지
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• 제11권3호
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• pp.79-85
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• 2009

In this study, the effects of psychosocial stress (box color and precision demand) on muscle activity were evaluated in laboratory setting. Eight subjects performed sagittally symmetric lifting tasks. Box color (yellow, black), precision demand (yes, no), and box weight (5%MVC, 10%MVC, 15 %MVC) were varied and surface EMG signals from seven muscles(medial deltoid right, biceps brachii right, lateral triceps right, latissimus dorsi right, erector spinae right, external oblique right, internal oblique right) were recorded. EMG signals were band-pass filtered($10{\sim}400\;Hz$), rectified, RMS smoothed and normalized (NEMG). Analysis of variance tests were conducted on the total NEMG (TNEMG: the sum of the seven muscles' NEMGs) and on the individual muscle's NEMGs. Box color had no effect on the TNEMG and on the seven muscles activities(p>0.05). When precision demand was required at the end point of lifts, the mean NEMG showed higher values than no precision demand conditions: TNEMG (14% increase) and medial deltoid(40% increase), biceps brachii(10% increase), lateral triceps(26% increase), latissimus dorsi(25% increase) muscles. Those increases showed more conspicuous as the box weight increased in the muscles of medial deltoid, lateral triceps, and latissimus dorsi.

• 대한인간공학회지
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• 제30권3호
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• pp.395-401
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• 2011

Objective: This study examined the effects of working chair that was developed for farmers who work in grapevine's cluster thinning. Background: Agricultural work involves some of the nation's highest occupational risk exposures. Fruit cultivation has been recognized as one of the most hazardous crops in which to work. Grapevine cluster thinning task involve activities related to the main risk factors associated with upper limb work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Method: An experiment was designed to test the working chair. Six healthy male($25.8{\pm}4.9years$) were selected as the subjects for this study. Electromyography(EMG) was used to monitor the muscles activity, and Electro-goniometer was used to measure the ranges of motions of the elbow, trunk and knee. Subjective test was also carried out to examine discomfort body parts and their pain intensity. A grapevine's working space was built for the experiment and working chair was installed on it. In order to examine the muscle activity and range of motion, subjects used to the working chair for 30 minutes for each experimental condition. Another test without working chair was also performed for comparison. %MVC was used to quantify the level of muscle activity. Results: Decreases of muscle activity was found in all leg muscles and significant decrease of muscle activity was found in left Gastrocnemius. The range of motion of the trunk and knee also decreased when working chair used. Discomfort in lower back, thigh and shank region were reduced significantly. However, in upper limbs muscle activity tended to increase in working chair compared with conventional task. Conclusion: Improvement for cushion in seat back and pan required to reduce discomfort in buttocks. Application: Overall findings verified that the working chair might help to prevent upper limb and lower back MSDs based on the current study. These results can be practically used for work improvement for the grapevine growers to prevent MSDs.

• 대한인간공학회지
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• 제31권3호
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• pp.445-453
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• 2012

The aim of this paper was to prove that if the risk level in combined tasks was improved through evaluation of postural load of liquid weight measurement process, the workload level and ratio of exposure time would be changed, and the time of process would be seen concurrently. Background: According to results of epidemiological studies conducted by Korea Occupational Safety & Health Agency, 122 musculoskeletal disorders occurred during 1992 to 2008, in which manufacturing industry covers 96(78.7%) of total. However, this is an insufficient level and only occupies 39% based on the South Korea's manufacturing standard industrial classification(246 industries). Method: Firstly, the number of batches weighed on one day(460min) was investigated based on the work performed and Weight measured weekly. VCR recording was taken based on the level of liquid ingredients prescribed for 1batch using the Camcorder. After dividing a 356 sec video into 1 sec using the screen capture function in Gom player, the job classification was performed by analyzing the change of working postures, which revealed 148 working postures. Time measurement was decided by time of the postures was being maintained. Then, the REBA analysis was performed for the working postures. The ratio of Exposure time was calculated based on the measurement time and REBA Score. In addition, the recommendations were designed and implementation was carried out for the working postures with REBA Score higher than 3. Finally, after the intervention, REBA measurement, time measurement, and ratio of exposure time were calculated for the comparison of works before and after improvement. Results: The number of work elements was decreased by 30.4% from 148 to 103 after improvement. The results of time measurement showed that the time was reduced by 46.3% from 356 sec to 191 sec. And the ratio of exposure time was also improved by 52.1% from 0% to 52.1% after improvement. Conclusion: The reduction of time was found to improve the productivity of management. Furthermore, because the reduction of ratio of exposure time and the improvement of workload level are the improvement of discomfort, it would contribute to the improvement of the worker's psychological working posture. Application: These results would contribute to musculoskeletal disease prevention and management performance. Further studies for other industries would be needed based on this case study.

• 한국심리학회지 : 문화 및 사회문제
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• 제9권spc호
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• pp.107-122
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• 2003

본 논문에서는 근골격계질환, 특히 직업성요통에 관련되는 위험요인의 영향을 종합적으로 살펴보고자 하였다. 첫째로 물리적인 요인의 영향을 알아보기 위하여 해석적인 인체역학 모델과 NIOSH(National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health) Guidelines를 이용하여 자동차 조립작업의 직업성 요통관련 위험도를 평가하였다. 총 246 작업자에 대한 분석을 수행하였는데, 분석결과 총 20개의 작업에서 L5/S1에서의 압축력이 300kg이 넘었으며 44개의 작업은 NIOSH Guidelines에 의한 분석결과, 최저허용기준치(ACTION LIMIT)을 넘는 것으로 나타났다. 둘째로 사회심리적 요인과 직업성요통의 관계에 대해 분석하였다. 사회심리적 요인의 영향을 알아보기 위하여 증상과 PWI(Psychosocial Well-being Index)를 토대로 한 설문을 이용하여 246명 작업자 모두에게 설문조사를 실시하였다. 그 결과 207명의 작업자가 직업성 요통증상을 경험한 적이 있으며 특히 27명의 작업자는 유병자로 분류된 바 있는 사람들이었다. PWI 점수를 근거로 하여 나눈 두 집단(저스트레스군, 고 스트레스군)은 증상이나 진단결과에 있어서 통계적으로 유의한 차이를 보이지 않았다. 또한 사회심리적 스트레스와 작업강도와의 관계를 살펴보면 주로 작업자세요인과 사회심리적 스트레스가 유의한 관계를 가지는 것으로 나타났다. 마지막으로 직업성요통의 발생에 대하여 경로분석을 수행하였다. 분석결과 인구학적 요인, 사회심리적 요인, 작업특성 요인이 직업성 요통에 직접적으로 영향을 미쳤으며, 개인특성요인 즉, 작업경험, 흡연, 수면시간 등은 직업성요통에 직접적인 영향을 미치는 않은 것으로 나타났다. 그러나 개인특성요인은 직업성 요통에 유의한 영향을 미치는 사회심리적 요인과는 밀접한 관계를 가졌다. 향후 다양한 직종에서의 이와같은 경험적 연구결과가 축적되어 우리나라의 조직문화적 특성을 고려한 직업성 요통에 대한 위험모델에 구축되어야 한다고 사료된다.

• 대한인간공학회지
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• 제36권3호
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• pp.183-196
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• 2017

Objective: The purpose of this research was to assess the agreement between job physical risk factor analysis by ergonomists using ergonomic methods and physical examinations made by occupational physicians on the presence of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities. Background: Ergonomics is the systematic application of principles concerned with the design of devices and working conditions for enhancing human capabilities and optimizing working and living conditions. Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent injuries and physical and emotional stress. The major types of ergonomic injuries and incidents are cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs), acute strains, sprains, and system failures. Minimization of use of excessive force and awkward postures can help to prevent such injuries Method: Initial data were collected as part of a larger study by the University of Utah Ergonomics and Safety program field data collection teams and medical data collection teams from the Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (RMCOEH). Subjects included 173 male and female workers, 83 at Beehive Clothing (a clothing plant), 74 at Autoliv (a plant making air bags for vehicles), and 16 at Deseret Meat (a meat-processing plant). Posture and effort levels were analyzed using a software program developed at the University of Utah (Utah Ergonomic Analysis Tool). The Ergonomic Epicondylitis Model (EEM) was developed to assess the risk of epicondylitis from observable job physical factors. The model considers five job risk factors: (1) intensity of exertion, (2) forearm rotation, (3) wrist posture, (4) elbow compression, and (5) speed of work. Qualitative ratings of these physical factors were determined during video analysis. Personal variables were also investigated to study their relationship with epicondylitis. Logistic regression models were used to determine the association between risk factors and symptoms of epicondyle pain. Results: Results of this study indicate that gender, smoking status, and BMI do have an effect on the risk of epicondylitis but there is not a statistically significant relationship between EEM and epicondylitis. Conclusion: This research studied the relationship between an Ergonomic Epicondylitis Model (EEM) and the occurrence of epicondylitis. The model was not predictive for epicondylitis. However, it is clear that epicondylitis was associated with some individual risk factors such as smoking status, gender, and BMI. Based on the results, future research may discover risk factors that seem to increase the risk of epicondylitis. Application: Although this research used a combination of questionnaire, ergonomic job analysis, and medical job analysis to specifically verify risk factors related to epicondylitis, there are limitations. This research did not have a very large sample size because only 173 subjects were available for this study. Also, it was conducted in only 3 facilities, a plant making air bags for vehicles, a meat-processing plant, and a clothing plant in Utah. If working conditions in other kinds of facilities are considered, results may improve. Therefore, future research should perform analysis with additional subjects in different kinds of facilities. Repetition and duration of a task were not considered as risk factors in this research. These two factors could be associated with epicondylitis so it could be important to include these factors in future research. Psychosocial data and workplace conditions (e.g., low temperature) were also noted during data collection, and could be used to further study the prevalence of epicondylitis. Univariate analysis methods could be used for each variable of EEM. This research was performed using multivariate analysis. Therefore, it was difficult to recognize the different effect of each variable. Basically, the difference between univariate and multivariate analysis is that univariate analysis deals with one predictor variable at a time, whereas multivariate analysis deals with multiple predictor variables combined in a predetermined manner. The univariate analysis could show how each variable is associated with epicondyle pain. This may allow more appropriate weighting factors to be determined and therefore improve the performance of the EEM.

• 한국화재소방학회논문지
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• 제27권3호
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• pp.85-93
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• 2013

본 연구에서는 소방대원이 수행하는 업무 중 중량물을 다루어야 하는 작업에 대한 분류 및 정량적 분석(NLE, 3DSSPP)을 수행하여 향후 소방대원의 중량물 관련 작업에 대한 위험도를 예측하고, 관련 위험도를 감소시키기 위한 기초 자료를 도출하고자 하였다. 도출된 위험도 등급은 위험도 점수가 3점부터 9점까지 총 7단계로 구성되었다. 가장 위험도가 높은 1등급은 나타나지 않았으며 인명구조 작업이 두 번째로 높은 2등급에 속하는 것으로 나타났다. 3등급은 파괴기구 활용, 환자 들어올리기작업 등으로 나타났다. 본 연구 결과들은 소방대원의 허리 부상을 포함하는 근골격계 질환 예방을 위한 작업방법 및 장비의 개선, 교육 프로그램의 개발에 기본 토대가 될 수 있다고 판단되며, 소방대원들의 근골격계 질환에 대한 지속적인 예방을 위해서는 본 연구의 골격을 토대로 한 추후 심층적인 조사와 연구가 시급하다고 사료된다.

• 대한인간공학회지
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• 제30권6호
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• pp.695-703
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• 2011

Objective: This study was to investigate the effects of coordinated upper-limb body postures on the subjective discomfort rating, heart rate, and muscle activities. Background: Although generally many checklists such as OWAS, RULA, and REBA were applied to evaluate various body postures, the body postures were might be overestimated or underestimated because each body part(i.e., back, shoulder, and elbow etc.) was evaluated separately, and then added all rates of individual body parts to assess an overall risk level for the body posture in these methodologies. Methods: A total of 20 participants maintained 14 postures which were combinations of back, shoulder, and elbow flexion angles and then muscle activities, subjective discomfort, and heart rates were collected every three minute during a sustained 15 minute and 0.5kg weight holding task. Four muscle groups were investigated: erector spine, anterior deltoid, upper trapezius, triceps brachii. Results: Results showed that subjective discomfort was the lowest when the angle of back and shoulder were both $0^{\circ}s$, while the body posture with $45^{\circ}$ of back angle and $45^{\circ}$ shoulder angle was rated as the most subjective discomfort posture. In general, the subjective discomfort ratings increased as back and shoulder flexion angles increased. It was noted that, however, the subjective discomfort of body posture with a $45^{\circ}$ back angle and $45^{\circ}$ shoulder flexion angle was lower than that of body posture with a $0^{\circ}$ back and $45^{\circ}$ shoulder flexion angle. The research findings of heart rates and muscle activities showed similar results for the analyses of subjective discomfort ratings. Conclusions: The possible limitations of the current ergonomics evaluation techniques which assessing a body posture with summing all body part score after individually analyzed in this study. Based on the analyses of subjective discomfort, heart rate, and muscle activities, it was recommended that a use of effects of coordinated upper-limb body postures would be considered when one evaluates work-load for various working postures. Application: These findings can be used for developing a more accurate assessment checklist for working posture as well as preventing musculoskeletal disorders of workers in workplaces.