A new study found that clinician support significantly increases patient adoption of virtual reality therapies, leading to better time-based adherence and technology acceptance. The research team evaluated three implementation environments, with provider-led support demonstrating the most favorable usability pattern.
This section explores how recognizing sex as a biological variable and gender as a sociocultural construct can lead to more precise computational models and safer medical technologies. The aim is to foster an equitable and effective biomedical engineering field where technologies meet the needs of all populations.
A study of the 2005 Fukuchiyama-Line derailment accident reveals failures in organizational management as the root cause. The analysis found that skill development systems based on two-way communication among drivers are the most effective measure for preventing such accidents.
A new study by Technische Universität Berlin reveals that teaching Large Language Models to mimic human intuition and reasoning improves their ability to provide accurate medical care-seeking advice. The 'human reasoning blueprint' approach increased overall accuracy across all models, with significant gains in self-care advice.
A UBCO research team has developed a lightweight, wearable brace that reduces involuntary hand tremors in people with Parkinson’s disease. The passive vibration-absorbing mechanism offers an accessible alternative to existing treatments.
Firefighter gear can create challenges that jeopardize performance and safety, with nearly 40% of non-fatal injuries linked to muscle and bone strain. Researchers found that full gear reduces mobility by up to 20 degrees in joints and increases the risk of injury through adapted movements.
A new algorithm developed by researchers at North Carolina State University can optimize the movement of robotic prosthetic devices and help users exhibit a more natural walking pattern. The algorithm improves hip range of motion and reduces lower back pain for all five study participants.
The University of Houston is designing robotic hands with dexterity for industries such as healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing. The team, part of the NSF Convergence Accelerator program, has received $5 million in funding to develop hybrid polymeric materials that can mechanically retract and perform motions like flexion.
The journal JMIR Human Factors is inviting submissions for a new theme issue focusing on human factors in health care education, management, and knowledge translation. The issue aims to explore current and emergent educational and training aspects of human factors, including digital competencies for healthcare professionals.
A new knee exoskeleton has been developed to support the quadriceps muscles during lifting tasks, helping workers maintain better posture even when fatigued. The device, which uses a complex algorithm to predict assistance needs, enabled participants to lift faster and with improved posture.
A Texas A&M University study found that stand-biased workstations led to more standing time, reduced sitting time, and fewer discomforts compared to traditional desks. However, the benefits were not statistically significant, and energy expenditure was higher in stand-biased groups.
A new study from the University of Waterloo used software to predict realistic motorcycle riding behaviors, considering human factors and ergonomic trade-offs. It found that shorter and taller riders require joint adjustments to achieve their preferred riding posture.
Researchers developed a wearable technology system to monitor surgeons' postures during long surgical procedures, finding that 52.1% of active time was spent in static postures. The study showed potential for improving ergonomics and preventing injuries by providing objective feedback on posture correction.
A novel robotic system developed by USC researchers can help clinicians accurately assess a patient's rehabilitation progress. The method generates an 'arm nonuse' metric using machine learning and a socially assistive robot to track how much a patient is using their weaker arm spontaneously.
Researchers developed robotic prosthetic ankles controlled by nerve impulses, allowing amputees to move more naturally and improving stability. The study found that users were significantly more stable when using the robotic prototype, changing their postural control strategy and mimicking the body's behavior.
A new study finds that US state and territory COVID-19 websites do not meet accessibility standards, making it difficult for visually impaired individuals to access critical health information. The researchers identified a range of accessibility problems, including incompatibility with screen readers and limited contrast.
The STREAM project developed the StreamEXO exoskeleton, which reduces musculoskeletal system's ergonomic risk of physical overload by 50% and muscle fatigue by 30%. The device generates forces to support workers' backs during heavy manual material handling activities.
A study by Oregon State University found that a metal bar installed on the crab-sorting table can reduce the strain on fishermen's bodies and prevent injuries. The researchers tested different banger bar configurations and found that higher bars and triangular bars were the most effective in reducing muscle activity and joint moment.
Researchers at Texas A&M University used functional near-infrared spectroscopy to monitor participant responses during human-robot collaborations. They found that faulty robot actions decreased operator trust and associated it with increased brain activity in the frontal, motor, and visual cortices.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are searching for the ideal exosuit design to reduce muscle load and prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The study found that commercially available exosuits have limitations, with the Auxivo LiftSuit being stiff and uncomfortable during prolonged wear.
A joint team of Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania researchers, and JSC Abili created a prototype of an office chair that activates deep muscles and improves trunk stabilisation. This innovation aims to prevent musculoskeletal disorders caused by prolonged sitting, common among sedentary workers.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to accelerated change in the workplace, with flexible hybrids of the WFH mode emerging and evolving. Research studies have explored lessons learned about WFH, drawing conclusions about challenges and opportunities, and making recommendations for optimizing experiences and outcomes.
A Texas A&M University study suggests that ergonomic interventions can reduce pain from technology use, particularly among college students. The researchers found that posture and stress are key factors in pain reporting, rather than device type.
A new study by Vanderbilt University has developed Exo-LiFFT, an interactive calculator that helps companies reduce injury risk from work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The tool projects a 20-60% reduction in workplace back injuries for material handling tasks.
UMass Lowell researchers will focus on four projects to better protect employees in various professions, including healthcare workers and teachers. The five-year grant funding supports studies on work-life balance, engagement, burnout, and implementing programs to deal with job stressors.
Researchers found that drivers touch their face nearly 30 times an hour on average, with the most common areas being the face, hair, neck, and shoulders. This behavior can spread germs and infection, particularly when handwashing is inadequate.
A new study has established recognized terms, definitions, design characteristics, and prescription criteria for off-the-shelf stability footwear. This standardized approach aims to improve the effectiveness of therapeutic footwear in treating children with various mobility issues.
A study found that exoskeleton vests can help nurses by reducing physical strain, but further development is needed to make them comfortable and safe. The technology has the potential to improve care work and alleviate musculoskeletal disorders.
A University of Cincinnati ergonomics expert warns that workers' discomfort levels are increasing after months of remote work. To combat this, he recommends using a laptop stand, placing a cushion on the chair, and taking regular breaks to stretch and move around.
The 911$ Rescue Drone, a flying stretcher designed by UNIST's design team, has won the iF Design Award 2020 for its innovative features. It includes an emergency stretcher bed, compact propellers, and follow-me feature, making it an efficient tool in responding to golden hour emergencies.
A recent review study found that sit-stand desks can reduce sitting time and increase comfort, but physiological effects were mixed. To fully benefit from SSDs, workplaces need to understand proper usage and setup, including desk height, monitor height, and anti-fatigue mat use.
A new study by psychologists and information scientists found that the ability to forget information can lead to better economic decisions and reduced cognitive load. Participants who used an information system reported feeling less stressed and having more time to recall details of other products.
A study found that wearing an exoskeleton increases stress on the back by up to 53% and stresses different muscles in the torso by anywhere from 56-120%. Despite relieving arm stress, users reported discomfort due to stiff metal rods in the harness.
A recent study by researchers at Ohio State University found that people often exceed recommended limits when pushing wheelchairs, which can lead to back injuries. The study also revealed that turning a wheelchair is harder on the back than pushing in a straight line.
A new technology called Ambient Activity aims to treat the cause of dementia behaviors rather than just symptoms. The device uses personalized content such as photos, games, music, and more to engage patients and promote meaningful physical, mental, and social engagement.
Researchers have developed a new tool called SEAT to measure software-induced ergonomic risks, which can help prevent debilitating hand and wrist problems in office workers. The tool uses self-reported surveys to identify stressors and strain, allowing developers to remove stressors from software and prevent injuries.
A recent study by the University of Huddersfield found that a smartphone-based traffic light app can reduce drivers' stress levels, but its reliability is a major concern. The app's countdown feature frequently failed, leading to higher stress and slower response times to green lights.
Paramedics using powered stretchers experience a significant reduction in musculoskeletal injuries, with injury rates dropping from 20 to 4.3 per 100 workers. The study suggests that the added cost of powered stretchers can be recovered within seven years due to reduced injury-related costs.
UNIST's School of Design and Human Engineering has received four Spark Design Awards for its innovative designs, including the Babyking robotic baby crib and Plant Diary IoT plant monitor. The awards recognize the school's talent in creating a better world through design excellence.
Research suggests that public acceptance of self-driving cars is lower than expected, with many people preferring a more realistic portrayal of the technology. The study found that participants who read an idealized description of self-driving car ownership were more accepting than those who read a more realistic scenario.
Simple images designed to convey information about prescription drugs could help save lives by reducing non-adherence to treatment. The study found that including pictograms on written medication instructions helps seniors take their drugs correctly, especially those with lower education levels.
Researchers exploring effects of automation on vehicle safety, driver behavior, and public acceptance. Presentations cover topics such as ethical concerns, system breakdowns, and self-driving cars.
The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society will focus on human-centered issues in cyber operations, including situation awareness, vigilance, task-switching, and training. Presentations will address human factors gaps in cyber defense and explore persuasion principles in phishing emails.
A new study reveals that investments in both function and ergonomics result in higher market share, whereas investments in both function and form impose a share penalty. Older vehicles with higher form design hold their market-share value better than older vehicles with higher functional or ergonomic designs.
Researchers create a biomechanical model of pregnant women using 3D motion capture, verifying the 'pregnancy waddle' and enabling safer daily tasks. The study aims to improve comfort and reduce falls during pregnancy.
The UNIST Design School's 'Toy Box' design concept has received Notable and Winner design awards at the Core77 Design Awards 2016. The award-winning design aims to provide play opportunities through innovative repurposing of existing relief packaging, helping deprived children in disaster zones and poorest communities.
A study evaluated 20 popular web apps for collaboration, ranking them based on usability. The top-rated apps include Google Drive, Skype, and Doodle Poll, which excelled in user control, error prevention, and aesthetics.
Researchers found that users need different workstation components when standing at a computer workstation compared to sitting down. The final standing workstation setups were significantly different from seated workstation setups, with lower desks and monitors, and closer mouse and keyboard positions.
Researchers found that voting booths in polling places with dividers and space between units led to higher anticipated system usability. Poor layouts can deter people from voting, potentially leading to disenfranchisement.
The Hitachi Class 800/801 Train, designed to accommodate more passengers and be environmentally sustainable, received the award for its multidisciplinary design approach that prioritized human factors. The train's design improved safety, efficiency, and user experience through prototyping and user research.
The UR:BAN project is working on making traffic safer and more efficient by integrating cognitive assistance, connected traffic systems, and human factors. The researchers are also studying bicyclists' tactical behavior and developing information systems to present data to drivers.
The authors identified factors that can protect against range stress in battery electric vehicles, including hands-on experience and trust in the range estimation system. The study found that even mild encounters with range stress can reduce user satisfaction and acceptance.
A study from the University of Eastern Finland found that infrared thermography can detect joint inflammation in ankle joints, but not knee joints. The technique also showed potential in evaluating office ergonomics and assessing musculoskeletal conditions, which could ease the workload in specialized healthcare and reduce costs.
The July special issue of Ergonomics in Design examines the health and safety effects of the sedentary workplace, exploring alternatives to sitting at work and proposed workplace design solutions. The research highlights key factors that facilitate successful office design and discusses barriers to implementing active workplaces.
A special issue of JCEDM explores the current state of situation awareness, a construct that has driven advances in human factors/ergonomics fields. The articles discuss the perception and interpretation of surroundings, workload effects on SA, and its applications in complex work domains.
A study published in the International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics found that an in-car alarm can cut crash rates for drivers over 60 by 50%, but had little effect on younger drivers. The team also discovered that female drivers under 35 responded safely to alarms, while males did not.
Two design competition winners, Intuitive Company and Georgia Tech Student Chapter, received recognition for their innovative solutions to improve the voting process. Their prototypes include smartphone apps to inform voters and train election volunteers, as well as a web-based platform to streamline the voting experience.
The authors compared the effects of continuous versus bandwidth haptic steering guidance on drivers' ability to stay in their lane and overall satisfaction. They found that bandwidth guidance was more effective at preventing errors and improving performance. The study's findings have implications for human-automation interaction/autonomy.
A comprehensive proactive workplace ergonomics program can prevent musculoskeletal discomfort and injury, resulting in higher job satisfaction and happiness among employees. The program includes ergonomic workstations, group training, and one-on-one consultations.
Research found that younger, better-educated individuals with poorer health are more likely to seek online anecdotal advice. Experts caution against using untrustworthy online sources and urge consumers to develop skills for accessing reliable health information.