Browsing by Author "Colim, Ana"
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- Comparison between anthropometric equipment and scanners in hand measurementPublication . Filho, P. C. Anacleto; Silva, Lincoln da; Castellucci, H. I.; Rodrigues, Matilde; Pereira, Eduarda; Pombeiro, Ana; Colim, Ana; Carneiro, Paula; Arezes, PedroAnthropometric studies have influenced the design of apparel, accessories, medical prostheses, equipment, workstations, and tools. Particularly, hand anthropometry is related to safety and adequacy of hand tools and devices. Different equipment and methods can be used to obtain body measurements with different precision and reliability levels. However, precision and reliability are not the only aspects to be considered. The present study aims to evaluate the agreement of four different pieces of equipment for anthropometric measurement of the hand, namely, anthropometer, anthropometric tape, 2D scanner, and 3D scanner. These measurement methods were compared in terms of required time, precision, complexity, and cost, for the case of two-dimensional hand measurements. Data was collected on hand length and breadth from 25 workers in North Portugal. Among the main findings, we can highlight a relatively low accuracy and higher measurement times for 2D and 3D scanners due to scanning, processing, digitalization, and calibration steps. Traditional direct measurement methods were considered the most appropriate to obtain hand length and breadth measures, as they required less time and were more accurate, less costly and complex than 2D and 3D scanner methods. These results emphasize the caution required when selecting anthropometric methods.
- Muscle loading and psychophysical effects of obesity during vertical handling tasksPublication . Colim, Ana; Arezes, Pedro; Flores, Paulo; Monteiro, Pedro; Mesquita, InêsIt has been recognized by many researchers that the prevalence of obesity is a serious public health problem. Several physical problems are associated with obesity, which can negatively affect the individuals’ work performance. In occupational contexts, vertical handling tasks, including lifting and/or lowering loads, are common and produce significant muscle loading. For these reasons, Surface electromyography (EMG) data were collected bilaterally from muscles recruited during these tasks. Additionally, the participants reported physical loading by using the Rated Perceived Exertion scale (RPE). These techniques sought to analyze the physical loading during vertical handling tasks. The obtained results indicate that obesity seem to increase the muscle loading during vertical handling tasks. However, obesity level does not seem to influence the RPE values.
- Obesity and physical loading during manual liftingPublication . Colim, Ana; Arezes, Pedro; Flores, Paulo; Monteiro, Pedro; Mesquita, InêsManual lifting greatly increases the risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD). Muscle loading related to manual tasks may be significantly influenced by workers’ body conditions, being obesity one of them. In the present study, different tasks of manual lifting were performed by 14 participants with different obesity levels, defined in terms of individuals’ fat mass percentage. Surface electromyography (EMG) data were collected bilaterally from 3 muscles recruited during this type of tasks. EMG data normalization was based on the percentage of maximum contraction during each task (MCT). Furthermore, the participants reported physical loading by using the Rated Perceived Exertion scale (RPE). These techniques sought to analyze the physical loading during manual lifting tasks. The obtained results indicate that obesity level influenced the MCT percentage, which in turn increases the muscle loading during manual lifting tasks. However, obesity level does not seem to influence the RPE values. In this context, further studies based on biomechanical approaches are required to provide a more complete understanding of the obesity effects on musculoskeletal loading during manual lifting.
- Obesity effects on muscular activity during lifting and lowering tasksPublication . Colim, Ana; Arezes, Pedro; Flores, Paulo; Monteiro, Pedro; Mesquita, Inês; Braga, Ana CristinaObesity is an emerging health problem and its incidence has been increasing throughout the workforce. In industrial workstations, vertical handling tasks (VHT), including lifting and lowering, are very common and can cause a significant muscular overload for the involved workers. During these tasks, muscular activity may be considerably affected by workers' body conditions. This study aims to analyze and compare the muscular activity in subjects with different obesity levels, using surface electromyography (EMG), during predefined VHT. Six different VHT (combining 5, 10 and 15 kg loads with two task styles) were performed. EMG data normalization was based on the percentage of Maximum Contraction during each Task (MCT%). The results show that obesity influences MCT%, which in turn increases the muscular effort during VHT. The current investigation demonstrates that obesity is a relevant musculoskeletal risk factor regarding VHT. The engineering analysis and design implications of this work can thus be perceived.
- Safety culture in higher education institutions: Knowledge and training preferencesPublication . Filho, P. C. Anacleto; Dall-Orsoletta, Alaize; Carneiro, Paula; Colim, Ana; Leão, Celina P.; Rodrigues, Matilde; Costa, Susana; Costa, NelsonThe development of a positive culture is a key element within an organization to achieve performance against a strategic objective. In terms of safety, universities play a very important role in training new professionals who must be increasingly aware and prepared for the challenges of the labour market and daily activities. Therefore, this study aims to assess the safety culture of newcomer students to higher education through the application of a 22-item questionnaire. Participants included 109 undergraduate and master’s students from 31 different courses at a university in Northern Portugal. It was observed that the level of knowledge varied according to the type of course adopted and the gender of the student. A global performance level of below 80% shows that safety knowledge can improve further. Additionally, different preferences concerning the content, moment, and format of safety training were presented. The low level of interest in training related to chemical leakage, suspicious package, and bombing show participants may attribute a low probability level to these events. In conclusion, this work shows that it can be useful for universities to consider different training approaches according to different course types.