Borg CR-10 Scale Research Articles

Psychometric Validation of the Simplified Chinese Version of the Dyspnoea-12 Questionnaire for Patients with Primary Lung Cancer.

Purpose: The simplified Chinese version of the Dyspnoea-12 Questionnaire (D-12) has not yet been translated and validated for patients with primary lung cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the simplified Chinese version of the D-12 for patients with primary lung cancer. Methods: This study analysed the baseline data of a randomised controlled trial that used an inspiratory muscle training intervention for patients with thoracic malignancies. The original English version of the D-12 was translated into simplified Chinese according to standard instrument translation and adaptation procedures. The internal consistency reliability of the D-12 was determined by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficients. The convergent validity of the D-12 was evaluated by Spearman's correlation with the Borg CR-10 Scale, Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Blood oxygen level, the 6-minute walk test distance, alcohol use, surgery type, cancer stage, exercise level, and educational background were identified to evaluate their discriminating performance. Results: The analysis included 196 participants. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the full D-12 and its physical and emotional function subscales were 0.83, 0.74, and 0.92, respectively. Significantly positive associations were found between the D-12 scores and the Borg CR-10 Scale, the NRS, the HADS, and SGRQ scores (p < 0.01). The participants with insomnia (p < 0.01) and who did not use alcohol (p = 0.019) reported significantly higher D-12 total scores compared with their respective counterparts. The participants at different cancer stages (p < 0.01) and those who had undergone different surgeries (p = 0.033) reported significantly different D-12 total scores. Conclusions: The D-12 simplified Chinese version demonstrated very good psychometric properties and high acceptability in patients with primary lung cancer.

Relationships between upper trunk rotation kinematics and arm fatigue after repetitive pitching among baseball pitchers

ABSTRACT Early upper trunk rotation during baseball pitching has been associated with higher upper-limb kinetics. However, its relationship with arm fatigue after repetitive pitching is unclear. This study aimed to investigate associations between upper trunk rotation kinematics and arm fatigue. A total of 14 healthy male pitchers (age 27.1 ± . 9.0 yrs) threw 45 pitches across three innings. Pitching mechanics and ball velocity were assessed using 3-D motion analysis (Vicon, UK) and Rapsodo (Rapsodo, USA). Subjective arm fatigue was assessed by CR-10 Borg scale, whereas grip and shoulder external rotation strength were evaluated before and after pitching sessions. Ball velocity and the timing of upper trunk rotation did not change significantly throughout the three innings. Three-inning pitching produced significant levels of subjective and objective arm fatigue. The onset timing of upper trunk rotation (OTUTR) had significant effects on CR-10 Borg scale and ball velocity. The magnitude of effect of OTUTR on ball velocity may be clinically significant. These findings suggest that the timing of upper trunk rotation may not significantly affect arm fatigue with relatively low pitch counts, and early OTUTR may lead to early reduction in ball velocity.

Effects of Kitchen Cooking Height on Upper Limb Muscle Activation, Posture, and Perceived Discomfort of Chinese Older and Young Women.

Inappropriate kitchen cooking height may lead to uncomfortable and muscle fatigue. This study aims to compare the effects of kitchen cooking height on upper limb muscle activation, posture, and perceived discomfort among different age groups. Fifteen older women and fifteen young Chinese women each completed three consecutive 20 s simulated cooking tasks at five different heights. Surface electromyography, motion capture, and Borg CR10 scale were used to measure muscle loading. Results showed that the main power muscles of the cooking task were the anterior deltoid, brachioradialis, and biceps brachii. The higher muscle contribution rate of biceps brachii and triceps brachii was found in the younger group compared to the older group (p < 0.05). Muscle activation of the anterior deltoid (different in 1.28-2.87%), pectoralis major (different in 1.43-1.69%), and erector spinae (different in 0.6-1.21%), as well as right shoulder abduction (different in 5.91°-7.96°), were significantly higher in older group than in young group (p < 0.05). Muscle activation of the anterior deltoid and right shoulder abduction decreased significantly with decreasing height (p < 0.05). A height of 200-250 mm below the elbow was considered a more comfortable cooking height for both age groups. This provides data to support the design of cabinet sizes.

Biomechanical Analysis of Rectus Femoris Kinesio Taping Effects on Post-Muscle Fatigue Stop-Jump Task Performance

Objectives: This study aims to compare the effects of kinesio tape (KT) on the rectus femoris muscle in athletes and novices under pre- and post-fatigue conditions. Methods: Nineteen male volunteers took part, and fatigue was assessed using the Borg CR10 Scale. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected using Vicon MX13+ infrared cameras (250 Hz) and Kistler force platforms (1500 Hz), respectively. Visual 3D v5.0 software analyzed the data, focusing on parameters like angular displacement, ground reaction forces (GRFs), impulse, and joint moments during a stop-jump task. A two-way mixed-design ANOVA was used to assess group, fatigue, and KT effects. Results: There was a significant effect after applying KT. The results showed significant differences in knee flexion range of motion (ROM), hip flexion moment, vertical impulse, and peak vertical GRFs between pre- and post-fatigue conditions (all p &lt; 0.05). The trained group exhibited less knee valgus ROM, higher hip flexion velocity at initial contact, and prolonged time to peak proximal tibia anterior shear force. Conclusions: KT application was found to reduce lower limb loading, improve force acceptance and joint stability, and alleviate fatigue-induced disparities. These findings highlight the potential of KT in enhancing lower limb strength and performance, particularly under fatigue.

Robust fatigue markers obtained from muscle synergy analysis.

This study aimed to utilize the nonnegative matrix factorization (NNMF) algorithm for muscle synergy analysis, extracting synergy structures and muscle weightings and mining biomarkers reflecting changes in muscle fatigue from these synergy structures. A leg press exercise to induce fatigue was performed by 11 participants. Surface electromyography (sEMG) data from seven muscles, electrocardiography (ECG) data, Borg CR-10 scale scores, and the z-axis acceleration of the weight block were simultaneously collected. Three indices were derived from the synergy structures: activation phase difference, coactivation area, and coactivation time. The indicators were further validated for single-leg landing. Differences in heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) were observed across different fatigue levels, with varying degrees of disparity. The median frequency (MDF) exhibited a consistent decline in the primary working muscle groups. Significant differences were noted in activation phase difference, coactivation area, and coactivation time before and after fatigue onset. Moreover, a significant correlation was found between the activation phase difference and the coactivation area with fatigue intensity. The further application of single-leg landing demonstrated the effectiveness of the coactivation area. These indices can serve as biomarkers reflecting simultaneous alterations in the central nervous system and muscle activity post-exertion.

User Perspectives and Psychophysiological Manifestations of Fatigue with Trunk Orthosis for Dystrophinopathy Patients.

The chair-mounted passive trunk orthosis (CMPTO) is designed to enhance wheelchair safety for individuals with dystrophinopathy during their daily activities. Given the disease's progressive nature, it is crucial to ensure that assistive devices are carefully evaluated to prevent overexertion. This study aims to assess the CMPTO's user experience and its impact on fatigue-related psychophysiological measurements. We conducted electromyography (EMG) evaluations of four trunk muscles and assessed perceived exertion using the Borg CR-10 scale in 40 healthy subjects while they performed seated maximal reaching tasks with the CMPTO. Additionally, fifteen dystrophinopathy patients evaluated the CMPTO for usability with the System Usability Scale. Paired t-tests were employed to compare the median frequency (MDF) of EMG signals, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for evaluating exertion, and the Mann-Whitney U test to compare the usability reported by patients to those of healthy subjects. The 4-way ANOVA revealed that MDF patterns were significantly influenced by task orientation for each muscle. The CMPTO did not cause a significant reduction in the MDF. Tasks requiring greater trunk rotation were perceived as more exhaustive. Patients reported acceptable usability with the CMPTO, with scores higher than those of healthy subjects. The CMPTO's usability was comprehensively evaluated in both healthy subjects and patients with dystrophinopathy. Our findings indicate that the CMPTO can be safely used by individuals with dystrophinopathy as an assistive device to improve seated comfort and functional abilities.

Evaluation and Improvement of a Prosthetic Hand Product Using Biomechanics and Empathy Map Approach

The Panangan Prosthetic Hand is a transradial prosthesis that can be operated with both amputated and non-amputated arms. Several users have reported some degree of exhaustion and discomfort when using this prosthesis. Users may also be dissatisfied because this product has not met some of their specific needs and desires. To evaluate the product, tests were conducted by measuring muscle activity using an electromyography (EMG) sensor and assessing discomfort levels using the Borg CR10 scale during specific activities performed with the prosthesis. Additionally, interviews were conducted using an empathy map to profile the participants. The test results showed high muscle activities and discomfort levels in certain tasks, such as pouring water from a drink box. Based on these findings and the participants' profiles, their needs were identified, and solutions for improving the product were designed. Subsequently, these solutions were developed into a three-dimensional computer-aided design (3D CAD) model prototype.

Postural shifts and body perceived discomfort during 1-hour sitting when leaning and sitting on an air-filled seat cushion among healthy office workers

This study compared the number of postural shifts and perceived discomfort while leaning and sitting on an air-filled seat cushion for 1 hour. Sixty office workers typed a standard text while leaning on a cushion placed behind the low back, sitting on a cushion placed under the buttocks, and sitting without a cushion (a control condition). The number of postural shifts was collected using a seat pressure mat device. Low back discomfort was assessed using the Borg CR-10 scale. Leaning on a seat cushion (22 shifts/h) led to a significantly higher number of postural shifts than sitting on a seat cushion (18 shifts/h) and the control condition (20 shifts/h). Leaning or sitting on a seat cushion significantly decreased low back discomfort compared to the control condition (p < 0.05). Leaning on a seat cushion placed behind the low back may be an effective means of preventing low back pain among office workers.

Enhancing Flexibility through Chinese Auriculotherapy: Investigating the Impact on Sit and Reach Test – A Randomized Controlled Trial

Chinese auriculotherapy (CA) is a technique that is part of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Acupuncture techniques have been utilized in physical practices to enhance performance and manage pain. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether CA can enhance performance in stretching exercises. Thus, this study aims to determine if CA can have an ergogenic effect on the sit and reach test and to evaluate the impact of CA on pain perception and effort during the test. Our hypotheses is that CA will positively influence performance in the sit and reach test by reducing pain perception through the implemented protocol. The study employed a randomized, double-blind, crossover design. The sample consisted of 15 individuals (12 women and 3 men, mean age 22.33 ± 6.4 years, BMI 23.43 ± 4.24). The participants underwent a flexibility assessment protocol using the sit and reach test under three different conditions: I) CA protocol; II) CA placebo protocol (CAP); III) control group without any therapeutic intervention (CG). Subjective pain and effort perception were evaluated using the CR-10 Borg scale. A statistical difference was observed between CA vs. CAP and CA vs. CG in the sit and reach test. No statistical changes were found for the other variables and conditions studied. A significance level of 5% was adopted. Therefore, CA can enhance performance in the sit and reach test; however, the mechanisms responsible for this improvement are still unclear.

Scale of perceived exertion as injury prevention tool for young football players

Objective: evaluation of the feasibility of using the Borg CR10 perceived exertion scale in the training process of young football players and its role in injury prevention.Material and methods: 48 athletes aged 15–17 were examined by scale of perceived exertion during the 7 month every day within 20 minutes after the training. The coaches also assessed the degree of perceived exertion. A comparative retrospective analysis of injuries was done for the periods of the mycrocycle of the youth football league of the seasons 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 based on muscle injuries, ligament and joint capsular injuries.Results: Athletes’ scores on the Borg CR10 scale in the preparation, competition and transitional stages of the competitive macrocycle are 5.08 ± 1.28, 5.00 ± 1.16 and 4.67 ± 1.38, respectively. The coaches’ scores for the aforementioned periods are 4.78 ± 0.89, 5.09 ± 1.05 and 4.82 ± 0.99. The total scores of players and coaches is 5.20 ± 1.85 and 4.96 ± 1 respectively. Moreover, there is no statistically significant difference between the rate of perceived exertion between players and coaches for the whole season (p = 0.288).There is a decreased injury rate in young professional athletes group when the Borg CR10 scale of perceived exertion is measured in a season with the use of this scale compared to a season where the Borg CR 10 scale was not used (p = 0,028).Conclusion: the Borg СR10 scale is a useful methodology for assessing the level of perceived exertion of a young athlete and can be used for early training corrections in order to reduce injuries.

Research on muscle fatigue of upper limb in overhead static work

To explore the muscle fatigue features of upper limb at different heights in overhead static work, an experiment was conducted to obtain the surface electromyography (sEMG) of subjects and their subjective fatigue state based on Borg CR-10 scale. The processing methods of time domain and frequency domain features of sEMG were studied and the multiclass support vector machine (SVM) was used to identify the state of muscle fatigue. By analyzing the muscular contribution, the correlation of subjective ratings and objective muscle fatigue features, ranking order of muscle fatigue accumulation, and muscular fatigue classification and identification, the results show that the muscles contribute above 10% on average are the biceps, deltoid and trapezius, and their cumulative contribution exceeds 70%; and the ranking orders of muscle fatigue accumulation in three heights are H3&gt;H2&gt;H1 for biceps and trapezius and H2&gt;H3&gt;H1 for deltoid; and with the time increase of overhand static operation, the muscle fatigue of upper limb gradually accumulates, resulting in the value of time domain features increases and the frequency domain features decreases, and their changes are consistent; and the accuracy of multiclass SVM is above 90% for identifying muscle fatigue of upper limb in overhead static work.

Field assessment of active BSE: Trends over test days of subjective indicators and self-reported fatigue for railway construction workers

The research community has conducted several controlled “in -lab” assessments on the effectiveness of industrial exoskeletons, paving the way for their adoption. However, field testing, focusing on ergonomics and the user experience, could serve to enhance both end-users' awareness and address open doubts concerning true effectiveness of industrial exoskeletons. This study presents an analysis of qualitative data regarding the use of back-support exoskeletons during field trials in harsh civil engineering environments. This work evaluates the StreamEXO's (an active back-support exoskeleton) efficacy in reducing fatigue and the evolution of its perceived usefulness. This is achieved using qualitative data collection tools, during real scenarios testing over multiple-day trials. Collected data shows a positive correlation between self-reported fatigue, measured on a four verbal anchors-based Borg CR10 scale, and the use of the exoskeleton during physically demanding movements. Moreover, the evolution of scores throughout the testing sessions (90 minutes of exoskeleton use for three nonconsecutive days) suggests a trend due to the adaptation and learning curve of workers during the exoskeleton experience. The analysis of the open-ended answers highlights that the adaptation to physical interaction has a negative oscillation on day two to rise back during the third day, possibly correlated to a change in muscle pattern. The main critical factors affecting comfort during the exoskeleton experience are weight balance, body pressure, and thermal comfort, which can strongly affect device acceptance.

The relationship between prescribed ratings of perceived exertion and force production in repeated isometric contractions

Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) are frequently used to monitor and prescribe exercise intensity. However, studies examining the shape and robustness of how feelings of effort map onto objective outputs are limited and report inconsistent results. To address this, we investigated whether (1) producing isometric forces according to RPE levels reliably leads to differences in force output, (2) if feelings of effort map linearly or non-linearly onto force output, and (3) if this mapping is robust when visual feedback and social facilitation are present. In a counterbalanced repeated measures design, N = 26 participants performed isometric handgrip contractions prescribed by ten levels of the Borg CR-10 scale. They did so either with or without the availability of concurrent visual feedback regarding their force production, and in the presence or absence of another person performing the same task simultaneously. We found that subjects reliably produced different force outputs that corresponded to each RPE level. Furthermore, concurrent visual feedback led to a linearization of force output, while in the absence of feedback, the produced forces could also be described by quadratic and cubic functions. Exploratory post-hoc analyses revealed that participants perceived moderate RPE levels to be more challenging to produce. By shedding light on the dynamic nature of the mapping between RPE and objective performance, our findings provide helpful insights regarding the utility of RPE scales.

Prevalence and factors associated with smoking among university staff

Introduction Smoking among university professionals could influence student smoking behavior, making it important to understand the associated factors to prevent this phenomenon.Objectives To determine the prevalence of smoking among University staff in Sfax, Tunisia, and identify its associated factors.Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to 100 university staff. The questionnaire included socio-professional characteristics, assessment of physical workload using the Borg CR-10 scale, and evaluation of nicotine dependence using the Fagerström test.ResultsOur study included 62 participants, with 67.7% of them being women. Active smoking was reported by 50% of male participants. We observed symptoms of severe to very severe depression, anxiety, and stress in 6.4%, 22.5%, and 9.7% of our participants, respectively. Nicotine dependence, as assessed by the Fagerström test, was high to very high in half of the smokers. Bivariate analysis indicated a significant association between smoking and male gender, perceived workload (33.9%), and body mass index.Conclusions Smoking among university staff is a prevalent phenomenon, especially among male participants. The association of smoking with perceived workload suggests the need for preventive measures to reduce these physical constraints. It is paramount to take actions to encourage smoking cessation among university staff.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Influence of Intraoperative Active and Passive Breaks in Simulated Minimally Invasive Procedures on Surgeons' Perceived Discomfort, Performance, and Workload.

Laparoscopic surgeons are at high risk of experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort, which is considered the result of long-lasting static and awkward body postures. We primarily aimed to evaluate whether passive and active work breaks can reduce ratings of perceived discomfort among laparoscopic surgeons compared with no work breaks. We secondarily aimed to examine potential differences in performance and workload across work break conditions and requested the surgeons evaluate working with passive or active work breaks. Following a balanced, randomized cross-over design, laparoscopic surgeons performed three 90 min laparoscopic simulations without and with 2.5 min passive or active work breaks after 30 min work blocks on separate days. The simulation included the following tasks: a hot wire, peg transfer, pick-and-place, pick-and-tighten, pick-and-thread, and pull-and-stick tasks. Ratings of perceived discomfort (CR10 Borg Scale), performance per subtask, and perceived workload (NASA-TLX) were recorded, and the break interventions were evaluated (self-developed questionnaire). Statistical analyses were performed on the rating of perceived discomfort and a selection of the performance outcomes. Twenty-one participants (9F) were included, with a mean age of 36.6 years (SD 9.7) and an average experience in laparoscopies of 8.5 years (SD 5.6). Ratings of perceived musculoskeletal discomfort slightly increased over time from a mean level of 0.1 to 0.9 but did not statistically significantly differ between conditions (p = 0.439). Performance outcomes of the hot wire and peg transfer tasks did not statistically significantly differ between conditions. The overall evaluation by the participants was slightly in favor regarding the duration and content of active breaks and showed a 65% likelihood of implementing them on their own initiative in ≥90 min-lasting laparoscopic surgeries, compared with passive breaks. Both passive and active breaks did not statistically significantly influence ratings of perceived discomfort or perceived workload in a 90 min simulation of laparoscopic surgery, with an overall low mean level of perceived discomfort of 0.9 (SD 1.4). As work breaks do not lead to performance losses, rest breaks should be tested in real-life situations across a complete working shift, where perceived discomfort may differ from this laboratory situation. However, in this respect, it is crucial to investigate the acceptance and practicality of intraoperative work breaks in feasibility studies in advance of assessing their effectiveness in follow-up longitudinal trials.

Abnormal Exertional Breathlessness on Cardiopulmonary Cycle Exercise Testing in Relation to Self-Reported and Physiologic Responses in Chronic Airflow Limitation

Exertional breathlessness is a cardinal symptom of cardiorespiratory disease. How does breathlessness abnormality, graded using normative reference equations during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), relate to self-reported and physiological responses in people with chronic airflow limitation (CAL)? An analysis was done of people aged≥ 40 years with CAL undergoing CPET in the Canadian Cohort Obstructive Lung Disease study. Breathlessness intensity ratings (Borg CR10 scale [0-10 category-ratio scale for breathlessness intensity rating]) were evaluated in relation to power output (W), rate of oxygen uptake (V˙o2), and minute ventilation (V˙e) at peak exercise, using normative reference equations as follows: (1) probability of breathlessness normality (probability of having an equal or greater Borg CR10 rating among healthy; lower probability reflecting more severe breathlessness) and (2) presence of abnormal breathlessness (rating above the upper limit of normal). Associations with relevant participant-reported and physiologic outcomes were evaluated. We included 330 participants (44%women): mean ± SD age, 64 ± 10 years (range, 40-89 years); FEV1/FVC, 57.3%± 8.2%; FEV1, 75.6%± 17.9%predicted. Abnormally low exercise capacity (peak V˙o2< lower limit of normal) was present in 26%. Relative to peak W, V˙o2, and V˙e, abnormally high breathlessness was present in 26%, 25%, and 18%of participants. For all equations, abnormally high exertional breathlessness was associated with worse lung function, exercise capacity, self-reported symptom burden, physical activity, and health-related quality of life; and greater physiological abnormalities during CPET. Abnormal breathlessness graded using CPET normative reference equations was associated with worse clinical, physiological, and functional outcomes in people with CAL, supporting construct validity of abnormal exertional breathlessness.

Exploring actual and perceived levels of physical activity intensity during virtual reality active games.

Research suggests that engaging in active virtual reality (VR) video games can elicit light to moderate levels of physical activity (PA), making it a novel and fun mode of exercise. Further research is needed to understand the influence of VR on perceptions of exertion and enjoyment during PA. The objectives of this study are (1) to compare actual and perceived exertion within and between active VR games with varying levels of difficulty and (2) to determine how playing active VR games influences PA enjoyment during gameplay. A total of 18 participants completed four separate study sessions, during which they engaged in either a 15-min bout of traditional exercise (stationary cycling) or played one VR game. Heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) using the Borg CR10 scale were assessed during VR gameplay and cycling. Enjoyment was measured after gameplay. VR games included playing Holopoint at level 2 and level 3 and Hot Squat. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to examine (1) changes in HR and RPE across time within games and (2) differences in actual and perceived levels of intensity and enjoyment between games. Bivariate correlations examined the relationship between the degree of change in actual intensity and the degree of change in perceived intensity during each VR game and cycling. The analyses revealed that RPE and HR significantly increased from baseline during each condition and generally increased across the 15-min of gameplay. Hot Squat and cycling elicited a significantly higher percentage of heart rate reserve (%HRR) than Holopoint at levels 2 and 3. Holopoint level 3 elicited a higher %HRR than Holopoint level 2. The participants reported greater average and max RPE during Hot Squat and cycling compared with Holopoint at levels 2 and 3. The correlations revealed a significant positive correlation between the degree of change in HR and RPE for cycling, but no significant correlations were observed for any of the VR conditions. The physical activity during Holopoint at both levels was rated as more enjoyable than Hot Squat and cycling. Our data support the notion that VR has the potential to alter individuals' perceptions of exertion during PA and, in particular, may reduce their awareness of increases in actual exertion.

Assessment and indicators of kinematic behavior and perceived fatigability.

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between upper limb kinetics and perceived fatigability in elderly individuals during an upper limb position sustained isometric task. A total of 31 elderly participants, 16 men (72.94±4.49 years) and 15 women (72.27±6.05 years), performed a upper limb position sustained isometric task. Upper-limb acceleration was measured using an inertial measurement unit. Perceived fatigability was measured using the Borg CR10 scale. Higher mean acceleration in the x-axis throughout the activity was associated with higher final perceived fatigability scores. Moderate correlations were observed between perceived fatigability variation and mean acceleration cutoffs in all axes during the second half of the activity. In women, significant correlations were found between all perceived fatigability cutoffs and mean acceleration in the y- and x-axes. However, in men, the relationships between perceived fatigability variation and mean acceleration were more extensive and stronger. The acceleration pattern of the upper limb is linked to perceived fatigability scores and variation, with differences between sexes. Monitoring upper limb acceleration using a single inertial measurement unit can be a useful and straightforward method for identifying individuals who may be at risk of experiencing high perceived fatigability or task failure.

What makes order picking so physically demanding? – Ergonomic evidence from a large-scale lab experiment using subjective metrics

Order picking is a critical and resource-intensive process within warehouse operations. Many warehouses still heavily rely on human operators for picking orders. However, human order pickers have become a scarce resource, partly due to the physically demanding nature of the order picking process. If warehouses want to remain competitive, they should properly account for physical worker well-being. Unlike earlier research which mainly focused on objective metrics, this paper investigates the factors that contribute to subjective physical exertion. Specifically, we conduct a large-scale lab experiment (N=164) and derive the perceived ergonomic exertion with the Borg CR-10 scale. Results show the significance of shelf height, product weight, and product quantity on ergonomics. On the other hand, elements such as picker sociodemographics, the prevailing incentive system, or the degree of autonomy are less suitable to predict perceived physical exertion; they might be more relevant to influence psychosocial well-being though. Our study shows thus that physical worker well-being is primarily determined by the attributes of the order to be picked. Based on our results we propose several suggestions for future research and ergonomic OP system design.

Hand and wrist complaints in dialysis nurses in Germany: a survey of prevalence, severity, and occupational associations.

Occupations involving repetitive movements of the wrists, activities that require a lot of force, and hand-arm swinging are particularly likely to contribute to the development of hand and wrist complaints. The daily setup and dismantling of dialysis machines as part of the dialysis treatment process can strain the wrists and fingers of nurses. However, evidence regarding the relationship between the work activities of dialysis nurses and the incidence of hand and wrist complaints is limited. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and severity of hand and wrist complaints among dialysis nurses in Germany and to relate these to their work activities. An online survey was created and sent to 836 dialysis centres in Germany. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used in an online survey to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints in the hands and wrists. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) was used to assess symptom severity. Dialysis nurses rated the effort required to set up dialysis machines using the BORG-CR10 scale. The analysis was descriptive. A total of 122 dialysis nurses (18 male, 104 female; mean age 45 ± 12 years) participated in the survey, and 59% of them reported developing hands or wrist complaints in the last 12 months. According to BCTQ, the average severity of these complaints is 2.0 ± 0.8 (N = 72). The severity of symptoms increased significantly with the number of setups performed by a dialysis nurse per day (rs = 0.35, P = 0.003, N = 72). The nurses rated the effort required to set up the dialysis machines as 2.8 ± 1.8 on the BORG-CR10 scale (N = 101). The results of the online survey showed that dialysis nurses were more likely than the general population to experience hand and wrist complaints. The repetitive activities of the hands and wrists while setting up a dialysis machine are thought to be the cause. Preventive measures are needed to reduce hand and wrist strain in dialysis nurses.