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Fulltext Manual handling process on concrete panel lifting using ergonomic approach

Hussein Md Zan, Shapie, Sinatu Sadiah, Rahim Ishak, Md Saifuddin Yusop, Seri Rahayu Kama

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2019;16(2):31-39.
MyJurnal

Precast concrete panel is one of the Industrial Building System (IBS) components currently used in modern construction industry, especially, in a highly populated urban area in Malaysia, owing to its cost and time efficiency in a project completion. However, the constraints lie in Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) when IBS workers manually lift the concrete panel repeatedly. The aim of this study is to analyze the recommended weight limit (RWL), lifting index (LI) and physiological experience among workers while lifting precast concrete panel with 3300mm x 600mm size and compressive strength of 40MPa. The methods involved include a survey through the Nordic questionnaires, interview sessions, NIOSH lifting index calculation, recommended work limit calculation, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and video recording. The results yielded the MSDs problem. The guidelines of recommended weight limit and lifting index are produced. They benefit workers and increase their awareness on the MSDs issues.

Matched MeSH terms: Upper Extremity
A preliminary investigation on upper limb exoskeleton assistance for simulated agricultural tasks

Harith HH, Mohd MF, Nai Sowat S

Appl Ergon, 2021 Sep;95:103455.
PMID: 33991852 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103455

Manual harvesting is still prevalent in the agricultural industry. Accordingly, it is one of the largest contributors toward work-related musculoskeletal disorder. The cutting task in oil palm harvesting uses a long pole and involves repetitive and forceful motion of the upper limbs. Exoskeleton technology is increasingly explored to assist manual tasks performance in manufacturing and heavy industries, mainly for reducing discomfort and injuries, and improving productivity. This paper reports an initial investigation on the feasibility of using an upper limb exoskeleton to assist oil palm harvesting tasks. Previous studies highlighted that exoskeletons for agricultural activities should be adaptable to changing field tasks, tools and equipment. The immediate difference in the activity of three muscles were analyzed for a range of harvesting-simulated tasks. Lower activities were observed for tasks involving overhead work when using the prototype. Nevertheless, users' feedback highlighted that its design should be optimized for better acceptance.

Matched MeSH terms: Upper Extremity
Musculoskeletal complications of hand-arm vibration syndrome among tyre shop workers in Kelantan, Malaysia

Qamruddin AA, Husain NRN, Sidek MY, Hanafi MH, Ripin ZM, Ali N

Int J Occup Saf Ergon, 2020 Dec 03.
PMID: 33148113 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2020.1846924

Objectives. Exposure to hand-arm vibration (HAV) is associated with hand-arm vascular syndrome (HAVS), which is characterized by musculoskeletal complications. However, evidence on this matter has been inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to determine and compare the prevalence of musculoskeletal complications of HAVS between a high-exposure (≥5 m·s-2) group and a low-moderate-exposure (<5 m·s-2) group and to explore the factors associated with the musculoskeletal complications of HAVS among tyre shop workers in Kelantan, Malaysia. Methods. A cross-sectional study involving 200 tyre shop workers was carried out. HAV was measured by a vibration meter. The workers were divided into two exposure groups - according to their 8-h time-weighted average, A(8), of vibration exposure - and compared. Results. Almost half of the workers reported musculoskeletal complications of the upper limbs and neck. Only the lifetime vibration dose (LVD) was significantly associated with the development of musculoskeletal complications. Conclusion. The high-exposure group had a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal complications. Only the LVD was significantly associated with complications. However, all factors of the work system, such as ergonomics, handgrip force and posture, might contribute to the development of musculoskeletal complications of HAVS and should be included in assessments.

Matched MeSH terms: Upper Extremity
Fulltext Effect of break time on the upper extremity musculoskeletal disorder development among intensive computer users in Malaysia

Thulasi, M., Rosnah Md Yusuff, Norzima bt Zulkifli, Perimal, Enoch Kumar

Life Sciences, Medicine and Biomedicine, 2018;2(1):6-13.
MyJurnal

Upper extremity musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) has become a common problem among office workers in Malaysia. Studies have shown that an appropriate work-rest schedule can reduce fatigue and MSDs among office workers. In Malaysia, there has been an increase in the occurrence of MSDs, especially in work that require intensive computer use. Operators who used computers continuously for more than 4 hours a day have shown to develop CTDs. Studies on the effect of break time on the performance of office workers in Malaysia are still lacking. As such this study was aimed to evaluate effect of work rest schedule on the discomfort, performance and muscular load levels of computer users in Malaysia. The effect of break time starting with no break, one minute and 30 seconds break interval were carried out on the 15 subjects. EMG was measured for each task given. Performance which was calculated by multiplying speed and accuracy (WPM) showed 30 seconds break was 13.5% higher than 1 minute break and 20.14% higher than schedule with no break. EMG analyses showed 30 seconds have lowest mean AEMG which was 0.035 for flexor carpi ulnaris and 0.0331 for radialis muscles. It also recorded least discomfort scale for upper extremity muscles compared to the other two schedules. This study showed that more frequent microbreaks can improve performance of office workers and reduce MSD problem from occurring.

Matched MeSH terms: Upper Extremity
Fulltext Fitness profile of Malaysian adolescent squash players

Krasilshchikov, Oleksandr

Movement Health & Exercise, 2014;3(1):39-47.
MyJurnal

Squash is an indoor game that is the second fastest racket sports if compared to badminton and tennis. Squash game puts a high demand on physical fitness of elite players which requires a quick development of high force, rapid changes of direction and fast reaction. The objective of this study was to develop the physical fitness profile of Malaysian junior state squash players. Sixty five 10 to 18 years old male Kelantan state squash players were tested with seven skill-related fitness tests. SPSS version 20.0 was used to analyze the data collected from the tests. A one-way ANOVA was used to detect statistical differences between groups. A posthoc test (LSD) was performed to determine differences in in the variables between groups. The data was collected for flexibility, speed, muscular endurance, power of upper and lower extremities, agility and cardiovascular endurance. There were significant differences in the mean speed, muscular endurance, agility, power of lower extremities, power of upper extremities, flexibility and predicted VO2 max between 13-15 and 16-18 years of age groups when compared to 10-12 years old players (p

Matched MeSH terms: Upper Extremity
Fulltext RULA mobile android application software

Yusof Kadikon, Imran Mohd Shafek, M. Maarof Bahurdin

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2015;12(1):121-124.
MyJurnal

In Malaysia, the number of Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) cases is increasing . Rapid Upper Limb Assessment
(RULA) is carried out in a physical paper form which is cumbersome and based on the complex nature and it should
consider human error. This project aims to create the RULA application for mobile devices featuring the android system
for this move will cut down the process time by more than half, create a more structured system and eliminate human
error wholly. The application will be designed on the App Inventor website which features a lot of handy tutorials
and takes the initiative to create a RULA mobile app for Android phones. The RULA mobile app for Android phones
is intended to make it easier and much more efficient to conduct a RULA analysis. Additionally, the analyses can be
conducted by minimally trained users, eliminating the need for highly trained technicians. RULA test is performed to
achieve accurate results and the mathematical processes will be programmed into the app so that the user will have a
friendly interface and will only be asked to tick boxes.

Matched MeSH terms: Upper Extremity
Fulltext Ergonomic design optimization for train seat fit parameters

Teo Chuun, B., Dian Darina Indah, D., Darliana, M.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2018;18(102):73-78.
MyJurnal

This study is aimed at seat design optimization for high-speed train based on the Malaysians sitting anthropometry
data focusing on seat fit parameters. An analysis of anthropometry data composed of 15 dimensions that are
required in seat design was done with 50 male subjects. These data were collected through direct measuring
methods with standard equipment. According to the Malaysian automotive seat fit parameters, the backrest width,
backrest height, cushion width, and cushion length were established based on these anthropometric dimensions:
interscye breadth (5th percentile female and 95th percentile male), hip breadth (95th percentile female), sitting
shoulder height (5th percentile female), and buttock-popliteal length (5th percentile female), respectively. This
study uses the CATIA software to design and analyse the proposed seat design. The fit parameters proposed for the
new design are seat height, 380mm; cushion width, 450mm; backrest width, 450mm and backrest height, 850mm.
The CATIA human activity analysis (based on Rapid Upper Limb Analysis, RULA) was also executed. From the study,
the new conceptual seat design gives the most optimized fit when compared to the current seat.

Matched MeSH terms: Upper Extremity
Fulltext Benign Subcutaneous Emphysema of the Upper Limb: A Case Report

Rabiul Islam SM, Mamman KG, Pande KC

Malays Orthop J, 2016 Nov;10(3):39-41.
PMID: 28553447 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.1611.002

Subcutaneous emphysema is the presence of gas or air in the subcutaneous tissue plane. The term is generally used to describe any soft tissue emphysema of the body wall or limbs, it can result from benign causes, most commonly secondary to trauma or from a life-threatening infection by gas gangrene or necrotising fasciitis. A case of subcutaneous emphysema involving the upper limb resulting from a trivial laceration to the elbow is reported and the importance of distinguishing between the two causes of subcutaneous emphysema is highlighted.

Matched MeSH terms: Upper Extremity
Thromboangitis Obliterans involving Bilateral Upper limb Extremities - A Rare Case Report from Malaysia

Murali U, Ahmad MAA, Najihah F

J Clin Diagn Res, 2017 Mar;11(3):PD06-PD08.
PMID: 28511446 DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2017/23807.9507

Thromboangitis Obliterans (TAO) or Buerger's disease is a non-atherosclerotic, occlusive, progressive and highly inflammatory disorder of distal arteries seen predominantly affecting the lower limb in smokers. TAO presenting itself in upper limb or bilaterally involving the upper limb is a very rare entity. We report on a rare case of TAO in a 46-year-old gentleman who presented with bilateral upper extremity digital gangrene with 18 pack-years of smoking. Brachial and radial pulses were palpable bilaterally and were of good volume but right ulnar pulse was faintly felt, while on the left side it was not appreciated due to malunion. Further Computed Tomography (CT)- angiography showed occlusion of distal right ulnar artery, stenosis of distal left ulnar artery with bilateral poor opacification of palmar and digital arteries. This case reports on the unusual and rare presentation of TAO in upper extremity involving both limbs. The case is reported for the first time from Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Upper Extremity
Hand characteristics and functional abilities in predicting return to work in adult workers with traumatic hand injury

Mohamad Sabri MQ, Judd J, Roslan NFA, Che Daud AZ

Work, 2022;73(4):1245-1253.
PMID: 36093653 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205164

BACKGROUND: Hand injuries affect a person's functioning, thus impeding their abilities to return to work. There is a limited understanding in return to work of the overall predictors when including hand characteristics and functional abilities. Therefore, it is essential to identify the most relevant predictors in return to work among individuals with a hand injury.
OBJECTIVES: (1) To compare hand function characteristics and functional abilities of injured workers who have or have not returned to work. (2) To estimate hand function characteristics and functional abilities as predictors to return to work.
METHODS: One hundred and fifteen adult workers with hand injuries aged 18- 59 years old from five general hospitals in Malaysia participated in a cross-sectional study. Predictors were estimated using logistic regression.
RESULTS: There was a significant association between occupational sector (p = 0.012), injury duration (p = 0.024), occupational performance (p = 0.009) and satisfaction with performance (p

Matched MeSH terms: Upper Extremity
Fulltext Effects of isometric training and R.I.C.E. treatment on the arm muscle performance of swimmers with elbow pain

Li W, Hadizadeh M, Yusof A, Naharudin MN

Sci Rep, 2024 Feb 27;14(1):4736.
PMID: 38413632 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54789-0

The effects of IT and R.I.C.E. treatment on arm muscle performance in overhead athletes with elbow pain (EP) have been partially validated. However, there is a lack of research evidence regarding the efficacy of these two methods on arm muscle performance among swimmers with EP. The aim of this study was to investigate the trends and differences in the effects of IT and R.I.C.E. treatment on arm muscle performance among swimmers with EP. The main outcomes were the time effects and group effects of interventions on muscle voluntary contraction (MVC). Sixty elite freestyle swimmers from Tianjin, China, voluntarily participated in the study and completed a 10-week intervention program. Swimmers with EP in the IT group showed a positive trend in MVC, with an approximately 2% increase, whereas the MVC of subjects in the R.I.C.E. treatment group and control group decreased by approximately 4% and 5%, respectively. In comparison, the effects of the IT intervention on the MVC of the triceps and brachioradialis muscles in swimmers with EP were significant (p = 0.042

Matched MeSH terms: Upper Extremity
Kinetic and kinematic determinants of shuttlecock speed in the forehand jump smash performed by elite male Malaysian badminton players

Ramasamy Y, Usman J, Sundar V, Towler H, King M

Sports Biomech, 2024 May;23(5):582-597.
PMID: 33663330 DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2021.1877336

Badminton is the fastest racket sport in the world with smash speeds reaching over 111 m/s (400 kph). This study examined the forehand jump smash in badminton using synchronised force plates and full-body motion capture to quantify relationships to shuttlecock speed through correlations. Nineteen elite male Malaysian badminton players were recorded performing forehand jump smashes with the fastest, most accurate jump smash from each player analysed. The fastest smash by each participant was on average 97 m/s with a peak of 105 m/s. A correlational analysis revealed that a faster smash speed was characterised by a more internally rotated shoulder, a less elevated shoulder, and less extended elbow at contact. The positioning of the arm at contact appears to be critical in developing greater shuttlecock smash speeds. Vertical ground reaction force and rate of force development were not correlated with shuttlecock speed, and further investigation is required as to their importance for performance of the jump smash e.g., greater jump height and shuttle angle. It is recommended that players/coaches focus on not over-extending the elbow or excessively elevating the upper arm at contact when trying to maximise smash speed.

Matched MeSH terms: Upper Extremity
Reliability, validity and responsiveness of the Kurdish version of the questionnaire Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome

Rebwar AH, Omer AR, Jalal AH

Med J Malaysia, 2024 Mar;79(Suppl 1):47-52.
PMID: 38555885

INTRODUCTION: The Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire predicts the amount of the patient's inabilities and symptoms to evaluate the impacts of upper limb conditions in the patient's daily-life activities. This study aims to test the psychometric properties of DASH in Kurdish patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: 93 patients with diagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome subjected to complete the self-report DASH-KU and patient rated wrist\hand evaluation PRWHEKU questionnaire during two consecutive assessments with a 24-hour interval before any intervention.
RESULTS: DASH-KU questionnaire had excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.99) and test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient =0.99). A strong correlation between the DASH-KU score and the PRWHE tool (r=0.792) demonstrated acceptable construct validity of DASH-KU. Bland-Altman plot showed good agreement between the two assessments of DASH-KU, and no floor (3%) nor ceiling effects (0%) were observed. Factor analysis showed that the DASH-KU scale had a high acceptable adequacy (adequacy index = 0.700) and a significant sphericity (p<0.001). The analysis showed a major factor that accounted for 40% of the observed variance with an eigenvalue of 13.14. In addition, five items model also explained 81.23% of the DASH-KU scale variance. However, the responsiveness of DASH-KU was suboptimum, which can be linked to the short 24-hour interval between measurements.
CONCLUSION: The DASH-KU scale is a reliable, valid, and responsive instrument for assessing disabilities in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Matched MeSH terms: Upper Extremity
Fulltext LAVRF: Sign language recognition via Lightweight Attentive VGG16 with Random Forest

Ewe ELR, Lee CP, Lim KM, Kwek LC, Alqahtani A

PLoS One, 2024;19(4):e0298699.
PMID: 38574042 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298699

Sign language recognition presents significant challenges due to the intricate nature of hand gestures and the necessity to capture fine-grained details. In response to these challenges, a novel approach is proposed-Lightweight Attentive VGG16 with Random Forest (LAVRF) model. LAVRF introduces a refined adaptation of the VGG16 model integrated with attention modules, complemented by a Random Forest classifier. By streamlining the VGG16 architecture, the Lightweight Attentive VGG16 effectively manages complexity while incorporating attention mechanisms that dynamically concentrate on pertinent regions within input images, resulting in enhanced representation learning. Leveraging the Random Forest classifier provides notable benefits, including proficient handling of high-dimensional feature representations, reduction of variance and overfitting concerns, and resilience against noisy and incomplete data. Additionally, the model performance is further optimized through hyperparameter optimization, utilizing the Optuna in conjunction with hill climbing, which efficiently explores the hyperparameter space to discover optimal configurations. The proposed LAVRF model demonstrates outstanding accuracy on three datasets, achieving remarkable results of 99.98%, 99.90%, and 100% on the American Sign Language, American Sign Language with Digits, and NUS Hand Posture datasets, respectively.

Matched MeSH terms: Upper Extremity
Kinematic comparison of the wrist movements that are possible with a biomechatronics wrist prosthesis and a body-powered prosthesis: a preliminary study

Abd Razak NA, Abu Osman NA, Wan Abas WA

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol, 2013 May;8(3):255-60.
PMID: 22830946 DOI: 10.3109/17483107.2012.704654

This study examined the kinematic differences between a body-powered prosthesis and a biomechatronics prosthesis as a transradial amputee performed activities that involve flexion/extension and supination/pronation of the wrist.

Matched MeSH terms: Upper Extremity Deformities, Congenital/rehabilitation*
Normal motor nerve conduction studies using surface electrode recording from the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, deltoid, and biceps

Buschbacher RM, Weir SK, Bentley JG, Cottrell E

PM R, 2009 Feb;1(2):101-6.
PMID: 19627883 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2008.08.002

Proximal peripheral nerve conduction studies can provide useful information to the clinician. The difficulty of measuring the length of the proximal nerve as well as a frequent inability to stimulate at 2 points along the nerve adds a challenge to the use of electrodiagnosis for this purpose. The purpose of this article is to present normal values for the suprascapular, axillary, and musculocutaneous nerves using surface electrodes while accounting for side-to-side variability.

Matched MeSH terms: Upper Extremity/innervation*
Prevalence of work-related upper limbs symptoms (WRULS) among office workers

Zairina Abdul Rahman, Abdul Sallam Atiya

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2009 Jul;21(3):252-8.
PMID: 19546127 DOI: 10.1177/1010539509341423

An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of work-related upper limbs symptoms (WRULS) among office workers and factors associated with it. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the information. A total of 463 (87.7%) office workers from selected government agencies participated in this study. The mean age of the respondents was 34.1 years (range = 18-55 years). Majority (91.6%) were Malay and female (72.8%), and 58.1% were from clerical group. Mean duration of work was 8.7 years. This study found that prevalence of WRULS was 33.0% (95% CI [confidence interval] = 28.8%, 37.3%). Computer users at work had 2.0 (95% CI = 1.1, 3.4) higher odds ratio of developing WRULS and those who used it for 5 hours and more per day had 7.5 (95% CI = 2.3, 24.2) higher odds ratio of developing WRULS. Hand-intensive hobbies and higher education were also found to be associated with WRULS.

Matched MeSH terms: Upper Extremity/physiopathology*
Trifurcation of brachial artery with variant course of radial artery: rare observation

Vollala VR, Nagabhooshana S, Bhat SM

Anat Sci Int, 2008 Dec;83(4):307-9.
PMID: 19159366 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-073X.2008.00235.x

Variations in the arterial pattern of the upper limb have been observed frequently, either in the routine dissections or in clinical practice. The aim of the present study was to describe the anatomical, surgical and embryological importance of major arteries of upper limbs of human beings. The present article is the report of low division and trifurcation of brachial artery and abnormal course of radial artery (passing deep to the pronator teres muscle) found in a 45-year-old embalmed male cadaver. Knowledge of the arterial variations in the upper limb is of considerable importance during invasive and non-invasive investigative procedures or orthopedic, reconstructive, or surgical procedures.

Matched MeSH terms: Upper Extremity/blood supply
Fulltext Forequarter amputation of the upper extremity for musculoskeletal tumors: posterior approach revisited

Faisham WI, Zulmi W, Nor Azman MZ, Rhendra Hardy MZ

Med J Malaysia, 2006 Feb;61 Suppl A:57-61.
PMID: 17042232

Forequarter amputation entails surgical removal of entire upper extremity, scapula and clavicle. Several techniques of forequarter amputation have been described. The anterior approach has been the preferred technique of exploration of axillary vessels and brachial plexus. The posterior approach has been condemned to be unreliable and dangerous for most large tumor of the scapula and suprascapular area. We describe a surgical technique using posterior approach of exploration of major vessels for forequarter amputation of upper extremity in eight patients who presented with humeral-scapular tumor. There were six patients with osteosarcoma: three with tumor recurrent and three chemotherapy recalcitrant tumors with vessels involvement. One patient had massive fungating squamous cell carcinoma and another had recurrent rhabdomyosarcoma. Four patients had fungating ulcer and six patients had multiple pulmonary metastases at the time of surgery. The mean estimated blood transfusion was 900 ml (range 0-1600 ml) and two patients did not require transfusion. The duration of surgery ranged 2.5-6.0 hours (mean 3.8 hours). Two patients with known pulmonary metastases required post-operative intensive care monitoring. The mean duration of survival was 5.8 months. The posterior approach of exploring major vessels for forequarter amputation of upper extremity with musculoskeletal tumor is safe and reliable.

Matched MeSH terms: Upper Extremity/surgery*
Development of statistical models for predicting muscle and mental activities during repetitive precision tasks

Zadry HR, Dawal SZ, Taha Z

Int J Occup Saf Ergon, 2016 Sep;22(3):374-83.
PMID: 27053140 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2016.1150094

This study was conducted to develop muscle and mental activities on repetitive precision tasks. A laboratory experiment was used to address the objectives. Surface electromyography was used to measure muscle activities from eight upper limb muscles, while electroencephalography recorded mental activities from six channels. Fourteen university students participated in the study. The results show that muscle and mental activities increase for all tasks, indicating the occurrence of muscle and mental fatigue. A linear relationship between muscle activity, mental activity and time was found while subjects were performing the task. Thus, models were developed using those variables. The models were found valid after validation using other students' and workers' data. Findings from this study can contribute as a reference for future studies investigating muscle and mental activity and can be applied in industry as guidelines to manage muscle and mental fatigue, especially to manage job schedules and rotation.

Matched MeSH terms: Upper Extremity/physiology*

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