Evaluation of Different Scales for Measurement of Perceived Physical Strain During Performance of Manual Tasks

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to evaluate different scales of perceived strain during the performance of various physical tasks. A total of 52 male and female participants took part in 4 experiments to achieve the study objective. The results suggest that a bipolar comfort-discomfort scale is a more appropriate instrument than a discomfort scale for assessing cumulative physical stresses at work, especially at the beginning of the shift. For assessing discomfort at the end of the work shift, a unipolar scale may also be used. On the basis of the obtained results, red, green, and yellow zones are suggested to establish priorities for work redesign efforts in ergonomic control programs.

Educational intervention for reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders and promoting productivity

“…These outcomes coupled with those from the current study suggest that a highly adjustable chair along with office ergonomic training can help improve productivity. [23,24] These results and the subsequent conclusions drawn are very much supported by other similar studies. [14] There was a significant positive correlation between the productivity and perceived self-efficacy score, while there was negative correlation between the QEC score with productivity perceived self-efficacy score in the case group after intervention.…”

Participatory Video-Assisted Evaluation of Truck Drivers’ Work Outside Cab: Deliveries in Two Types of Transport

“…Borg's CR-10 scale is used in VIDAR to assess subjective discomfort. Discomfort indicates physical stress, thus it is questionable whether it is sufficient to assess mechanical exposure; e.g., Hernandez, Alhemood, Genaidy, et al discussed different scales [57]. Nonetheless the approach of the case in this study does not make it possible to clarify the validity of the method.…”

The comfort and safety of a novel rolling mechanical indentation device for the measurement of lumbar trunk stiffness in young adults

“…The primary outcomes for the study were: lumbar P-A trunk stiffness assessment: overall assessment time, perceived comfort, adverse events and mechanical downtime. Time was measured in minutes, and comfort level was measured on a 7-point bipolar-scale adapted from the work of Hernandez et al [ 16 ]; 0 = strong discomfort, 1 = moderate discomfort, 2 = mild discomfort, 3 = neutral, 4 = mild comfort, 5 = moderate comfort, and 6 = strong comfort. Perceived comfort was rated by the participant both during the assessment and also at the completion of the assessment.…”