Impacts of work posture on muscle activation patterns during repetitive manual tasks: indicators of musculoskeletal disorders Abstract In North America the standing position is widely used at work stations whereas in other parts of the world tasks are usually performed while seated. Extended work while standing at a station has been associated with various symptoms such as low back pain and generalized fatigue. Recent studies have also demonstrated an association between low back pain when standing for long periods and activation patterns in the muscles of the lower back and hip region. However, these patterns have never been measured for other work postures or when the standing position is accompanied by repetitive movement of the upper limbs.In this study, the patterns of lumbopelvic muscular movements will be compared for a repetitive manual task performed in standing, sitting, and standing-sitting positions. The seat used for sitting work and the sitting/standing stool will be adjusted in accordance with ergonomic standards.A group of workers will perform repetitive tasks according to an established protocol in their usual workplace. A peer group with no experience will do the same, but in a laboratory setting. All will work in standing, sitting, and standing-sitting position. Correlations between the discomfort scores and the muscle activation indices will be calculated for each position.The results obtained for the two groups will be compared in order to better understand the effect of posture, experience, and the environment on the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The collected data will be able to be used to determine the optimal postures for a given type of work station and a given type of worker (novice, experienced) performing a repetitive manual task. Produced Under this Project Scientific Reports Effects of working position on lumbar muscle patterns during a repetitive task Research Report: R-897 Video Reports and Conferences Impacts of work posture on muscle activation patterns during repetitive manual tasks: indicators of musculoskeletal disorders Conference: CF-186 Scientific Publications The use of participatory ergonomics and laboratory based methods to design and implement ergonomic solutions: addressing postural factors in an industrial settingAntle D.Source : Thèse de doctorat, Montréal, Université McGill, 2013Relationships between lower limb and trunk discomfort and vascular, muscular and kinetic outcomes during stationary standing workAntle D. M., Côté J. N.Source : Gait and Posture, vol. 37, no 4, 2013, p. 615-619Gender effects on the coordination of subdivisions of the trapezius muscle during a repetitive box-folding taskJohansen T. I., Samani A., Antle D., Côté J. N., Madeleine P.Source : European Journal of Applied Physiology, vol. 113, no 1, 2013, p. 175-182Effects of a sit-standing stool on muscular and vascular outcomes associated with the performance of a repetitive upper limb work taskAntle D. M., Côté J. N.Source : in Eight International Conference on Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders / PREMUS 2013 (8th : July 7-11, 2013 : Busan, South Korea), 2013Development of lower limb discomfort during prolonged standing work: is it a muscular of cardiovascular pathway?Antle D. M., Côté J. N.Source : in Ergonomie et performance: la santé, la sécurité et même au-delà : Congrès annuel de l'Association canadienne d'ergonomie / ACE, (42e : 18-20 octobre, 2011 : London, Canada), 2011Current research on the impact of work postures on peripheral and central cardiovascular healthAntle D. M.Source : in OHN's Preparing for the Future : AOHNA 2014 Symposium, (May 28-30, 2014 : Banff, Canada), 2014Effets de la posture de travail manuel répétitif sur les patrons musculaires indicateurs de troubles musculosquelettiquesCôté J.Source : Communication présentée au Rendez-vous de la science de l'IRSST, Montréal, QC.Comparing standing posture and use of a sit-stand stool: Analysis of vascular, muscular and discomfort outcomes during simulated industrial workAntle D. M., Vézina N., Côté J.Source : (2015). International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 45, 98-106. doi: 10.1016/j.ergon.2014.12.009 Additional Information Type: Project Number: 2010-0063 Status: Completed Year of completion: 2015 Research Field: OSH and Sustainable Prevention Work Environment Team: Julie Côté (Université McGill)