Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

While most modern workplaces use computers, computers were not designed for human well-being. With increasing computer use, the sedentary nature of work rises. Computers and other current communication tools in offices eliminate various physical task requirements. In contrast, ergonomics research shows that regular, large movements are required at least every 30 minutes to maintain good physical and psychological health and well-being. Such movements are `inefficient' but `necessary'. Some existing tools may encourage such desirable movements. Furniture designers are creating chairs and work surface options to support healthier postures. Adjustable office chairs can fit users with seat and backrest height and slope, arm rest location, and flexible supportive components, particularly for the lower back. Rocking-supports or cantilevered systems further encourage movement while seated. Work surfaces may be height-adjustable including variations between sitting and standing heights; furthermore, these allow each person to work at the recommended slightly-below-relaxed-elbow height. Unfortunately, employers are reticent to provide such fully functional elements when workers can work in less-than-optimal conditions. Prevalent significant discomfort amongst office workers is ignored, although it indicates increased Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) risk. Notably, MSDs account for longer than average work absences and higher than average workers compensation costs. During a controlled setting study with 3 workstations, postural gestures (including differing degrees and planes of movement) have been associated with changes in back and neck pain and fatigue. How such frequency and type of postural changes affect health indicators (physiology, perception and posture) in real working environments is only partially understood. This program will study this complex question using pattern recognition and big-data analysis techniques, to determine how healthy postural patterns vary with work or equipment interventions. This program will analyse postural variation categories across body regions using non-invasive recording techniques and applying pattern recognition and machine learning methods. Wireless wearable sensors already measure variations in physical parameters which are precursors to Musculoskeletal disorders. This project will explore the ability of these sensors, and new systems supported by intelligent phones that most workers use regularly. Once reliable models are defined, we will measure the effect of 1) varying dynamic workstation elements, 2) regularly using wearable consumer technologies, and 3) using both in combination. The proposed research program will enhance our understanding of how these elements are used in regular work environments accounting for posture, physiology and perception.