Changes in trunk sway of quay crane operators during work shift: A possible marker for fatigue?. (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Leban, Bruno; Fancello, Gianfranco; Fadda, Paolo; Pau, Massimiliano
• Is Part Of: Applied ergonomics. Volume 65(2017)
• Page Start: 105
• Page End: 111
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: Sitting posture -- Trunk -- Postural sway -- Quay crane; Human engineering -- Periodicals; 620.82
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2017.06.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-6870

Abstract

Abstract: This study investigated changes in task-induced trunk sway of quay crane operators during a four-hour shift performed in a dedicated simulator as an indicator of postural control system effectiveness. Using a pressure sensitive mat placed on the seat pan, center-of-pressure (COP) time series were acquired and processed to calculate sway area, path length and COP displacements and velocities. The results show a well-defined linear trend for sway path and area, with significant increases starting from 65 to 155 min of work respectively. This indicates non-optimized trunk control most likely originated by the combination of physical and cognitive workload and suggests a possible role of long-term monitoring of trunk sway of crane operators as a useful tool in detecting non-optimized movements potentially associated with deteriorating performance. Highlights: Quay crane operators are forced to adopt static and non-neutral sitting postures. Task-induced trunk movements were investigated during a simulated 4-h shift. Amplitude and velocity of center of pressure were measured on seat pan. Trunk sway significantly increases as work shift progresses.