title: A comparison of neck bending and flexion measurement methods for assessment of ergonomic risk.
abstract: Head movements of workers were measured in the sagittal plane in order to establish a precise and accurate assessment method to be used in real work situations. Measurements were performed using two inclinometers connected to an embedded recording system. Two quantitative analysis methods were tested, i.e., measurement of bending with an inclinometer attached to the head, and measurement of flexion/extension by using an additional inclinometer located at C7/T1. The results were also compared with a video observation method (qualitative). The results showed that bending measurements were significantly different from those of flexion/extension for angles between 0° and 20°, and angles >45°. There were also significant differences between workers for flexion >45°, reflecting individual variability. Additionally, several limitations of observational methods were revealed by this study.
authors.affiliation: a University of Angers , France.
authors.forename: Mohsen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zare
authors.affiliation: b National School of Equitation , France.
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Biau
authors.affiliation: a University of Angers , France.
authors.forename: Rene
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Brunet
authors.affiliation: a University of Angers , France.
authors.forename: Antoine
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gourlay
authors.affiliation: a University of Angers , France.|c Centre Hopital Université (CHU) Angers , France.
authors.forename: Yves
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Roquelaure
mesh_terms: D006804:Ergonomics; D006801:Humans; D009333:Neck / Q000502:physiology*; D016272:Occupational Health; D011187:Posture; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D018570:Risk Assessment
keywords: bending; cervical spine; ergonomic; flexion; head