Positive effects of blue light on motor coordination in older adults: A pilot study
CONCLUSION: Blue-enriched lighting demonstrates a novel approach to positively impact postural control and motor coordination in older adults. By impacting metrics associated with fall risk, light interventions may provide a clinical countermeasure to decrease the human costs of falls.PMID:37866103 | DOI:10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104156 (Source: Applied Ergonomics)
Source: Applied Ergonomics - October 22, 2023 Category: Occupational Health Authors: C Martyn Beaven Liis Uiga Kim H ébert-Losier Source Type: research

Identifying interaction types and functionality for automated vehicle virtual assistants: An exploratory study using speech acts cluster analysis
This study explores 'interaction types' used for this complex human-machine transaction, by analysing how situation information is conveyed and reciprocated during a transfer of control scenario. Two human drivers alternated control in a bespoke, dual controlled driving simulator with the transfer of control being entirely reliant on verbal communication. Handover dialogues were coded based on speech-act classifications, and a cluster analysis was conducted. Four interaction types were identified for both virtual assistants (i.e., agent handing over control) - Supervisor, Information Desk, Interrogator and Converser, and d...
Source: Applied Ergonomics - October 19, 2023 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Jediah R Clark David R Large Emily Shaw Elena Nichele Maria J Galvez Trigo Joel E Fischer Gary Burnett Neville A Stanton Source Type: research

Identifying interaction types and functionality for automated vehicle virtual assistants: An exploratory study using speech acts cluster analysis
This study explores 'interaction types' used for this complex human-machine transaction, by analysing how situation information is conveyed and reciprocated during a transfer of control scenario. Two human drivers alternated control in a bespoke, dual controlled driving simulator with the transfer of control being entirely reliant on verbal communication. Handover dialogues were coded based on speech-act classifications, and a cluster analysis was conducted. Four interaction types were identified for both virtual assistants (i.e., agent handing over control) - Supervisor, Information Desk, Interrogator and Converser, and d...
Source: Applied Ergonomics - October 19, 2023 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Jediah R Clark David R Large Emily Shaw Elena Nichele Maria J Galvez Trigo Joel E Fischer Gary Burnett Neville A Stanton Source Type: research

Identifying interaction types and functionality for automated vehicle virtual assistants: An exploratory study using speech acts cluster analysis
This study explores 'interaction types' used for this complex human-machine transaction, by analysing how situation information is conveyed and reciprocated during a transfer of control scenario. Two human drivers alternated control in a bespoke, dual controlled driving simulator with the transfer of control being entirely reliant on verbal communication. Handover dialogues were coded based on speech-act classifications, and a cluster analysis was conducted. Four interaction types were identified for both virtual assistants (i.e., agent handing over control) - Supervisor, Information Desk, Interrogator and Converser, and d...
Source: Applied Ergonomics - October 19, 2023 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Jediah R Clark David R Large Emily Shaw Elena Nichele Maria J Galvez Trigo Joel E Fischer Gary Burnett Neville A Stanton Source Type: research

Improving wayfinding in hospitals for people with diverse needs and abilities: An exploratory approach based on multi-criteria decision making
Appl Ergon. 2023 Oct 15;114:104149. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104149. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTHospital wayfinding systems that are based solely on signage do not provide adequate solutions for wayfinding needs, especially for users with impairments. Moreover, the interaction between user characteristics and the inner space of the building also determines wayfinding efficiency. The aims of this study, therefore, were to identify architectural features that affect spatial orientation and wayfinding behaviors; demonstrate the implementation of a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach for improving wayfinding in...
Source: Applied Ergonomics - October 17, 2023 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Ido Morag Volkan Sonmez Astrid Van Puyvelde Liliane Pintelon Source Type: research

Improving wayfinding in hospitals for people with diverse needs and abilities: An exploratory approach based on multi-criteria decision making
Appl Ergon. 2023 Oct 15;114:104149. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104149. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTHospital wayfinding systems that are based solely on signage do not provide adequate solutions for wayfinding needs, especially for users with impairments. Moreover, the interaction between user characteristics and the inner space of the building also determines wayfinding efficiency. The aims of this study, therefore, were to identify architectural features that affect spatial orientation and wayfinding behaviors; demonstrate the implementation of a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach for improving wayfinding in...
Source: Applied Ergonomics - October 17, 2023 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Ido Morag Volkan Sonmez Astrid Van Puyvelde Liliane Pintelon Source Type: research

Effects of virtual heights, dual-tasking, and training on static postural stability
This study aimed to investigate the impact of virtual heights, DT, and training on static postural stability. Twenty-eight volunteers' balance at seven virtual environments [VE; ground (G), altitude 1 (A1), edge 1 (E1), altitude 2 (A2), edge 2 (E2), altitude 3 (A3), and edge 3 (E3)] were recorded during single-tasking (ST) and DT over three days. Independent variables were analyzed using a 7 (VE) x 3 (DAY) x 2 (TASK) factorial repeated measures ANOVA. Greater postural sway was observed in A3 and E1, on DAY 1, and during DT. The study demonstrated static postural stability deteriorates at higher virtual altitudes and during...
Source: Applied Ergonomics - October 14, 2023 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Sachini N K Kodithuwakku Arachchige Harish Chander Alireza Shojaei Adam C Knight Caitlyn Brown Hannah R Freeman Reuben F Burch V Chih-Chia Chen Source Type: research

Effects of virtual heights, dual-tasking, and training on static postural stability
This study aimed to investigate the impact of virtual heights, DT, and training on static postural stability. Twenty-eight volunteers' balance at seven virtual environments [VE; ground (G), altitude 1 (A1), edge 1 (E1), altitude 2 (A2), edge 2 (E2), altitude 3 (A3), and edge 3 (E3)] were recorded during single-tasking (ST) and DT over three days. Independent variables were analyzed using a 7 (VE) x 3 (DAY) x 2 (TASK) factorial repeated measures ANOVA. Greater postural sway was observed in A3 and E1, on DAY 1, and during DT. The study demonstrated static postural stability deteriorates at higher virtual altitudes and during...
Source: Applied Ergonomics - October 14, 2023 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Sachini N K Kodithuwakku Arachchige Harish Chander Alireza Shojaei Adam C Knight Caitlyn Brown Hannah R Freeman Reuben F Burch V Chih-Chia Chen Source Type: research

Effects of virtual heights, dual-tasking, and training on static postural stability
This study aimed to investigate the impact of virtual heights, DT, and training on static postural stability. Twenty-eight volunteers' balance at seven virtual environments [VE; ground (G), altitude 1 (A1), edge 1 (E1), altitude 2 (A2), edge 2 (E2), altitude 3 (A3), and edge 3 (E3)] were recorded during single-tasking (ST) and DT over three days. Independent variables were analyzed using a 7 (VE) x 3 (DAY) x 2 (TASK) factorial repeated measures ANOVA. Greater postural sway was observed in A3 and E1, on DAY 1, and during DT. The study demonstrated static postural stability deteriorates at higher virtual altitudes and during...
Source: Applied Ergonomics - October 14, 2023 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Sachini N K Kodithuwakku Arachchige Harish Chander Alireza Shojaei Adam C Knight Caitlyn Brown Hannah R Freeman Reuben F Burch V Chih-Chia Chen Source Type: research

The effects of distraction on younger drivers: A neurophysiological perspective
This study has significant implications for all road users, particularly those aged 18-25 years, and it reinforces the importance of not using a phone while driving.PMID:37832340 | DOI:10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104147 (Source: Applied Ergonomics)
Source: Applied Ergonomics - October 13, 2023 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Jake Goldsworthy Christopher N Watling Chae Rose Gregoire Larue Source Type: research

The effects of distraction on younger drivers: A neurophysiological perspective
This study has significant implications for all road users, particularly those aged 18-25 years, and it reinforces the importance of not using a phone while driving.PMID:37832340 | DOI:10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104147 (Source: Applied Ergonomics)
Source: Applied Ergonomics - October 13, 2023 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Jake Goldsworthy Christopher N Watling Chae Rose Gregoire Larue Source Type: research

Thermoregulatory and perceptual implications of varying torso soft armour coverage during treadmill walking in dry heat
Appl Ergon. 2023 Oct 9;114:104146. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104146. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTModular armour allows soldiers to adjust the level of coverage according to the threat level. We hypothesized that armour configurations with lower levels of torso soft armour coverage attenuate physiological and perceptual responses during exercise in the heat. Fifteen adults (5 females/10 males, 26 ± 5 years) walked (5 km/h, 1% incline, 1h) in dry heat (38 °C, 20% humidity) while wearing body armour that provided; i) high coverage (HC: 0.57 ± 0.09 m2, 18.5 ± 0.3 kg), ii) moderate coverage (MC: 0.44 ± 0.07 m2, 18.1 ± ...
Source: Applied Ergonomics - October 11, 2023 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Audrey-Ann Bartlett Georgia K Chaseling Nicoleta Brodesco Am élie Debray Josep Iglesies-Grau Benjamin Pageaux Craig N Burrell Matthew N Cramer Daniel Gagnon Source Type: research

Thermoregulatory and perceptual implications of varying torso soft armour coverage during treadmill walking in dry heat
Appl Ergon. 2023 Oct 9;114:104146. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104146. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTModular armour allows soldiers to adjust the level of coverage according to the threat level. We hypothesized that armour configurations with lower levels of torso soft armour coverage attenuate physiological and perceptual responses during exercise in the heat. Fifteen adults (5 females/10 males, 26 ± 5 years) walked (5 km/h, 1% incline, 1h) in dry heat (38 °C, 20% humidity) while wearing body armour that provided; i) high coverage (HC: 0.57 ± 0.09 m2, 18.5 ± 0.3 kg), ii) moderate coverage (MC: 0.44 ± 0.07 m2, 18.1 ± ...
Source: Applied Ergonomics - October 11, 2023 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Audrey-Ann Bartlett Georgia K Chaseling Nicoleta Brodesco Am élie Debray Josep Iglesies-Grau Benjamin Pageaux Craig N Burrell Matthew N Cramer Daniel Gagnon Source Type: research

Thermoregulatory and perceptual implications of varying torso soft armour coverage during treadmill walking in dry heat
Appl Ergon. 2023 Oct 9;114:104146. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104146. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTModular armour allows soldiers to adjust the level of coverage according to the threat level. We hypothesized that armour configurations with lower levels of torso soft armour coverage attenuate physiological and perceptual responses during exercise in the heat. Fifteen adults (5 females/10 males, 26 ± 5 years) walked (5 km/h, 1% incline, 1h) in dry heat (38 °C, 20% humidity) while wearing body armour that provided; i) high coverage (HC: 0.57 ± 0.09 m2, 18.5 ± 0.3 kg), ii) moderate coverage (MC: 0.44 ± 0.07 m2, 18.1 ± ...
Source: Applied Ergonomics - October 11, 2023 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Audrey-Ann Bartlett Georgia K Chaseling Nicoleta Brodesco Am élie Debray Josep Iglesies-Grau Benjamin Pageaux Craig N Burrell Matthew N Cramer Daniel Gagnon Source Type: research

Road safety: The influence of vibration frequency on driver drowsiness, reaction time, and driving performance
Appl Ergon. 2023 Oct 7;114:104148. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104148. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTDriver drowsiness is a factor in at least 20% of serious motor vehicle accidents. Although research has shown that Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) can induce drowsiness in drivers, it is unknown whether particular frequencies are more problematic. The present study systematically investigated the influence of WBV frequency on driver drowsiness. Fifteen participants each undertook six 1-h sessions of simulated driving while being subjected to WBV of either 0 Hz (no vibration), 1-4 Hz, 4-8 Hz, 8-16 Hz, 16-32 Hz or 32-64 Hz. Subject...
Source: Applied Ergonomics - October 9, 2023 Category: Occupational Health Authors: N Zhang M Fard J Xu J L Davy S R Robinson Source Type: research