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Changes in physical workload with implementation of mouse-based information technology in air traffic control

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Author

  • Inger Arvidsson
  • Gert-Åke Hansson
  • Svend Erik Mathiassen
  • Staffan Skerfving

Summary, in English

Effects on physical workload were quantified when introducing new information technology in air traffic control. Seven female and 7 male air traffic controllers were studied in an old control system, and during simulated-but similar-work in a new, mouse-based system. Postures, movements and muscular load were recorded (inclinometry for head, neck, back and upper arms; goniometry for wrists; elect romyography for the trapezius and forearm extensor muscles). The new system was associated with lower movement velocities than the old one (examples: [50th percentiles] head flexion: 2 vs. 5 degrees/s, P < 0.01; right arm elevation: 3 vs. 6 degrees/s; P < 0.01; [90th percentile] wrist flexion: 19 vs. 50 degrees/s, P < 0.01), less varying postures (head: 95th-5th percentile range 17 degrees vs. 34 degrees; P < 0.01), and less muscular rest in the right forearm extensors (3.5% vs. 9% of time; P < 0.05). The old/new system differences were amplified at high work intensities. The new air traffic control system caused a major change of physical exposures, probably associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders in arms and hands. Relevance to industry While this study concerned the specific changes in the introduction of a new air traffic control system, we believe that the findings are applicable to similar technological developments in other settings. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Publishing year

2006

Language

English

Pages

613-622

Publication/Series

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

Volume

36

Issue

7

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Elsevier

Topic

  • Production Engineering, Human Work Science and Ergonomics

Keywords

  • technical measurements
  • muscular load
  • movements
  • posture
  • computer work
  • visual display unit

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 0169-8141