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Browsing by Author "Brazile, Bill, committee member"

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    Analysis of 3D facial anthropometric measurements for respirator fit outcomes
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Hobbs-Murphy, Kayna, author; Rosecrance, John, advisor; Brazile, Bill, committee member; Anderson, Brooke, committee member; Morris, Kristen, committee member; Hess, Ann, committee member
    Anthropometry is central to the development of efficacious products and environments (i.e., personal protective equipment, clothing, sunglasses, chairs, interior spaces, etc.) used by humans. Three-dimensional (3D) scanning is increasingly common for collecting anthropometric data, as it is faster and less intrusive than traditional manual methods. Additionally, 3D anthropometric methods used to derive facial dimensions provide greater contextual application in the development of respirators and facemasks. More than 2,000 3D facial scans were analyzed to assess measurement reliability and the dimensions of 27 facial features. This research represents the largest sample of 3D facial anthropometrics assessed to date. The three specific aims of the research included: 1) to assess the intra- and inter-rater reliability of 3D facial measurement methods, 2) to compare the 3D facial anthropometric summary statistics from the present study to relevant summary statistics from manual facial measurements found in the literature, and 3) to assess the presence of differences in 3D facial anthropometrics related to respirator fit, based on demographic factors of gender, race/ethnicity, and age. Post hoc analyses were completed to quantify 3D facial measurement differences between demographic groups (within the larger demographic categories of gender, race/ethnicity, and age group). The most notable results of this research include a) high reliability in 3D measurement data collection methods, b) differences in measurement data summary statistics between 3D and manual methods, and c) significant differences in facial measurements between demographic categories of gender (Male and Female/Other), race/ethnicity (White, Black, LatinX, Asian, and Other), and age (18-34, 35-54, and 55-72).
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    Characterizing stooped posture of agricultural tasks
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Sanders, Denali, author; Rosecrance, John, advisor; Brazile, Bill, committee member; Hobbs-Murphy, Kayna, committee member
    Agricultural field workers worldwide are often required to work in stooped postures during their working tasks. Stooped postures constitute a significant risk factor for the development of musculoskeletal disorders, specifically low back pathologies that cause pain. Chronic low back pain is a devastating disorder that can lead to depression, decreased mobility, lower quality of life, absenteeism from work, and decreased work productivity. Unfortunately, few studies have quantified stooped postures among agricultural workers, which makes it difficult to develop targeted work design improvements. The present study aimed to characterize stooped postures among workers engaged in several common agricultural tasks. Agricultural workers (N=43) were recruited from multiple Colorado farms and represented eight distinct work tasks. Participants wore a biomodule that contained a tri-axial accelerometer (Zephyr BioHarness) on their chests to record and log trunk postures in degrees for approximately two hours during specific work tasks. Data recorded on the sensor module were downloaded and analyzed in a customized RStudio program by participant and task to determine task cycle time, percentage of time spent in three posture categories (<0° to 30°, >30° to <60°, ≥60°), and mean trunk flexion. Stooped posture was defined as a trunk flexion equal to or greater than 60 degrees. The data indicated differences in task cycle time, percentage of time spent in posture categories, and mean trunk flexion across agricultural tasks. The results of the current study provide quantitative data that can help inform the development of targeted interventions aimed at reducing stooped postures in agricultural workers. Additionally, the methods developed in the present study may assist the Colorado Department of Agriculture and farm owners with evaluating the policies established in the Colorado Senate Bill (SB 21-087), which limits stooped postures during agricultural tasks that involve thinning and weeding during crop production.
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    Musculoskeletal disorder symptom prevalence among construction workers
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2022) Townsend, Kelsey, author; Rosecrance, John, advisor; Brazile, Bill, committee member; Morris, Kristen, committee member
    Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) symptoms among construction workers have direct impact on their work ability and quality of life. Understanding self-reported MSD symptoms and their association with work tasks may assist in the identification of interventions to reduce their occurrence. The purpose of this descriptive study was to assess MSD symptom prevalence and job factors that may be associated with symptoms among a sample of 104 construction workers (plumbers and pipefitters) in the San Jose region of California. Methods: A self-administered survey, which was used with several other cohorts (including within construction trades) by a variety of investigators, was distributed to 104 plumbers and pipefitters at a local union meeting. The survey assessed demographic characteristics, work-related MSD symptom history in the previous 12-months and job factors which may contribute to MSD symptoms. Results: The mean age of the participating workers was 48. The top four body regions reported to have MSD symptoms were the low back, the shoulders, the neck, and the knees. Low back pain was associated with the job factor bending or twisting the back in an awkward way. Shoulder pain was associated with reaching or working overhead or away from the body. Neck pain was associated with working in cramped or awkward positions. Significance: Based on these analyses, a prioritization of resources that focus on the anatomical areas most likely to be injured as well as the job factors that contribute to the MSD symptoms in specific construction work may assist in injury prevention.