Changes in trunk sway of quay crane operators during work shift: a possible marker for fatigue?

LEBAN, BRUNO;FANCELLO, GIANFRANCO;FADDA, PAOLO;PAU, MASSIMILIANO

2017-01-01

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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.