Citation

Berlin C, Kajaks T. Int. J. Hum. Factrors Model. Simul. 2010; 1(4): 356-379.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Inderscience Publishers)

DOI

10.1504/IJHFMS.2010.040271

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Ergonomics problems in production systems are of a multi-causal nature. It has been established in ergonomics literature that time-related factors, including activity duration, repetitiveness, work-rest distribution and muscle reactions to dynamic loads, can influence the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). In recent years, ergonomic practices have evolved to include the use of digital human models (DHMs) in virtual workstations, resulting in more cost-efficient and proactive evaluations. However, the ergonomic tools provided in DHMs often fail to consider time-related ergonomic factors. This literature review compiles and examines time-related ergonomics terms for the benefit of introducing such concepts into DHMs. The influence of time-scale perspectives and ambiguities regarding how terms have been used are also discussed. Developers of DHMs can benefit immensely from a literary overview of how to consider time-related factors of physical workload. Likewise, the scientific community can benefit from the identification of ambiguities and gaps in ergonomics research.