Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Mao-Jiun J Wang

Publications and source records attributed to Mao-Jiun J Wang.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Professional footwear evaluation for clinical nurses.

Epidemiological investigations indicate that nursing professionals experience a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) than most other occupational groups. Most nursing activities require standing and walking for prolonged periods. Such job requirements may contribute to MSD problems in the lower extremities. Thus, wearing comfortable nursing shoes is essential to reduce the lower-extremity discomfort for clinical nurses. The objectives of this study are: (1) to evaluate three brands of commercially available nursing footwear and identify the important shoe features for adequate shoe support during nursing activities, and (2) to assess the effect of wearing compression hosiery by measuring the biomechanical, physiological, and psychophysical responses of test participants. The method of this study involved two phases. First, field observations were conducted to collect job demand data, including walking speed, and the ratios of walking, standing, and sitting. Second, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the functions of professional nursing footwear and examine the influence of compression hosiery on lower extremity discomfort relief. Measurements included electromyography (EMG) of the lower leg, joint range of motion (ROM) in the lower extremity, foot pressure, ground reaction force (GRF), and subjective discomfort ratings for the lower body and feet. Summarizing the findings of this study, comfortable footwear for nursing professionals should emphasize a footbed with arch support outside with 1.5 cm thickness of EVA materials in the metatarsal zone and heel height between 1.8 and 3.6 cm; this can minimize foot pressure distribution, impact force, and increase shin and ankle comfort. In addition, wearing compression hosiery is recommended to alleviate lower body and foot discomfort for clinical nurses.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Torque levels, subjective discomfort, and muscle activity associated with four commercially available screwdrivers under static and dynamic work conditions.

This study evaluated screwdrivers with different handle designs and blade lengths. 10 men and 10 women voluntarily participated. A repeated-measures experiment design was employed. The three independent factors were sex of user, handle (four types), and blade length (130, 170, and 210 mm). The dependent measures were the maximum supination torque under a static task and the %MVC of EMG responses in biceps brachii and flexor digitorum, and a discomfort rating for the upper extremity under the dynamic task. Analysis showed that the in-line screwdriver with the combined characteristics of large handle diameter (3.8-4.1 cm), smooth rubber covering handle surface, triangular (or circular) shape, and adequate handle length (11 cm) had the greatest supination torque and a smaller discomfort rating than the screwdriver with the pistol-grip handle. Blade length was not significantly related to any dependent measure.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

The comparisons of anthropometric characteristics among four peoples in East Asia.

This study presents comparisons of ethnic difference in anthropometric characteristics among four peoples, i.e., Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Taiwanese, in East Asia. Anthropometric data from the four East Asian countries were compared. The means of 33 body dimensions and 31 bodily proportions are presented. Also, 15 segmental proportions are illustrated. The results of statistical analyses showed that there is a significant morphological difference among these peoples in the same region. The Mainland Chinese body shape has a narrower body with mid-range limbs. The Japanese body shape is wider with shorter limbs. The Korean body shape is mid-range among the four peoples, but the upper limbs are longer. The Taiwanese body shape has wide shoulder and narrow hip with large hands and long legs. The ethnic diversity in bodily proportions should be considered as well as the mean dimensions.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Relationship between maximum acceptable work time and physical workload.

For safe job design, it is necessary to know the maximum acceptable work time (MAWT) for a given workload. The aim was to establish the relationship between MAWT and physical workload. Cycling tests at six different work rates relative to personal maximum working capacity were performed by 12 young adults in the laboratory. The oxygen uptake (VO(2)) in the per cent maximum aerobic capacity (%VO(2max)), relative heart rate (RHR) and relative oxygen uptake (RVO(2)) were collected throughout the test. MAWT was determined by observing the heart rate data during the test. The results showed that MAWT was negatively correlated with %VO(2max), RHR and RVO(2) (p < 0.01). Three exponential regression models were obtained and all their R(2) > 0.80. These models suggest that long-hour shifts (> 10 h) should assign a lower work intensity than for an 8-h workday. It is also logical that the workload limit for a 4-h work shift could be set at about 10% VO(2max) higher than the suggested limit for an 8-h workday.

Adult↗