@article{wadeson_white_zhang_lau_kaber_2020, title={Effects of stretching on muscle activation in gas cylinder handling}, volume={66}, ISSN={["1875-9270"]}, DOI={10.3233/WOR-203159}, abstractNote={BACKGROUND
Previously, a stretching regimen was designed for manual material handling (MMH) of gas cylinders as a potential ergonomic solution for reducing occupational injury. No studies have made use of objective process measures, such as muscle activation levels, for evaluation of effects of stretching programs.


OBJECTIVE
Examine acute effects of stretching on muscle activation levels and driver perceived level of exertion in gas cylinder handling during simulated delivery operations.


METHODS
A within-subject experiment was conducted with eight male participants being subjected randomly to two conditions over a two-day period: stretching before delivery trials and no stretching. Surface electromyography and the Borg CR-10 scale for perceived exertion were used.


RESULTS
Generally, results were variable among muscle responses. The extensor muscle bundle in the forearm was found to show a significant decrease (p = 0.0464) in activation level because of stretching. The anterior deltoid and trapezius significantly increased (p < .0001) the EMG activation level with stretching. Also counter to expectations, participants rated perceived exertion significantly higher (p = 0.0423) for trials preceded by stretching.


CONCLUSIONS
This research indicates a muscle stretching regimen in advance of MMH activities has mixed effects on activation levels across muscles. It is possible that effects are attributable to body posture positions, or manner of muscle use, during actual work activities. Findings indicate that stretching prior to work activity does have an impact on specific muscle activation.}, number={1}, journal={WORK-A JOURNAL OF PREVENTION ASSESSMENT & REHABILITATION}, author={Wadeson, Amy and White, Melissa M. and Zhang, Wenjuan and Lau, Mei Y. and Kaber, David B.}, year={2020}, pages={149–160} }
 @article{deng_shirley_zhang_kim_kaber_2020, title={Influence of Dynamic Automation Function Allocations on Operator Situation Awareness and Workload in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Control}, volume={959}, ISBN={["978-3-030-20039-8"]}, ISSN={["2194-5365"]}, DOI={10.1007/978-3-030-20040-4_31}, abstractNote={The functional capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have dramatically expanded, placing substantial attentional and information processing demands on UAV operators. This study utilized a high-fidelity UAV flight simulation to explore the potential for DFAs in UAV control to reduce operator workload and support overall situation awareness. Three levels of UAV automation (LoAs) were compared, including DFA and static high and low level of automation. This research extended a preliminary investigation by Zhang et al. (2018). The present research addressed the limitations of the preliminary study by increasing the sample size and comparing effects of LoAs during ‘easy to hard’ and ‘hard to easy’ task difficulty transitions. Results of this study demonstrated the presence of “out-of-the-loop performance” issues under high LoA. Results also showed some support for use of DFAs to address out-of-the-loop problems in UAV operations. Findings of this study provide some guidance for design of DFAs in UAV control.}, journal={ADVANCES IN HUMAN FACTORS AND SYSTEMS INTERACTION}, author={Deng, Yulin and Shirley, James and Zhang, Wenjuan and Kim, Na Young and Kaber, David}, year={2020}, pages={337–348} }
 @article{zahabi_white_zhang_winslow_zhang_huang_kaber_2019, title={Application of Cognitive Task Performance Modeling for Assessing Usability of Transradial Prostheses}, volume={49}, ISSN={["2168-2305"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85063397939&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.1109/THMS.2019.2903188}, abstractNote={The goal of this study was to investigate the use of cognitive modeling to assess the usability of an upper-limb prosthesis with a focus on mental workload responses. Prior studies have investigated usability of upper-limb prostheses with subjective surveys and physiological measures. However, these approaches have limitations, including subject recall of conditions and physiological response contamination by head and body movements and user speech during task performance as well as sensitivity to physical fatigue and room lighting conditions. Cognitive modeling was used to assess mental workload in use of transradial upper-limb prosthesis. A case study was conducted with a participant with upper-limb amputation using two different types of electromyography-based control schemes, including conventional direct control (DC) and pattern recognition (PR) control in order to compare cognitive model outcomes with mental workload assessment using eye-tracking measures. Cognitive models time estimates were also compared with actual task completion time results from the case study to further assess the validity of cognitive modeling as an analytical tool for evaluating upper limb prosthesis usability. Findings of both the cognitive models and case study revealed the PR mode to be more intuitive, reduce cognitive load, and increase efficiency in prosthetic control as compared to the DC mode. Results of the present study revealed that cognitive modeling can be used as an analytical approach for assessing upper-limb prosthetic device usability in terms of workload outcomes. Future studies should validate the present findings with more precise time estimations and a larger user sample size.}, number={4}, journal={IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON HUMAN-MACHINE SYSTEMS}, author={Zahabi, Maryam and White, Melissa Mae and Zhang, Wenjuan and Winslow, Anna T. and Zhang, Fan and Huang, He and Kaber, David B.}, year={2019}, month={Aug}, pages={381–387} }
 @article{moral-munoz_zhang_cobo_herrera-viedma_kaber_2019, title={Smartphone-based systems for physical rehabilitation applications: A systematic review}, ISSN={["1949-3614"]}, DOI={10.1080/10400435.2019.1611676}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT Tele-(remote) rehabilitation is attracting increased attention from society, including the research community and commercial marketplace with an estimated global market value of $160 billion. Meanwhile, mobile device-based healthcare (“mHealth”) has appeared as a revolutionary approach to tele-rehabilitation practice. This paper presents a systematic review of the literature on smartphone-based systems designed for remote facilitation of physical rehabilitation. A total of 74 documents from Web of Science search results were reviewed. Systems were classified based on target medical conditions, and a taxonomy of technology was created along with identification of monitored activities. Beyond monitoring, some systems also provide patient-caregiver communication and progress management functions. The review identifies major research interests in stroke, cardiac disease, balance impairment and joint/limb rehabilitation; however, there is a lack of attention to other diseases. There are also few systems that have computerized existing clinical tests. On the basis of the review, design recommendations are formulated to encourage implementation of advanced functionalities, usability considerations, and system validation based on clinical evidence. Results of this study may help researchers and companies to design functions and interactions of smartphone-based rehabilitation systems or to select technology.}, journal={ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY}, author={Moral-Munoz, Jose A. and Zhang, Wenjuan and Cobo, Manuel J. and Herrera-Viedma, Enrique and Kaber, David B.}, year={2019}, month={May} }
 @article{zahabi_zhang_pankok_lau_shirley_kaber_2017, title={Effect of physical workload and modality of information presentation on pattern recognition and navigation task performance by high-fit young males}, volume={60}, ISSN={["1366-5847"]}, DOI={10.1080/00140139.2017.1324115}, abstractNote={Abstract Many occupations require both physical exertion and cognitive task performance. Knowledge of any interaction between physical demands and modalities of cognitive task information presentation can provide a basis for optimising performance. This study examined the effect of physical exertion and modality of information presentation on pattern recognition and navigation-related information processing. Results indicated males of equivalent high fitness, between the ages of 18 and 34, rely more on visual cues vs auditory or haptic for pattern recognition when exertion level is high. We found that navigation response time was shorter under low and medium exertion levels as compared to high intensity. Navigation accuracy was lower under high level exertion compared to medium and low levels. In general, findings indicated that use of the haptic modality for cognitive task cueing decreased accuracy in pattern recognition responses. Practitioner Summary: An examination was conducted on the effect of physical exertion and information presentation modality in pattern recognition and navigation. In occupations requiring information presentation to workers, who are simultaneously performing a physical task, the visual modality appears most effective under high level exertion while haptic cueing degrades performance.}, number={11}, journal={ERGONOMICS}, author={Zahabi, Maryam and Zhang, Wenjuan and Pankok, Carl and Lau, Mei Ying and Shirley, James and Kaber, David}, year={2017}, pages={1516–1527} }
 @article{pankok_zahabi_zhang_choi_liao_nam_kaber_2017, title={The effects of interruption similarity and complexity on performance in a simulated visual-manual assembly operation}, volume={59}, ISSN={["1872-9126"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.apergo.2016.08.022}, abstractNote={The objective of the study was to assess the effects of interruption task similarity and complexity on performance of a simulated industrial assembly operation. Eighteen participants performed a simulated industrial assembly operation, including one trial with no interruption and eight others presenting an interruption task. Interruption conditions comprised a full crossing of task similarity to the primary assembly operation (similar, dissimilar) and complexity (simple, complex) with replication for each participant. Order of condition presentation was randomized. Findings revealed greater time to return to primary visual-manual assembly performance after a similar task interruption. Results also indicated complex interruptions may promote cognitive arousal that increases productivity following assembly interruptions. The majority of results are explained in terms of the Activation-Based Memory for Goals model. Findings provide some guidance for interruption management protocol design for workers engaged in procedural visual-manual assembly operations.}, journal={APPLIED ERGONOMICS}, author={Pankok, Carl, Jr. and Zahabi, Maryam and Zhang, Wenjuan and Choi, Inchul and Liao, Yi-Fan and Nam, Chang S. and Kaber, David}, year={2017}, month={Mar}, pages={94–103} }
 @article{white_zhang_winslow_zahabi_zhang_huang_kaber_2017, title={Usability Comparison of Conventional Direct Control Versus Pattern Recognition Control of Transradial Prostheses}, volume={47}, ISSN={["2168-2305"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85032257100&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.1109/thms.2017.2759762}, abstractNote={The goal of this study was to compare the usability of two control schemes for a transradial myoelectric prosthesis, including conventional direct control (DC) and pattern recognition (PR) control, when used by able-bodied individuals. Three types of response measures were captured to assess the control schemes, including learnability, performance, and cognitive workload. Prior research has applied performance and cognitive workload metrics for evaluation of prosthetics; however, workload measures applied in these studies (e.g., heart rate, electroencephalography, and respiration rate) have many limitations. This study used eye tracking to compare cognitive load implications of the different control schemes for a two degrees-of-freedom myoelectric prosthesis. In total, 12 participants were assigned to either control condition (six persons each) or perform a clothespin relocation task. Results revealed the PR scheme to be more intuitive for users and superior to DC across all response measures. We observed a lower learning percentage (i.e., greater learning potential), lower cognitive load, and greater productivity in task performance. This preliminary study illustrates efficacy of using eye-tracking-based measures of cognitive load and standardize test paradigms for assessment of upper limb prosthetic usability and supports PR prosthetic device control as an intuitive alternative to DC.}, number={6}, journal={IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON HUMAN-MACHINE SYSTEMS}, author={White, Melissa Mae and Zhang, Wenjuan and Winslow, Anna T. and Zahabi, Maryam and Zhang, Fan and Huang, He and Kaber, David B.}, year={2017}, month={Dec}, pages={1146–1157} }
 @article{zhang_ma_brandao_kaber_bloomfield_swangnetr_2016, title={Biometric validation of a virtual reality-based psychomotor test for motor skill training}, volume={28}, ISSN={["1949-3614"]}, DOI={10.1080/10400435.2016.1165758}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT Psychomotor tests have been applied in clinical therapy and laboratory research as tools for evaluating motor and cognitive skills. Some studies have developed computerized versions of such tests using virtual reality (VR) systems with haptic interface controls. These systems allow for increased flexibility in test delivery and accuracy in performance assessment. In this study, a VR-based computer simulation of the block design (BD) test (a standardized psychomotor task as part of an adult IQ test) was developed and compared with the physical version of the test. Performance was evaluated based on four types of muscle activation collected using electromyography (EMG), time spent in completing the task, and subjective ratings of workload. Results verified the VR-based task as physically comparable to the conventional BD test. The validated computerized psychomotor task may be applied for both experimental and clinical use in future studies.}, number={4}, journal={ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY}, author={Zhang, Wenjuan and Ma, Wenqi and Brandao, Maicom and Kaber, David B. and Bloomfield, Peter and Swangnetr, Manida}, year={2016}, pages={233–241} }
 @inproceedings{zhang_white_zahabi_winslow_zhang_huang_kaber_2016, title={Cognitive workload in conventional direct control vs. pattern recognition control of an upper-limb prosthesis}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85015802131&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.1109/smc.2016.7844587}, abstractNote={The purpose of this study was to compare the cognitive workload of able-bodied individuals when using a myoelectric prosthetic under direct control (DC) or electromyography pattern recognition (PR) control. Different from existing clinical evaluations involving dual-task performance, pupillography measured with an eye-tracking system was used to quantitatively assess user cognitive workload in using a 2 degree-of-freedom prosthesis for a clothespin task. Test results revealed the PR control to produce superior task performance and to require lower cognitive load than demanded of participants under the DC condition. This study provided evidence of both performance and workload advantages of PR control over DC control. PR control was more intuitive to the prosthesis user and, therefore, required less cognitive effort. Furthermore, the study identified a new effective measure of cognitive workload in upper limb prosthesis use via pupillography.}, booktitle={Ieee international conference on systems man and cybernetics conference}, author={Zhang, W. J. and White, M. and Zahabi, M. and Winslow, A. T. and Zhang, F. and Huang, He and Kaber, D.}, year={2016}, pages={2335–2340} }
 @inproceedings{zahabi_zhang_pankok_lau_shirley_kaber_2016, title={Effect of physical workload on navigation task performance by high-fit young males}, DOI={10.1109/smc.2016.7844265}, abstractNote={Many occupations require both physical exertion and the ability to navigate in an environment, simultaneously. This study investigated how intensity of physical activity influences direction determination and distance estimation. Thirty high fit young males participated in a lab study. Results showed that while high fit young males were accurate in determining direction across levels of physical exertion, they were significantly less accurate in distance estimation under high exertion intensity. Although physical activity level did not influence direction determination accuracy, response time was significantly shorter when participants were subject to low physical loading in comparison to medium and high loading. In addition, we found that distance estimation response time increased as physical workload increased. Findings of this study can be used to enhance presentation of navigation information in occupations that require concurrent physical activity and navigation.}, booktitle={Ieee international conference on systems man and cybernetics conference}, author={Zahabi, M. and Zhang, W. J. and Pankok, C. and Lau, M. Y. and Shirley, J. and Kaber, D. B.}, year={2016}, pages={350–354} }
 @inproceedings{zhang_swangnetr_bloomfield_kaber_2016, title={Electromyography (EMG) as a tool for computerized psychomotor test validation}, volume={489}, booktitle={Advances in physical ergonomics and human factors}, author={Zhang, W. J. and Swangnetr, M. and Bloomfield, P. and Kaber, D.}, year={2016}, pages={967–978} }
 @inproceedings{zhang_feltner_shirley_swangnetr_kaber_2016, title={Unmanned aerial vehicle control interface design and cognitive workload: A constrained review and research framework}, DOI={10.1109/smc.2016.7844502}, abstractNote={Unprincipled design of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) control interfaces can increase operator cognitive workload and degrade performance. It is important to identify optimal interface design features that can serve to prevent cognitive overload under demanding task scenarios and environmental conditions. The present research summarized literature on critical issues in supervisory control interface design, current UAV interface design approaches and existing evaluation methods. A research framework was also proposed for a project to systematically and quantitatively relate UAV control interface features to cognitive workload outcomes. The framework also supports development an effective and efficient interface evaluation tool to predict cognitive workload based on specific design features.}, booktitle={Ieee international conference on systems man and cybernetics conference}, author={Zhang, W. J. and Feltner, D. and Shirley, J. and Swangnetr, M. and Kaber, D.}, year={2016}, pages={1821–1826} }