Abstract
Electroencephalography (EEG) has been shown to be a reliable tool in neuroergonomics studies due to the relatively low cost of brain data collection and limited body invasion. The application of EEG frequency bands (including theta, alpha and beta), enjoyed a wide range of interest in physical and cognitive ergonomics. The psychophysical approach has been used for decades to improve safe work practices by understanding human limitations in manual materials handling. The main objective of this research project was to study the brain's EEG activity expressed by the power spectral density during manual lifting tasks related to: 1) the maximum acceptable weight of lift (MAWL) and 2) isokinetic and isometric lifting strength tests measurement outcomes. The first study investigated the changes in EEG power spectral density during determination of MAWL under low, medium, and high lifting frequencies. A high-density wireless dry cell EEG device has been used to record EEG signals. Twenty healthy males participated in this study. Subjects repeated the same experiment after two weeks. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences in EEG power spectral density between different lifting frequencies at three main brain areas (frontal, central, and parietal). The second study revealed differences in brain activities during isokinetic and isometric strength measurements, based on the recording and analysis of EEG power spectral density. This research project is the first study of EEG activity during manual lifting tasks, including the assessment of MAWL by the psychophysical method, as well as the measurement of human isokinetic and isometric strengths. The results of this project are considered critical to our increased understanding of the neural correlates of human physical activities, and consequently should have a positive impact on workplace design that considers brain activity related to specific human capabilities and limitations in manual lifting tasks.
Notes
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Graduation Date
2016
Semester
Spring
Advisor
Xanthopoulos, Petros
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
College
College of Engineering and Computer Science
Department
Industrial Engineering and Management Systems
Degree Program
Industrial Engineering
Format
application/pdf
Identifier
CFE0006067
URL
http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0006067
Language
English
Release Date
May 2016
Length of Campus-only Access
None
Access Status
Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)
STARS Citation
Aljuaid, Awad, "A Neuroergonomics Study of Brain EEG's Activity During Manual Lifting Tasks" (2016). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 4914.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/4914