Industrial Ergonomics and Biomechanics Laboratory

526 / 529 Whittemore Hall

Detailed Information

Faculty:

Dr. Maury A. Nussbaum

Overview:

The Industrial Ergonomics and Biomechanics Laboratory conducts work in theoretical and applied ergonomics, occupational biomechanics, and work physiology, primarily relating to worksite, workstation, and equipment evaluation and design. Other work includes simulation and modeling of human behaviors and consumer product design.

Research:

Some of the recent projects in the Laboratory include:

1. Empirical evaluation of biomechanical models for predicting low-back muscle activity.
2. Investigation of the effects of aging on fatigue and capacity during prolonged intermittent work.
3. Development and evaluation of subjective scales for evaluating tasks requiring combined mental and physical workload.
4. Prevention and control of upper extremity work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
5. Assessment, modeling, and control of fatigue effects on balance and stability.
6. Development of a decision support system to facilitate ergonomic design in residential construction.
7. Evaluation of patient lift-assist devices in healthcare.
8. Design to enhance comfort during driving.

Facilities:

The Laboratory is particularly well equipped to do ergonomics and biomechanics research in a variety of areas. Examples of commonly used equipment include:

1. Automatic motion analysis, photographic, and video systems
2. Several devices for measuring forces, torques, pressures, and human strength
3. Equipment to record the physical reactions of humans to external stresses (e.g. heart rate, oxygen uptake, blood oxygenation, electromyography)
4. Electrogoniometers for joint angle assessment
5. Software for analysis and simulation of humans at work

Links:

More Info on the Laboratory

For Additional Information

Maury Nussbaum

Professor

521 Whittemore Hall
Phone: 540-231-6053
Fax: 540-231-3322
Email: nussbaum@vt.edu