Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test (MSPT): An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
Use of a computerized decision support system for primary and secondary prevention of work-related MSD disability
Sarah K Womack1, Thomas J Armstrong
1Center for Ergonomics, Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA. womacks@umich.edu
Abstract:
The present study evaluates the effectiveness of a decision support system used to evaluate and control physical job stresses and prevent re-injury of workers who have experienced or are concerned about work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The software program is a database that stores detailed job information such as standardized work data, videos, and upper-extremity physical stress ratings for over 400 jobs in the plant. Additionally, the database users were able to record comments about the jobs and related control issues. The researchers investigated the utility and effectiveness of the software by analyzing its use over a 20-month period. Of the 197 comments entered by the users, 25% pertained to primary prevention, 75% pertained to secondary prevention, and 94 comments (47.7%) described ergonomic interventions. Use of the software tool improved primary and secondary prevention by improving the quality and efficiency of the ergonomic job analysis process.
