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ergonomics
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. 2 (1988) 243-247 Elsevier Science Publishers B.V., Amsterdam - Printed in The Netherlands
243
BOOK REVIEWS
Engineering Physiology: Physiologic Basis of Human Factors/Ergonomics by K.H.E. Kroemer, H.J. Kroemer and K.E. Kroemer-Elbert, Elsevier Science Publishers, Amsterdam, 1986, ISBN 0-444-42693-0, xii + 248 pages, Dfl. 150.00.
The practicing ergonomist is often faced with unique situations having no historical reference data on which to base a decision, and so must then retreat to first principles for the determination of the most appropriate course of action. This book has been designed to provide a basic, practical understanding of the scientific concepts underlying human physiology in the workplace. However, the book appears to have been targeted as an introduction to this expansive area for the engineer/psychologist who has not been exposed previously to physiological concepts. The topics which are included are not covered in great depth partially due to the vastness of existing information available on each topic. For the individual already having a working knowledge of this area there is not a significant amount of new information presented. It does succeed in providing basic understanding of not only the "whys" of the tables and charts of our profession, but gives the non-physiologist insight into the use of physiological information needed to solve unique problems. The main discussion in each chapter focusses on the practical aspects of the topic, initially giving a brief explanation and overview of an underlying model which serves as the chapter's framework. Included in the chapter proper is an introduction to the measurement of the involved phenomena, along with a discussion of basic up to date information on the topic and its latest interpretation, interspersed with examples and applications throughout. The chapters may be characterized as dealing with: (1) External considerations (anthropometry, biomechanics). The authors decision to include these topics in a text on physiology is unusual; however in the broadest sense these obviously affect how our bodies utilize their physiological resources. (2) Internal considerations (skeletal muscle, the skeletal system, neuromuscular control system, respiratory system, circulatory
system, metabolic system), and (3) An environmental stressor (the thermal environment). The chapters themselves are well organized; however, the format used for numbering the chapters is awkward. Letters are used to indicate chapter topics, and are not sequential. For example, the chapter on skeletal muscle is designated "Chapter M" and is actually the third chapter. The chapter on Biomechanics is "Chapter B" but is actually chapter five. This arrangement proves to be confusing as well as time consuming when searching for information. A short description of each chapter, with comments, follows: Chapter A (Anthropometry). Old and new measurement techniques are presented, along with a number of the pitfalls of commonly used anthropometric data manipulations. The discussion on anthropometric variability points up the problems encountered by the ergonomist who uses data tables indiscriminately. A useful glossary appears at the end of the chapter. Chapter S (Skeletal System). A short, succinct introduction to human tissues and joints is presented. An important feature of this discussion is that on joint mobility (including the spinal column) and the importance of its inclusion in design applications. Chapter M (Skeletal Muscle). An overview of the process of muscular contraction is presented along with a discussion of the various types of contraction types. An important feature of this chapter is the appendix on the measurement of muscle strength. It is a valuable summary of our present knowledge in the area, and reminds us of our need to understand exactly what it is we are measuring. Chapter N (Neuromuscular Control). The information presented here is not as immediately practical as that found in other chapters. I would like to have seen expanded versions of the Reflex and the Control of Muscle Movement portions-understanding the effects of these concepts on task design within our profession is underappreciated at the present time. Chapter B (Biomechanics). This chapter serves
244 as a very basic overview of this complex topic. The explanation of the role of anthropometric inputs in biomechanics is noteworthy. Chapters R, C, and E (Respiratory System, Cardiovascular System, Metabolic System). These three chapters when taken together provide an excellent background which will aid an individual who wishes to decipher work physiology information and tables. The information found in the Metabolism chapter will also be of great value to those designing work tasks in which length of performance time can be considered a critical variable. Chapter T (Thermal Environment). Body responses to c o l d / h e a t and the acclimatization process are covered and linked to their effects on workers efficiency and comfort. This book is a timely and valuable contribution to the field of ergonomics, as a much needed departure from the typical ergonomics/human factors book. It is a highly readable reference suitable for the specialist and non-specialist alike as it focusses on the "why?" of our discipline--not on the presentation of isolated facts and tables. The importance of understanding the basis for making an ergonomic decision cannot be overemphasized in this day of rapidly changing technology. In summary, the authors have prepared a book primarily for the individual having little prior exposure to physiological concepts. It has a good balance of technical material, useable informational content, and utilizes a straightforward approach to the included topic areas which will make this text a much referenced addition to the practicing ergonomist's bookshelf. P.E. PATTERSON
Iowa State Unioersity Ames, 1A 50011, U.S.A.
The Ergonomics of Working Postures, by Nigel Corlett, John Wilson and Ilija Manenica (Eds.), Taylor & Francis, Ltd., London and Philadelphia, 1986, ISBN 0-85066-338-5, 429 pages including references and subject index. This book is the post conference proceedings of the First International Occupational Ergonomics Symposium, devoted to the ergonomics of working postures, held in Yugoslavia (Zader) from April 15 through April 17, 1985. The volume contains 34 papers, including two case studies, grouped into 6 different sections: Postural risk factors and disease, Methods for measuring body postures, Models of posture, Measures of the effect of posture, Seats and sitting, and Case studies. Most of the papers are fairly detailed and, as a whole, form a very worthwhile collection. However, as generally is the case with such volumes, there are some excellent papers and there are some weak papers. Some of the papers do not provide complete experimental and analytical details but still make a contribution. Of particular interest to the reader should be papers dealing with the measurement of postural effects (section 4) and quantification of postures (section 2). This reviewer was most pleased with the inclusion of a cost-benefit analysis case study. Such case studies are very essential if the ergonomic intervention at the work place is to be encouraged and is to succeed. On the negative side, all papers lack an abstract, thus forcing the reader to go through the entire body of the paper before coming across the findings. Absence of references at the end of each paper is another inconvenience. On the whole, this timely collection of papers deserves a respectable place on the shelf as it provides a good overview of the trends in posture research. As a reference text, it should prove to be a good buy. A N IL MITAL
University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH 45221, U.S.A.
243
BOOK REVIEWS
Engineering Physiology: Physiologic Basis of Human Factors/Ergonomics by K.H.E. Kroemer, H.J. Kroemer and K.E. Kroemer-Elbert, Elsevier Science Publishers, Amsterdam, 1986, ISBN 0-444-42693-0, xii + 248 pages, Dfl. 150.00.
The practicing ergonomist is often faced with unique situations having no historical reference data on which to base a decision, and so must then retreat to first principles for the determination of the most appropriate course of action. This book has been designed to provide a basic, practical understanding of the scientific concepts underlying human physiology in the workplace. However, the book appears to have been targeted as an introduction to this expansive area for the engineer/psychologist who has not been exposed previously to physiological concepts. The topics which are included are not covered in great depth partially due to the vastness of existing information available on each topic. For the individual already having a working knowledge of this area there is not a significant amount of new information presented. It does succeed in providing basic understanding of not only the "whys" of the tables and charts of our profession, but gives the non-physiologist insight into the use of physiological information needed to solve unique problems. The main discussion in each chapter focusses on the practical aspects of the topic, initially giving a brief explanation and overview of an underlying model which serves as the chapter's framework. Included in the chapter proper is an introduction to the measurement of the involved phenomena, along with a discussion of basic up to date information on the topic and its latest interpretation, interspersed with examples and applications throughout. The chapters may be characterized as dealing with: (1) External considerations (anthropometry, biomechanics). The authors decision to include these topics in a text on physiology is unusual; however in the broadest sense these obviously affect how our bodies utilize their physiological resources. (2) Internal considerations (skeletal muscle, the skeletal system, neuromuscular control system, respiratory system, circulatory
system, metabolic system), and (3) An environmental stressor (the thermal environment). The chapters themselves are well organized; however, the format used for numbering the chapters is awkward. Letters are used to indicate chapter topics, and are not sequential. For example, the chapter on skeletal muscle is designated "Chapter M" and is actually the third chapter. The chapter on Biomechanics is "Chapter B" but is actually chapter five. This arrangement proves to be confusing as well as time consuming when searching for information. A short description of each chapter, with comments, follows: Chapter A (Anthropometry). Old and new measurement techniques are presented, along with a number of the pitfalls of commonly used anthropometric data manipulations. The discussion on anthropometric variability points up the problems encountered by the ergonomist who uses data tables indiscriminately. A useful glossary appears at the end of the chapter. Chapter S (Skeletal System). A short, succinct introduction to human tissues and joints is presented. An important feature of this discussion is that on joint mobility (including the spinal column) and the importance of its inclusion in design applications. Chapter M (Skeletal Muscle). An overview of the process of muscular contraction is presented along with a discussion of the various types of contraction types. An important feature of this chapter is the appendix on the measurement of muscle strength. It is a valuable summary of our present knowledge in the area, and reminds us of our need to understand exactly what it is we are measuring. Chapter N (Neuromuscular Control). The information presented here is not as immediately practical as that found in other chapters. I would like to have seen expanded versions of the Reflex and the Control of Muscle Movement portions-understanding the effects of these concepts on task design within our profession is underappreciated at the present time. Chapter B (Biomechanics). This chapter serves
244 as a very basic overview of this complex topic. The explanation of the role of anthropometric inputs in biomechanics is noteworthy. Chapters R, C, and E (Respiratory System, Cardiovascular System, Metabolic System). These three chapters when taken together provide an excellent background which will aid an individual who wishes to decipher work physiology information and tables. The information found in the Metabolism chapter will also be of great value to those designing work tasks in which length of performance time can be considered a critical variable. Chapter T (Thermal Environment). Body responses to c o l d / h e a t and the acclimatization process are covered and linked to their effects on workers efficiency and comfort. This book is a timely and valuable contribution to the field of ergonomics, as a much needed departure from the typical ergonomics/human factors book. It is a highly readable reference suitable for the specialist and non-specialist alike as it focusses on the "why?" of our discipline--not on the presentation of isolated facts and tables. The importance of understanding the basis for making an ergonomic decision cannot be overemphasized in this day of rapidly changing technology. In summary, the authors have prepared a book primarily for the individual having little prior exposure to physiological concepts. It has a good balance of technical material, useable informational content, and utilizes a straightforward approach to the included topic areas which will make this text a much referenced addition to the practicing ergonomist's bookshelf. P.E. PATTERSON
Iowa State Unioersity Ames, 1A 50011, U.S.A.
The Ergonomics of Working Postures, by Nigel Corlett, John Wilson and Ilija Manenica (Eds.), Taylor & Francis, Ltd., London and Philadelphia, 1986, ISBN 0-85066-338-5, 429 pages including references and subject index. This book is the post conference proceedings of the First International Occupational Ergonomics Symposium, devoted to the ergonomics of working postures, held in Yugoslavia (Zader) from April 15 through April 17, 1985. The volume contains 34 papers, including two case studies, grouped into 6 different sections: Postural risk factors and disease, Methods for measuring body postures, Models of posture, Measures of the effect of posture, Seats and sitting, and Case studies. Most of the papers are fairly detailed and, as a whole, form a very worthwhile collection. However, as generally is the case with such volumes, there are some excellent papers and there are some weak papers. Some of the papers do not provide complete experimental and analytical details but still make a contribution. Of particular interest to the reader should be papers dealing with the measurement of postural effects (section 4) and quantification of postures (section 2). This reviewer was most pleased with the inclusion of a cost-benefit analysis case study. Such case studies are very essential if the ergonomic intervention at the work place is to be encouraged and is to succeed. On the negative side, all papers lack an abstract, thus forcing the reader to go through the entire body of the paper before coming across the findings. Absence of references at the end of each paper is another inconvenience. On the whole, this timely collection of papers deserves a respectable place on the shelf as it provides a good overview of the trends in posture research. As a reference text, it should prove to be a good buy. A N IL MITAL
University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH 45221, U.S.A.