ErgoAnalysis
Here is how to start and do measurements in chronological order. Feel free to contact us for feedback or questions.
Preparing the ErgoSleeve measurement kit
Do this well in advance. Ensure battery and memory capacities and check the essentials in the measurement kit contents.
1.
Charge the MCell or two, if you use 2 ErgoSleeves for both arms. A battery level of at least 50% is recommended for a full working day recordings. You can check the MCell battery level status in ErgoLink or connecting MCell with ErgoMobile. More detailed instructions available here.
2.
Ensure that the MCell have enough memory. A free memory capacity of at least 50% is recommended for full working day recordings. More detailed instructions available here.
3.
Charge the phone. For measurements over 2 hours it is recommended to use an external powerbank for the phone.
4.
Fill the spray bottle with water. Ensure that you have moisturizing cream.
5.
Pack up all the equipment mentioned in the checklist.
We recommend reading this whole list before starting.
Onboard Participants
1.
DO THE PAPERWORK
Give ErgoAnalysis Onepager to the participant and explain the measurement process. Fill in the questionnaire with the participant, including informed consent, if relevant.
2.
PREPARE THE SKIN AND MOISTEN THE SENSORS
Ask the participant to apply moisturizing cream on their skin on areas where the sensors will be placed on. Let the cream to be absorbed into the skin before dressing the smartwear. Turn the sleeve inside out and moisten the ErgoSleeve’s silver coloured EMG-sensors with water spray.
3.
DRESSING THE SMARTWEAR
Assist with dressing the sleeve. Ensure that the sensors are in optimal position over the muscle and in good contact with the skin.
Put the ErgoSleeve on the test person’s right arm so that:
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The EMG sensor areas are covering the wrist flexor and extensor muscle groups (use the outside marker lines).
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Position the hole of sleeve on to the tip of elbow bone.
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Make sure that the IMU sensors are correctly positioned on the palm and wrist areas (at the bottom inside the pockets and the push button and USB facing toward the thumb).
4.
DRESSING THE WORK PROTECTIVE CLOTHES
The participant may dress clothes that are proper for performing the MVC tests, depending on the environment. If possible, keep the MCells visible during the MVC tests so that you can see their position and led lights blinking green. Naturally, all protective clothes must be worn during the actual work. Physical work may induce some sweating, but is does not hamper the measurements.
Prepare Devices
1.
ATTACH THE ERGOMOBILE TO A TRIPOD
Attach the smartphone to the tripod so that it is facing to the area where the test measurement is done. Also, connect the external powerbank to the phone.
2.
PLACE THE MCELL TO THE ERGOSLEEVE
Make sure that MCell is in idle state (blue LED blinks every 3 seconds).
3.
PLACE IMU SENSORS
Make sure that IMU sensors are in idle state (blinking).
Connect and Start
1.
OPEN ERGOMOBILE APP AND DEFINE MCELL
Check that the device number of the selected MCell correspond to that one in use. If not, click on “SELECT DEVICES AND CONNECT”. Select the device you want to use and unselect irrelevant ones. If you do not see it, press “RESET SELECTED” and wait for the updated list for new selection. Press “SAVE AND CONNECT”. The device color turns green once connected. If the device still not connected, press reconnect devices.
2.
START MEASUREMENTS
When MCell is connected (shown green in ErgoMobile), click “START MEASUREMENT”. You will hear a short sound with a vibration from the MCell when measurement starts. MCells’ LED starts blinking rapidly green color to indicate ongoing recording.
You may now use ErgoMobile app for initiating the video recording.
NOTE. The video recording requires separate start/stop commands! The MCell continue recording even if the video is paused.
Perform MVC Tests
1.
DOWNLOAD MVC TEST INSTRUCTIONS
Perform MVC tests and angle offset calibration tests. Tests are needed for the muscle specific maximum EMG level (MVCmax) definition and for the algorithms calculated in the Quick Report.
2.
PERFORM MVC TESTS AND ANGLE OFFSET CALIBRATION MOVEMENTS
Procedure:
1. Ensure the video is recording.
2. Measure with the bar following isometric test: Pull up, Push down, Finger flexion and Finger extension.
3. Perform the angle offset calibration movements.
a) T-position (the subject holds the arm at a 90-degree angle to the side for 15 seconds)
b) N-position (the subject holds the arm next to the side for 15 seconds)
NOTE! That that movements should be performed bilateral.
3.
PAUSE VIDEO AFTER MVC TESTS
Pause the video after all tests have been done. This will make your later ErgoLink analysis easier.
Start measuring first the MVC test, also taking video. In the ErgoMobile app, click 'REC' to record video and 'STOP' to stop recording. Write down in the Participant Questionnare, if there is a trouble in performing some test, e.g. due to musculoskeletal pain. Remember to perform the angle offset calibration test two times: together with MVC tests and also in the end of whole ErgoAnalysis session.
Measuring Physical Load of Work Phases
1.
INSTRUCT THE PARTICIPANT
Instruct the participant to perform those work phases that have been planned ahead. Do not interrupt participant's work, if not necessary.
2.
PAUSE VIDEOS BETWEEN WORK PHASES
It is advisable to pause the video between different work phases and during breaks or whenever data is not needed. Do not make a single video longer than two hours in order to make your data analysis easier. You can add Markers to the video by clicking the Marker symbol in the upper right corner of the display.
3.
TIPS TO CHECK THAT MESUREMENT IS DOING FINE
Visually confirm that the MCell is blinking green light at all times between onset and ending during the whole measurement session. It is ok, that the Bluetooth connection between the ErgoMobile and MCell may be disconnected (indicated with yellow circles in ErgoMobile) if participant is out of Bluetooth range. You will reconnect the MCell with ErgoMobile before you want to end the measurement session. Keep observing, that the phone's battery and free memory space is not drained empty.
Ending Measurement
1.
CHECK THAT ERGOMOBILE HAS CONNECTION TO THE MCELL
If the MCell symbol in the ErgoMobile app is not indicated in green, click 'RECONNECT DEVICES' when you are within <10 meter distance to the participant. Perform the angle calibration movements (T-position and N-position) again in long measurements (> 1 hrs).
2.
STOP MEASUREMENT IN ERGOMOBILE
Stop the video recording first and then slide to the left to STOP window. Check that all MCell ErgoWatch are now connected. If not, you must reconnect them by clicking RECONNECT DEVICES button. Stop the measurement by holding 'STOP MEASUREMENT' button for 3 seconds. When the measurement has ended the MCell gives a sound, vibrate, and the LEDs turn blue.
3.
YOU ARE DONE!
Remove the MCell and assist the participant undressing the smartwear. Best way to remove the ErgoSleeve is to turn it inside out ('unskining snake').
NOTE. Before washing ErgoSleeve must be turned back to outside out to protect the sensors in washing machine. Always put the smartwear to a washing bag!