ErgoAnalysis
Here is how to start and do measurements in chronological order. Feel free to contact us for feedback or questions.
Print short ErgoAnalysis™ Quick Guide.
Preparing the measurement kit
Do this well in advance. Ensure battery and memory capacities and check the essentials in the measurement kit contents.
1.
Charge the MCells. 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 MCells with ErgoMobile. More detailed instructions available here.
2.
Ensure that the MCells 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, the watch, and any other battery. 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 participants to apply moisturizing cream on their skin on areas where the sensors will be placed. Let the cream be absorbed into the skin before dressing the smart clothes. Moisten all the EMG sensors with water spray.
3.
DRESSING THE SMARTWEAR
Assist with dressing the shirt and shorts (if in use). Ensure that the sensors are in optimal position over the muscle and in good contact with the skin. After the clothes are on, fix the suspenders and tighten them properly so that they cover the trapezius sensors.
4.
DRESSING WORK PROTECTIVE CLOTHES
The participant may dress clothes that are proper for performing the MVC tests, depending on the environment. If possible, keep MCells visible during MVC tests so that you can see their position and led lights blinking green. Wearing shoes is recommended during MVC tests. 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 PHONE WITH ERGOMOBILE TO A TRIPOD
Also, connect the external powerbank to the phone.
2.
PUT THE SMARTWATCH ON THE WRIST
Attach the smartwatch preferably to the left wrist. Press the button at front to open the ErgoWatch app. Verify, that it starts measuring HR value.
3.
PLACE THE MCELLS TO THE CLOTHES
Make sure that MCells are in idle state (blue LED blinks every 3 seconds).
Connect and Start
1.
OPEN ERGOMOBILE APP AND DEFINE MCELLS
Check that the device numbers of the selected MCells correspond to those in use. If not, click on “SELECT DEVICES AND CONNECT”. Select the devices you want to use and unselect irrelevant ones. If you do not see all, press “RESET SELECTED” and wait for the updated list for new selection. Press “SAVE AND CONNECT”. The device color turns green once connected. If all devices are still not connected, press reconnect devices.
2.
START MEASUREMENTS
When all MCells are connected (shown green in ErgoMobile), click “START MEASUREMENT”. You will hear a short sound with a vibration from MCells when measurement starts. MCell's LED starts blinking rapidly green color to indicate ongoing recording.
NOTE. The video recording requires separate start/stop commands! MCells continue recording even if the video is paused.
Perform MVC Tests
1.
DOWNLOAD MVC TEST INSTRUCTIONS
Perform MVC tests and angle offset calibration tests. You must perform all tests: Biceps with hand squeeze, deltoids, trapezius, quadriceps and hamstring & gluteus tests. Hand grip strength test with Jamar device is optional. Tests are needed for the muscle specific maximum EMG level definition and for the algorithms calculated in the Quick Report.
2.
PERFORM MVC TESTS AND ANGLE OFFSET CALIBRATION MOVEMENTS
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.
3.
PAUSE VIDEO AFTER MVC TESTS
Pause the video after all tests have been done. This will make your later ErgoLink analysis easier.
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. Ensure that the ErgoWatch app is recording also during actual work. 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 all MCells are 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 MCells may be disconnected (indicated with yellow circles in ErgoMobile) if participant is out of Bluetooth range. You will reconnect MCells with ErgoMobile before you want to end the measurement session. Make sure that the phone's battery and free memory space is not drained empty.
4.
FINAL VIDEO
Perform synchronization test for 10 s. to fix possible time delay between video, EMG and angle data in long-term measurements
Ending Measurement
1.
CHECK THAT ERGOMOBILE HAS CONNECTION TO THE MCELLS
If the MCell symbols in the ErgoMobile app are not indicated in green, click 'RECONNECT DEVICES' when you are within <10 meters of the participant.
2.
STOP MEASUREMENT IN ERGOMOBILE
Stop the video recording first and then slide to the left to STOP window. Check from ErgoMobile that all MCells and ErgoWatch are now connected. If not, you must reconnect them by clicking 'RECONNECT DEVICES' button. By holding 'STOP MEASUREMENT' button for 3 seconds you can stop the measurement. When the measurement has ended MCells give a sound, vibrate, and LEDs turn blue.
3.
At the SUMMARY –window, wait for the watch to sync data with the phone. When ‘Heart rate data ready’ –message appears, click 'FINISH' to complete the measurement. If the heart rate data is not received in due time, the data can be reloaded in the HISTORY window behind main settings menu.
4.
YOU ARE DONE!
Remove MCells and ErgoWatch. Assist the participant undressing the smart clothes by taking off the suspenders, detaching the back strap and opening the zippers.
NOTE: Before washing the smart clothes, make sure that they are outside out and the zip and straps are closed to protect the sensors in the washing machine. Always use a washing bag while washing the smart clothes.