Seed Grants

An examination of workflow characteristics on distal upper extremity joint loading and worker performance related to changes in mobile data terminal orientation in police cruisers (2011)

Lead Researcher: Michael Holmes (University of Waterloo)
Co-Researcher: Jack Callaghan (University of Waterloo)

Influence of prolonged sitting on postural onset of flexion-relaxation phenomena in the low-back (2011)

Lead Researcher: Samuel Howarth (Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College)
Co-Researcher: Tyson Beach (University of Toronto)

Occupational risk for musculoskeletal disorders in child care workers: A study of muscular activation in high flexion postures (2011)

Lead Researcher: Stacey Acker (University of Waterloo)
Co-Researchers: Monica Maly (McMaster University); Jack Callaghan (University of Waterloo)

Physical and psychological determinants of workplace injuries: A study of seasonal forest fire fighters (2011)

Lead Researcher: Michel Lariviere (Laurentian University)
Co-Researchers: Tammy Eger, Hilary Gordon** (Laurentian University)

Risk assessment for in-home personal support workers (2011)

Lead Researcher: David Andrews
Co-Researchers: Patricia Weir (University of Windsor); Michael Sonne** (McMaster University); Janessa Drake, Alison Schinkel-Ivy**, Brian Nairn** (York University)

The impact of age on the mechanical and structural integrity of annulus fibrosis tissue with prolonged vibration exposure (2011)

Lead Researcher: Chad Gooyers** (University of Waterloo)
Co-Researchers: Elliott McMillan**, Alexander Wright**, Joe Quadrilatero, Jack Callaghan (University of Waterloo)

Trunk muscular response following inertial based perturbations with and without exposure to whole body vibrations: Potential implications for vehicle related injuries (2011)

Lead Researcher: Joel Cort (University of Windsor)
Co-Researcher: Jim Dickey (University of Western Ontario)

Work-related hand injuries among physiotherapists: Do muscle activation patterns and carpometacarpal joint integrity relate to thumb pain? (2011)

Lead Researcher: Kristina Calder (McMaster University)
Co-Researchers: Monica Maly, Joy MacDermid, Norma MacIntyre (McMaster University)

A feasibility study for 24-hour exposure monitoring for MSD risk factors using EMG and electronic diary (2010)

Lead Researcher: Sophia Berolo** (University of Waterloo)
Co-Researcher: Richard Wells (University of Waterloo)

Assessing pain, physical and psychosocial risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in university custodial staff (2010)

Lead Researcher: Dwayne Van Eerd** (University of Waterloo)
Co-Researchers: Amin Yazdani**, Jaclyn Blacklock**, Niki Carlan**, Gregg Pitt**, Chris Bonnett**, Richard Wells (University of Waterloo)

Assessment of pelvic, lumbar spine and thoracic spine chair design features on lumbar spine posture and comfort during prolonged office sitting (2010)

Lead Researcher: Diana De Carvalho** (University of Waterloo)
Co-Researcher: Jack Callaghan (University of Waterloo)

Developing a collaborative participatory MSD prevention training program for young workers (2010)

Lead Researcher: Phil Bigelow (University of Waterloo)
Co-Researchers: Craig Ervine, Rebecca Meyer (University of Waterloo); Ann McIntosh (East Central Ontario Training Board)

Evaluating ergonomics of helmets and risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (2010)

Lead Researcher: Alison Godwin (Laurentian University)
Co-Researcher: Tammy Eger (Laurentian University)

Investigation of injury rates and causes of injury among Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Paramedics (2010)

Lead Researcher: Renee MacPhee (Wilfrid Laurier University)
Co-Researcher: Joan Stevenson (Queen's University)

Load limits for manual material handling - Do psychophysical estimates of acceptable loads during lifting differ between older and younger workers? (2010)

Lead Researcher: Andrew Laing (University of Waterloo)
Co-Researcher: Clark Dickerson (University of Waterloo)

Pilot study of managerial beliefs and practices in MSD prevention in Canada (2010)

Lead Researcher: Patrick Neumann (Ryerson University)
Co-Researchers: Nancy Theberge (University of Waterloo); Shane Dixon (Ryerson University)

Towards the establishment of a movement-based approach to the physical preparation of occupational athletes - Is there a relationship between job-specific fitness and whole-body movement patterns/strategies? (2010)

Lead Researcher: David Frost** (University of Waterloo)
Co-Researchers: Jack Callaghan, Stu McGill, Tyson Beach** (University of Waterloo)

A method to predict acceptable hand force demands during upper extremity intensive work: A test of principle (2009)

Lead Researcher: Steven Fischer** (University of Waterloo)
Co-Researchers: Richard Wells, Clark Dickerson (University of Waterloo)

Determination of a reliable method for detecting a load-in-hands during typical MMH lifting tasks (2009)

Lead Researcher: Joan Stevenson (Queen's University)
Co-Researchers: Susan Reid, Glen Takahara (Queen's University)

Development and evaluation of an electronic office ergonomic risk checklist - The Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) (2009)

Lead Researcher: David Andrews (University of Windsor)
Co-Researchers: Michael Sonne** (University of Windsor)

Establishing a tissue-based foundation for shear injury prevention in the low-back: The impact of repetitive anterior-posterior shear load magnitude on injury mechanics (2009)

Lead Researcher: Samuel Howarth** (University of Waterloo)
Co-Researchers: Jack Callaghan (University of Waterloo)

Investigation of ergonomic work height recommendations for working in the outer range of normal reach and supporting the body against the work surface edge (2009)

Lead Researcher: Mohammad Abdoli-Eramaki (Ryerson University)
Co-Researchers: Joan Stevenson (Queen's University)

Muscular activity during cervical flexion: Modulating effects of task-related postural constraints (2009)

Lead Researcher: Nadia Azar (University of Windsor)
Co-Researchers: Janessa Drake (York University); Jack Callaghan (University of Waterloo)

Radiographic examination of humeral head migration after fatiguing the rotator cuff with a simulated work task (2009)

Lead Researcher: Clark Dickerson (University of Waterloo)
Co-Researchers: Jaclyn Chopp** (University of Waterloo); John O'Neill (St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton)

Sensorimotor testing for the early identification of individuals at risk of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (2009)

Lead Researcher: Linda McLean (Queen's University)
Co-Researchers: Joan Stevenson (Queen's University); Matthew Faris (Queen's University and Providence Care)

An evaluation of the reliability and usability of a workplace hazard identification and assessment checklist included in the new MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario: A pilot study (2008)

Lead Researcher: Syed Naqvi (Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers) Co-Researchers: Desre Kramer (University of Waterloo); Ted Haines (McMaster University)

Developing a posture correction approach of ISO vibration standards: A pilot study (2008)

Lead Researcher: Jack Callaghan (University of Waterloo)
Co-Researchers: Tammy Eger (Laurentian University); Peter Keir, Bruce Wainman (McMaster University); Diane Gregory**(University of Waterloo)

Establishing the effect of whole-body vibration, mechanical shock loading, and postural considerations on the progression of intervertebral disc herniations: An investigation implementing radiographs, CT imaging and dissection techniques with relevance to occupational drivers (2008)

Lead Researcher: Stuart McGill (University of Waterloo)
Co-Researchers: Justin Yates**(University of Waterloo)

Examination of vibration characteristics and benefits of "anti-vibration" mats and insoles for workers exposed to vibration via the feet (2008)

Lead Researcher: Tammy Eger (Laurentian University)
Co-Researchers: Alison Godwin, Sylvain Grenier, Mallorie Kusins**(Laurentian University); Jim Dickey (University of Guelph)

Is there a relationship between qualitative whole-body movement screen scores and low-back mechanics? (2008)

Lead Researcher: Stuart McGill (University of Waterloo)
Co-Researchers: Jack Callaghan, David Frost**, Tyson Beach**(University of Waterloo)

Optimizing the use of digital human models for performing valid proactive ergonomic analyses (2008)

Lead Researcher: Jim Potvin (McMaster University)

The feasibility of using a video-based approach to quantify cumulative low back loads of nurses in an acute care hospital (2008)

Lead Researcher: Patricia Weir (University of Windsor)
Co-Researchers: David Andrews (University of Windsor); Alan Salmoni, Michael Kerr (University of Western Ontario); Jack Callaghan (University of Waterloo)
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The sensory feedback mouse study: Pilot study on the effectiveness of sensory feedback in VDU workers (2008)

Lead Researcher: Ivan Steenstra (Institute for Work & Health)
Co-Researchers: Dwayne Van Eerd, Donald Cole, Ben Amick, Philip Bigelow (Institute for Work & Health)

Virtual ergonomics in production planning (2008)

Lead Researcher: Patrick Neumann (Ryerson University)

Assessment of joint loads responsible for musculoskeletal symptoms during the tree-planting task (2007)

Lead Researcher: Genevieve Dumas (Queen`s University)
Co-Researchers: Tegan Upjohn**(Queen`s University); Peter Keir (McMaster University)
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Feasibility assessment of a multi methods approach for evaluating risky driving posture adopted by operators of industrial equipment (2007)

Lead Researcher: Tammy Eger (Laurentian University)
Co-Researchers: Jack Callaghan (University of Waterloo); Sylvain Grenier (Laurentian University); Alison Godwin**(Queen`s University)

Including biomechanical shoulder modeling in job assessments (2007)

Lead Researcher: Clark Dickerson (University of Waterloo)

Manual materials handling tasks in those with knee osteoarthritis: Could compensations due to knee symptoms increase the risk of low back injury? (2007)

Lead Researcher: Monica Maly (University of Western Ontario)
Co-Researchers: Scott Lynn (Queen`s University); Monique Gignac (University of Toronto); Jack Callaghan (University of Waterloo)

Quantifying spinal loading and mechanics in industrial tasks: Effects of load magnitude, gender, and coupled motion (2007)

Lead Researcher: Janessa Drake (University of Windsor)
Co-Researchers: James Frank (University of Windsor); Jack Callaghan, Robert Parkinson** (University of Waterloo)
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Refining exposure measurements in VDU workers: Comparison of four methods (2007)

Lead Researcher: Dwayne Van Eerd (Institute for Work & Health)
Co-Researchers: Ivan Steenstra, Donald Cold, Philip Bigelow, Ben Amick, Dorcas Beaton (Institute for Work & Health)
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The role of dynamic torsion on disc herniation mechanisms (2007)

Lead Researcher: Sutart McGill (University of Waterloo)
Co-Researcher: Leigh Marshall**(University of Waterloo)

Three dimensional estimation of the dynamic moments on the lumbar spine among the cylinder drivers and dock workers at Superior Propane Inc. (2007)

Lead Researcher: Mohammad Abdoli-E (Ryerson University)
Co-Researchers: Jim Potvin (McMaster University)

Approaches to reducing upper extremity loading and injury risk factors during the installation of hydro meters (2006)

Lead Researcher: Clark Dickerson
Co-Researchers: Shannon Maracle, Carrie Boyle (Electrical & Utilities Safety Association)

Developing a measurement tool: Assessing respect and disrespect in the workplace (2006)

Lead Researcher: Ann-Sylvia Brooker (University of Waterloo)
Co-Researchers: Wayne Lewchuk (McMaster University); Dorcas Beaton (Institute for Work & Health)

Development of a risk index for shoulder cumulative exposure and a linking of AUTO21 low back cumulative exposure data with the OUBPS LBPRI data sheet (2006)

Lead Researcher: Jack Callaghan (University of Waterloo)
Co-Researchers: Richard Wells (University of Waterloo)

Empirical quantification of shoulder muscular demand/perception relationships for low physical demand tasks (2006)

Lead Researcher: Clark Dickerson (University of Waterloo)
Co-Researcher: Rebecca Brookham**(University of Waterloo)
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Finalize prototype and collect baseline data on women wearing an on-body personal lift assistive device (PLAD) (2006)

Lead Researcher: Joan Stevenson (Queen`s University)
Co-Researchers: Jim Potvin (McMaster University); Alison Godwin**, Alexis Twiddy**(Queen`s University)
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Multi-task jobs and job rotation (2006)

Lead Researcher: Jim Potvin (University of Windsor)
Co-Researchers: Carolien Kanne**(Vrie University, Amsterdam)

Quantifying physical exposure in police cruiser operations (2006)

Lead Researcher: Jack Callaghan (University of Waterloo)
Co-Researchers: Clark Dickerson, Jennifer Durkin (University of Waterloo)

Tai Chi workplace intervention for improving musculoskeletal fitness among female computer users (2006)

Lead Researcher: Hala Tamim (York University)
Co-Researchers: Peter Keir (McMaster University); Norman Gledhill, Sherry Grace, Veronica Jamnik, Alison Macpherson (York University)
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Towards a virtual workspace design tool for ergonomic assessment of vision and arm function (2006)

Lead Researcher: Patrick Neumann (Ryerson University)
Co-Researchers: Anne Moore (York University); Farrokh Janabi-Sharifi (Ryerson University); David Scrivens**(Ryerson University)
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A biomechanical analysis of the potential contributions of spine instability to low back injury (2005)

Lead Researcher: Jim Potvin (University of Windsor)
Co-Researchers: Jim Dickey (University of Guelph)

Exploration of the feasibility of participative interventions to reduce musculoskeletal disorders in the construction sector (2005)

Lead Researchers: Philip Bigelow (Institute for Work & Health); Dee Kramer (University of Waterloo)
Co-Researchers: Douglas McVittie, Peter Vi, Enzo Garritano (Construction Safety Association of Ontario); Richard Wells (University of Waterloo)
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Introduction of participative ergonomics in the transportation sector: A sector (2005)

Lead Researcher: Mardy Frazer (University of Waterloo)
Co-Researchers: Mark Diacur (THSAO); Philip Bigelow (Institute for Work & Health); Dee Kramer (University of Waterloo)
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Material properties of the carpal tunnel and wrist (2005)

Lead Researcher: Peter Keir (York University)
Co-Researchers: Jack Callaghan (University of Waterloo)

Development of a protocol for mechanical assessment of trapezius muscle (2004)

Lead Researcher: Howard Green (University of Waterloo)
Co-Researchers: Russ Tupling, Don Ranney (University of Waterloo)
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Evaluating a partner-based participatory intervention for musculskeletal disorders in a medium-sized workplace (2004)

Lead Researcher: Dwayne Van Eerd (Institute for Work & Health)
Co-Researchers: Donald Cole, Sue Ferrier, Emile Tompa (Institute for Work & Health); Richard Wells, Nancy Theberge (University of Waterloo)
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Evaluating the effect of transformational leadership on musculoskeletal disorders and minor injuries in the service sector (2004)

Lead Researcher: Alysha Williams (Institute for Work & Health)
Co-Researchers: Julian Barling, Nick Turner (Queen's University); Donald Cole, Emile Tompa, Sue Ferrier, Dee Kramer (Institute for Work & Health)

Evaluation of the impact of a participatory ergonomics intervention (2004)

Lead Researcher: Syed Naqvi (OHCOW)
Co-Researchers: Donal Cole, Sue Ferrier, Emile Tompa (Institute for Work & Health); Nancy Theberge (University of Waterloo); Tashlyn Chase (Canadian Auto Workers)

Exploring organizational factors and safety climate in the implementation of ergonomic intervention (2004)

Lead Researcher: Philip Bigelow (Institute for Work & Health)
Co-Researchers: Dov Zohar, Dwayne Van Eerd, Sue Ferrier, Dee Kramer (Institute for Work & Health); Wendy Dunk, Shannon Maracle (Electrical & Utilities Safety Association); Mardon Frazer, Richard Wells (University of Waterloo)
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How do primary care physicians in Canada and US manage patients' work-related musculoskeletal problems - a systematic literature review (2004)

Lead Researcher: Ted Haines (McMaster University)
Co-Researchers: Joel Anderson (Northern Ontario Medical School); Gary Liss (University of Toronto); Francine Lortie-Monette (University of Western Ontario)
The Centre's mission is to develop research capacity in the prevention of MSDs. One of the most important and significant ways in which this is being achieved is through our seed-grants and research-assistant grants.

The seed grants have been an opportunity for researchers to collaborate with each other, for young faculty to be mentored by established senior researchers, for students to be nurtured and encouraged to engage in research in this field, and for stimulating problem-focused research in this field.

**=Student