Volume 4 (1)
*Norashiken Othman1, Ummi Noor Nazahiah Abdullah2
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Technology, University Malaysia Perlis, Malaysia1,2
Biomechanics-Sport Engineering Research Centre, UniMAP, Malaysia1,2
*Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Abstract: This study intends to investigate critical success factors of implementing online learning approach in ergonomics product design course embedding SULAM Project during COVID-19 pandemic. The first objectives are to interrogate suitable teaching approach implemented for PDET. Next is to assess the students' satisfaction with the course in comparison to their grades after SULAM was embedded in SULAM in PBL component, as well as the impact of the pandemic on satisfaction levels. The third aims are to evaluate student perceived and experiences, as well as to discover relevant student recommendations that may be integrated into the next course offering. To achieve the study aims, a systematic literature review was conducted to investigate the current teaching and learning implementation in PDET course. OMR Forms and User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) were distributed to access students' satisfaction and perceive experiencing in online learning approach. As a result, the course has been identified commonly deploys an inclusive design approach and integrating an interdisciplinary approach. However online learning and team cognition approach has been a significant change during COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. This study extends significantly to the preparation of teaching and assessment techniques for future students, especially in unpredictable conditions such as pandemic and endemic scenarios, when lectures and students confronting various problems.
Keywords: Product Design Engineering Technology (PDET), Human Factors & Ergonomics, SULAM, COVID-19, service learning, online learning
*N. A. Majeedkutty1, M. A. Jabbar2
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia1, 2
*Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Abstract: Students have been confined to their homes to attend online classes during Covid-19 pandemic. This study aimed to estimate theeffect of the Covid-19 Home Confinement on the prevalence and associated risk factors of low back pain, among university students in Malaysia. A total of 366 university students (155 males and 211 females) aged between 18 and 25 years participated in this cross-sectional study. A self-administered structured questionnaire on socio-demographic factors and associated risk factors was used. The prevalence of low back pain among university students before Movement Control Order (MCO) was 22.7%, while after MCO, the prevalence was 37.2%. The prevalence of LBP in females was 45.0% and males were 26.5%. Stepwise regression analysis showed that prolonged sitting, prolonged standing, being female, third year student and being obese significantly contributed to the occurrence of low back pain among university students during Covid-19 home confinement. The Covid-19 Home Confinement resulted in a significant increase in the prevalence of low back pain.
Keywords: low back pain, university student, Covid-19, Malaysia
Current Issues Related to Biomechanics in Engineering
*A.H.Hilmi1,A.R.A.Hamid1,2
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis1,2
*Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Abstract: Motion capture was employed by Eadweard Muybridge and Etienne-Jules Marey. Industry standard for computing joint kinematics is motion capture. Kinematic analysis is a technique used in biomechanics and mechanical engineering to quantify stiff body motion. A joint moment can be computed in one of two ways: bottom-up or top-down. Joint moments measure muscle and joint tension indirectly. Researchers predicted joint moments using kinematic-based characteristics and machine learning outside of the biomechanics lab.Ankle osteoarthritis causes significant biomechanical issues in the foot and lower leg. Patients' 3D multi-segment kinematic foot models were studied. The technique used is Openpose, which recognises the human body from a single photograph.Falling fear is linked to decreased activity, despondency, and anxiety in the elderly. They adopt a hip approach to manage their GRFs and balance. The lateral ankle technique corrects minor foot placement problems by swiftly moving the pressure point. Angular momentum is affected by foot placement and ground reaction forces. Changing the body's centre of mass along a curved trajectory implies large changes in both ground reaction force impulses and ground reaction force.Lens stiffness and a ciliary muscle anterior/inward displacement produce presbyopia. By 55, the majority of folks have lost their ability to accommodate. Cataracts become common around this time, reaching over 70% by 75. The circumferential and meridional stiffnesses rose with anisotropy from pole to equator, but dropped with distance. The Holzapfel model accurately fits the data from inflation and uniaxial mechanical tests.Anatomical motions of the femur during knee flexion were examined. The data revealed morphological and physiological knee kinematic characteristics. The data led to several hypotheses about axial femoral condyle rotation. This review discusses lower limbs, foot positioning, lens capsule, femoral condyle, muscle activation, collagen fibre, knee joint, and walking speed. The purpose is to provide a general overview on the subject matter.
Keywords: Biomechanics, lower limbs, foot positioning, lens capsule, femoral condyle, muscle activation, collagen fiber, knee point, walking speed
Current Issues Related to Anthropometry in Engineering
*A.H.Hilmi1,A.R.A.Hamid1,2
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis1,2
*Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Abstract: Anthropos and Metrikos both mean "human" in Greek, which is where the term anthropometry comes from. Anthropometry is employed in a variety of fields, including apparel and textile design. For anthropometric evaluations, a current, thorough, and community-specific anthropometric normative-reference standard is necessary. In health care, ergonomic design is utilised to reduce pain and illness. Misalignments between humans and machines result in pain, accidents, biomechanical stress, tiredness, and musculoskeletal injuries. Designing for the anthropometrics of end users improves long-term viability. The human body comes in a wide range of sizes and shapes. Manual measurement and 3D scanning procedures, on the other hand, are inefficient and expensive, making precise body measurements difficult. This is especially true for head-worn medical devices. Manual measurement and 3D scanning are inefficient and expensive, making precise body measurements difficult. Grip strength and force were determined using hand measurements. Anthropometric parameter estimate is more precise when a 3D model is used to boost pinnae features. While numerous anatomical features have been gathered to aid in the ergonomic design of wearable devices, there is still a lot more work to be done. In three dimensions, the segment masses and torso Centre of Mass (COM) may be calculated. Researchers tracking mobility would benefit greatly from the ability to locate the body COM using a weighted sum of segment masses. Design features such as comfort and usefulness are crucial. Ergonomic characteristics like taller seats with front slopes and saddle chairs encourage good posture, movement, and alternation. In the creation of wearable technologies, using outdated anthropometric reference standards may be insufficient. This review discuses common issues related to anthropometry in engineering which includes the human body, anthropometric parameters, anthropometric measurements, the force plate method, ergonomic design, and body dimension. The goal is to give a broad overview of the subject.
Keywords: Anthropometry, human body, anthropometric parameters, anthropometric measurements, force plate, ergonomic design, body dimension
Review on Current Issues Related to Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
*A.H.Hilmi1,A.R.A.Hamid1,2
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis1
*Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Abstract: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are one of the most common occupational ailments in recent decades, significantly limiting people's daily lives. Globally, WMSDs are the major cause of employee pain, impairment, absenteeism, reduced productivity, and large financial costs. WRMSDs are illnesses that develop over time because of long-term occupational exposure to varying-intensity loads. WRMSDs are produced by discomfort or injury to the muscles and bones of the upper limbs because of activity. Low-extremity illnesses, like upper-limb diseases, may be just as dangerous, There is a high prevalence of neck and upper extremity problems among computer users. Upper extremities diseases were more common in older personnel. The physiological outcome of prolonged, repetitive, or repeating muscle contractions with insufficient recovery is localised muscular fatigue (WMSDs). Muscle tiredness has a substantial impact on occupational task performance, hence preventing it is crucial. The key challenge in ergonomics is to create work that avoids WMSDs while retaining high levels of output quality and productivity. Uncomfortable postures are commonly recognised as a major contributor of MSD among construction workers. Because of their linearity, ergonomic metrics can be incorporated into assembly line design models. They can also be utilised to take use of efficient solution methods established for optimal line design which are beneficial in the assembly line industry. Real-time risk assessment for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) has proven to be challenging to research. Working at a fast speed and performing repetitive activities, as well as maintaining non-neutral body postures, are all physical risk factors for WMSDs. This review discuses common issues related to WMSDs which includes upper extremity, upper limbs, carpal tunnel syndrome, awkward postures, muscle activity, muscle fatigue, assembly line and risk assessment. The aim is to provide an overview of the problems related to the subject matter.
Keywords: Work Related musculoskeletal disorders, upper extremity, upper limbs, carpal tunnel syndrome, awkward postures, muscle activity, muscle fatigue, assembly line and risk assessment
*W.N.A.W. Draman1, M.H.H.A. Rodzi2
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Technology, Kampus Pauh Putra, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, 02600 Arau, Perlis.1,2
*E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 2
Abstract: Safety tape used to mark hazardous, high risk machine and low hanging object in factories, hospital and so on. With the tape, it can warn people to be careful and not play around the area. Additionaly, nowadays the tape is used at all pemises as warning to people to keep social distancing at least 1 meter. Currently, people are installing the safety tape on the floor manually, without any proper assistive tools to apply, measure and cut the safety tape. Unfortunately, this method is time-consuming, and the worker faces body aches such as in the waist, knees, and arms as they need to bend over and be in an uncomfortable posture while laying the tape. The main objective of this research is to evaluate the RULA and REBA assessment of the current method of safety tape installation. The data will contribute to the design and development of assistive tools to install the tape. The tool is assessed using Theory and Innovative Problem Solving and Universal Design Principles (TRIZ-UDP) intervention tools. This tool will contribute towards design features which are deemed suitable to improve the element of universal design. From the UDP-TRIZ, UDP1a has suggested that the product be designed with TRIZ inventive principle "6 Universality". This tool is equitable for Malaysians by making the tools fit the users' height and size. The improvement toward UDP3b and UDP6a contribute towards ergonomic performance. Further after the development, the prototype is later tested, and another set of RULA and REBA assessments is executed to evaluate the improvement. Results of the RULA and REBA assessment onto the task with using the assistive tool has managed to lower the risk, and it can save working time to 34.5%.
Keywords: RULA, REBA, Safety Tape Installation
DMAIC Steps Application to Improve Ergonomics Problem: A Case Study in Coffee Manufacturing Industry
N.N. Mansor1, S.A. Mustafa2, R. Ahmad3, M.A.C. Doi4, T.C. Sin5, M.S. Jusoh6
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Technology, University Malaysia Perlis, Malaysia1, 2 , 3 , 4 , 5
Advanced Manufacturing System Research Group, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Technology, University Malaysia Perlis, Malaysia 1 , 2 , 3 , 5
Faculty of Applied and Human Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Malaysia6
*E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 2 , This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 3
Abstract: The health issue related to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) faced by manufacturing industries' workers affects the work quality and productivity, commonly due to the tasks performed with unsuitable posture. This study was carried out to assess the level of Ergonomics Risk Factors (ERFs) among shop-floor workers in a coffee manufacturing company, located in northern peninsular of Malaysia. The Six Sigma approach was applied based on Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control (DMAIC) steps. Observation, interviews and self-report surveys were led in the Define step to place the possible projects that contribute to the high degree of ergonomics risk. In the Measure step, the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) tools were then applied to evaluate the level of ERF on twenty-three tasks that exercise at eight workstations. In the Analyze step, assessment results were evaluated, thus identifying that the lifting task (mixing workstation) has the highest ergonomics risk level (score level 11) and follows by root cause identification. Then, the Improve step focuses on a simple invention proposal, where the optimal solution that fulfils the principles of proper height working procedure and reducing excessive force is applied. The proposed solution shows a significant improvement in ergonomics risk level based on the score value of 3. Lastly, the Control step focuses on maintaining the improved version performance by revising the working procedure according to the solution principles proposed in the previous measure.
Keywords: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control (DMAIC), Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), Ergonomics Risk Factors (ERFs), Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), Case Study.
