Andrew Todd
@ru.ac.za
Senior Lecturer - Human Kinetics and Ergonomics
Rhodes University
Scopus Publications
Scholar Citations
Scholar h-index
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Jonathan Davy, Andrew Todd, Geneviève S. Metson, and Andrew Thatcher
Informa UK Limited
Jonathan P. Davy, Karine Scheuermaier, Laura C. Roden, Candice J. Christie, Alison Bentley, Francesc X. Gomez-Olive, Stella Iacovides, Raphaella Lewis, Gosia Lipinska, Johanna Roche,et al.
Human Kinetics
Background: The authors assessed the impact of lockdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic on routine-oriented lifestyle behaviors and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia in South Africans. Methods: In this observational study, 1048 adults (median age = 27 y; n = 767 females; n = 473 students) responded to an online survey on work, exercise, screen, alcohol, caffeine and sleep behaviors, depression, anxiety, and insomnia before and during lockdown. Comparisons were made between males and females, and students and nonstudents. Results: During lockdown, males reported larger reductions in higher intensity exercise and alcohol use than females, while depressive symptoms increased more among females, more of whom also reported poorer sleep quality. Students demonstrated larger delays in work and sleep timing, greater increases in sitting, screen, sleep duration, napping, depression and insomnia and larger decreases in work hours, exercise time, and sleep regularity compared with nonstudents. Conclusions: Students experienced more changes in their routine-oriented behaviors than nonstudents, coupled with larger increases in depression and insomnia. The dramatic change in their work and sleep timing suggests habitual routines that are at odds with their chronotype, with their sleep changes during lockdown likely reflecting “catch-up” sleep in response to accumulated sleep debt under usual routines.
Clive D’Souza, Bernard Martin, Julius N. Fobil, Andrew Todd, and José Orlando Gomes
Springer International Publishing
Hayden Searle and Andrew Todd
Springer International Publishing
Andrew Thatcher, Patrick Waterson, Andrew Todd, and Paul H. P. Yeow
Springer International Publishing
Andrew Ivan Todd
Springer International Publishing
Jonathan Davy, Kim Weaver, Andrew Todd, and Sharli Paphitis
Springer International Publishing
Jonathan Davy, Didintle Rasetsoke, Andrew Todd, Tasmi Quazi, Patric Ndlovu, Richard Dobson, and Laura Alfers
Springer International Publishing
Jonathan Davy, Jose Orlando Gomes, Aleksandr Volosiuk, Arnab Jana, Gaur Ray, Anindya Kumar Ganguli, Wei Zhang, and Andrew Todd
Springer International Publishing
Andrew Thatcher, Patrick Waterson, Andrew Todd, and Neville Moray
Informa UK Limited
Abstract In his 1993 IEA keynote address, Neville Moray urged the ergonomics discipline to face up to the global problems facing humanity and consider how ergonomics might help find some of the solutions. In this State of Science article we critically evaluate what the ergonomics discipline has achieved in the last two and a half decades to help create a secure future for humanity. Moray’s challenges for ergonomics included deriving a value structure that moves us beyond a Westernised view of worker-organisation-technology fit, taking a multidisciplinary approach which engages with other social and biological sciences, considering the gross cross-cultural factors that determine how different societies function, paying more attention to mindful consumption, and embracing the complexity of our interconnected world. This article takes a socio-historical approach by considering the factors that influence what has been achieved since Moray’s keynote address. We conclude with our own set of predictions for the future and priorities for addressing the challenges that we are likely to face. Practitioner Summary: We critically reflect on what has been achieved by the ergonomics profession in addressing the global challenges raised by Moray's 1993 keynote address to the International Ergonomics Association. Apart from healthcare, the response has largely been weak and disorganised. We make suggestions for priority research and practice that is required to facilitate a sustainable future for humanity.
Kudakwashe Phairah, Michal Brink, Paxie Chirwa, and Andrew Todd
National Inquiry Services Center (NISC)
Forest machine operators are still experiencing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) despite extensive mechanisation and modernisation of harvesting systems. However, paucity of local ergonomics research and technology transfer problems may affect the use of mechanised systems in South Africa. Consequently, this study was a field-based ergonomic assessment of local forwarding operations. PG Bison's North East Cape Forests (NECF) Eastern Cape operations and Komatiland Forests (KLF) Mpumalanga operations were studied. The main aim of the study was to carry out an ergonomic assessment on local forwarder operator tasks, using Tigercat 1055 forwarders. The study specifically assessed WMSD prevalence and risk factors, investigated the frequency of awkward head postures and evaluated work organisation. A modified Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to survey WMSD prevalence and work organisation factors. Operators reported hourly, localised work-related musculoskeletal discomfort experienced during the shift. A video camera mounted in the cab was used to capture footage of awkward head postures. The video footage was also used for the WMSD risk assessment using the Health and Safety Executive (HSG60) upper limb disorder assessment worksheets. Operators reported having experienced WMSDs during the last 12 months mainly in the lower back, neck, shoulders and upper back. The studied operators reported lower repetition strain symptoms and higher lower-back disorders than in previous studies. Twenty-three percent of the awkward head postures adopted were extreme. The study results support the assertion that causal pathways of WMSDs are complex and multifactorial. Repetition, awkward head posture, duration of exposure, vibration, psychological factors and individual differences were identified as the main WMSD risk factors.
Robert I. Jones, Bennett Ryan, and Andrew I. Todd
Informa UK Limited
Abstract The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of a soccer-specific fatigue protocol on the temporal changes in torque producing abilities of the thigh within African soccer players. Twenty amateur Black South African soccer players performed the SAFT90 soccer match-play simulation protocol, while isokinetic measurements were obtained pre-exercise (T0), after the 1st half (T45), after half time (T60) and after the 2nd half (T105). During SAFT90 performance, significant overall concentric quadriceps peak torque changes were observed (1.05 rad · s−1 = 16.6%, 3.14 rad · s−1 = 9.5%). Eccentric hamstring peak torque also decreased significantly over time (1.05 rad · s−1 = 17.4%, 3.14 rad · s−1 = 18.5%), with significant reductions occurring during both halves. The functional strength ratio (eccH:conQ) at 3.14 rad · s−1 was observed to significantly decrease by 10.1% overall. The indicated time-dependent changes in Black South African players have implications for competitive performance and increased predisposition to hamstring muscle injuries. Because of muscle fatigue, the hamstrings may have insufficient eccentric strength during the late swing phase when sprinting, resulting in eccentric overload and damage to the muscle. The changes in strength found in the current study help explain the increased predisposition to hamstring strains during the latter stages of both halves of match-play as reported by epidemiological studies.
A.I. Bennett, A.I. Todd, and S.D. Desai
IOS Press
OBJECTIVE
Increasing awareness of the high physical cost associated with lifting has led to the redesign of these tasks, incorporating manual handling devices and consequently pushing and pulling. Little research has focused on muscle activity responses to pushing and pulling, the current study therefore investigated these responses to further the understanding of risk of injury, informing ergonomics intervention strategies.
METHODS
A laboratory study was undertaken to determine the effect of three push/pull techniques and two loads (250 and 500 kg) on muscle activation in nine muscles, distributed through the upper and lower body. Unloaded forward and backward walking were used as control conditions for lower limb muscle activation.
PARTICIPANTS
Thirty-six healthy male volunteers participated in the study. Subjects were required to manoeuvre a loaded pallet jack at a velocity of 0.45-0.55 statures.
RESULTS
The muscles of the shoulders and upper extremity were affected to a greater degree by technique and load changes than those of the lower limbs. Further, high levels of erector spinae activation were recorded across all six experimental conditions.
CONCLUSIONS
Each technique displayed a unique muscle activation profile, indicating that alternating between techniques may reduce early onset of fatigue. Further understanding of muscle activation during pushing and pulling is necessary.
Candice J. Christie, Andrew I. Todd, and Gregory A. King
Elsevier BV
Andrew Thatcher and Andrew Todd
Elsevier BV