Research Areas

Our major research areas are healthcare ergonomics, office ergonomics, and miscellaneous. For healthcare ergonomics, we have been exploring effective interventions to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders of healthcare workers through biomechanical assessments. For office ergonomics, we have investigated how new technologies (e.g. virtual reality/augmented reality, wearable sensors, etc.) affect the users’ physical demands, cognitive function, and performance.

Human-Robot Interaction

Implementing Mixed Reality for Inclusive and Embodied Learning Experience for Young Children

Sponsor: NSF ITEST

This project aims to provide an innovative mixed-reality environment that will combine a physically embodied humanoid robot and augmented reality, where children in K-2 will engage in computational tasks embedded in their play with the robot. Through this hands-on experience, children will understand the concepts of sequences and symbols that are crosscutting and foundational to STEM literacy and problem solving. Also, for this development research, advanced sensor technology will unobtrusively measure children’s multimodal behaviors to assess children’s learning and affect authentically.

Healthcare Ergonomics

Systematic Evaluation of Patient Transfer Devices to Improve Musculoskeletal Health among Caregivers

Sponsor: NIOSH, Patient Positioning Systems, Northern Illinois University

The objective of this project is to evaluate the muscle activity and joint net torque in hand, shoulder, and low back during patient transfer using four different engineering controls: a conventional cotton draw sheet, friction-reducing slide sheet, friction-reducing slide board, and air-assisted transfer device. Expected outcome is to determine the most effective patient handling device improving the safety and health of caregivers and patients.

Evaluation of Patient Turning Devices to Reduce Biomechanical Exposures among Caregivers

Sponsor: Northern Illinois University

The objective of this project is to evaluate the efficacy of commercially-available patient turning devices (draw sheet, friction-reducing turning sheet, air-assisted lateral transfer device, and air-assisted turning device) on reducing biomechanical exposures of the upper extremity and low back among caregivers compared to the conventional manual turning in bed.

Biomechanical Evaluation of Exoskeletons during Patient Handling

Sponsor: NIOSH

The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of postural assist exoskeletons in reducing biomechanical stresses among caregivers during patient handling. The expected outcome includes 1) a determination of an effective exoskeleton and 2) associated safe patient handling techniques to mitigate biomechanical stresses in the low back and improve the postural stability.

Biomechanical evaluation of exoskeletons during patient handling

Office Ergonomics

The Effect of the Wearable Posture Sensor on Biomechanical Exposure of the Neck

The objective is to evaluate the effect of the wearable posture correction sensor on the changes of the behavior of office workers to set up the preferred workstation, and associated biomechanical exposures of the neck while sitting and standing.

The Neuroergonomic Evaluation of a Leaning Workstation

Sponsor: Northern Illinois University

The objective of this project is to characterize the difference in frontal brain function and cognitive outcomes between a conventional sitting workstation and a leaning (perching) workstation. It is hypothesized that exposure to dynamic workstations would be associated with improvements in executive functioning, and working memory compared to the conventional sitting workstation. Additionally, cognitive improvements would be associated with changes in frontal brain function.

Physical and Cognitive Impact of Virtual and Augmented Reality Interactions

Sponsor: Office Ergonomics Research Committee

The objective of this project is to first objectively quantify and compare physical stresses of the neck and shoulder, cognitive brain function (executive function and working memory), fatigue and stress during VR and AR interactions and then evaluate relationships between VR/AR performance and users’ error-tolerance by quantifying the changes in VR/AR task performance, cognitive function and cognitive demand (frustration and tolerance (acceptable error rate)) based on intentionally scaling difficulty and error rate.

Influence of Armrest and Back Rest Support on Gravitational Moment on the Neck while Using a Smartphone

The goal of this study is to evaluate the effect of the armrest and backrest support on the head and neck kinematics, gravitational moment, muscle activities, and perceived discomfort on the neck. The expected outcome is to determine the optimal chair condition promoting the neutral postures of the neck while using the smartphone.

Biomechanical Evaluation of Augmented Reality (AR) Interactions

Sponsor: Office Ergonomics Research Committee

The objective of this project is to characterize the biomechanical stresses in the neck and the shoulder, subjective comfort, and usability during AR interactions. We will evaluate reach envelopes and preferred hand gesture patterns in 27 different areas (3 X 3 X 3 cube) during AR interactions. This study will advance the current knowledge on AR interactions and their associated biomechanical exposures.

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Biomechanical Exposures of the Neck and Shoulder in Virtual Reality

The objective of this study is to determine the most comfortable and effective vertical location of the virtual scene by assessing the 3D joint angles and muscle activity of the neck and shoulder, subjective discomfort, motion sickness, and task performance.

The Brain Activity, Motor Function and Cognitive Performance of Patients with Parkinson Disease While Using a Computer Touchscreen

Sponsor: Northern Illinois University

The goal of this study is to investigate the effect of motor control disability (healthy subjects vs. patients with Parkinson disease) and desktop conditions (traditional vs. touchscreen) on the brain activity, motor function, and cognitive performance.

The Effect of Chair-based Fidgeting on Brain Function

Sponsor: Northern Illinois University

The objective of this project is to determine the impact of chair-based fidgeting on the enhancement of brain functions and associated frontal brain activation patterns compared to conventional sitting. This study is expected to have a positive impact on promoting brain health by improving intervention strategies for the growing number of sedentary people.

Miscellaneous

Usability Evaluation of the French Door Refrigerator Handle

Sponsor: Samsung

The goal of this study is to evaluate the usability and biomechanical stress of the whole body while using the French door refrigerator handle of three doors and four doors models. The expected outcomes are:

  • The typical behavior of users to interact with different types of handles (recessed, bar, and showcase)
  • Optimal height of the recessed handle and
  • Optimal type of the recessed handle (bar, recessed handle with different clearances).

Ergonomic Evaluation of Classical Guitar Implements

Sponsor: Northern Illinois University

The goal of this study is to provide an ergonomic recommendation by comparing joint angles and subjective comfort measures for guitarists using footstools and/or guitar supports.

Contact Us

Wellness and Ergonomics Laboratory (WE-LAB)
College of Engineering and Engineering Technology
590 Garden Road, Room 230

Jaejin Hwang, Ph.D.
Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering
Office: Engineering Building 242
jhwang3@niu.edu
815-753-9980

View my ResearchGate profile