Unlocking Potential: Exploring the Impact of Tactile and Performance Feedback in Movement Training
September 24th, 2024, 11am-12pm Pacific / 2pm-3pm Eastern
Language: English
Presented by Dr. Dennis Larson
There are many different methods for delivering manual materials handling (MMH) training in the workplace, but it is often reported that these training programs are ineffective. From my experiences, MMH training is often provided through visual aids, eLearning, verbal instructions, etc. that don’t engage the employee in the learning process resulting in low quality and ineffective training. Once possible avenue for improving training quality is to provide tactile and performance feedback during the training/learning process. In this presentation, I will highlight findings from 3 studies that support these ideas and highlight potential opportunities for where these types of training practices could be applied in the future.
Key points:
- MMH training is often provided through visual aids, eLearning, verbal instructions, etc. that don’t engage the employee in the learning process
- We can improve training quality by providing tactile and performance feedback during the training/learning process
Dennis Larson’s Bio
Dennis is currently a Post-doctoral Researcher at the University of Waterloo in Dr. Stephen Fischer’s Occupational Biomechanics and Ergonomics Lab and is a practicing certified Associate Ergonomist working with PROergronomics Inc.
Driven by a passion for analyzing human movement and its associations with potential injury risks, Dennis completed a Ph.D. in Biomechanics at the University of Guelph with Dr. Stephen Brown, where he investigated the influence of back muscle fatigue and lift movement (re)training on lumbar spine motion control during repetitive lifting tasks, among other ergonomics research investigations.
With the seemingly exponential growth in machine learning, AI, and computer vision, and its potential integration with ergonomics analysis tools, Dennis’ current post-doctoral work, funded by WorkSafe BC, aims to understand and develop best practice guidance for integrating computer vision approaches into ergonomics assessment tools and to determine if automation of risk assessments using these computer vision approaches are both valid and feasible in the workplace.
As Dennis continues his research and professional career as a certified Ergonomist, he aims to combine his biomechanics expertise, research skills, and ergonomics knowledge to reduce the burden of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders in the workplace.