Kathryn Woodcock
Ryerson University
Network
Latest external collaboration on country level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots.
Publication
Featured researches published by Kathryn Woodcock.
Work-a Journal of Prevention Assessment & Rehabilitation | 2012
Steven L. Fischer; Matthew M. Marshall; Kathryn Woodcock
OBJECTIVE Increasing evidence suggests that one in four sign language interpreters (SLIs) may experience symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) severe enough to modify their activities. This systematic review examined published research on SLIs and the development of MSD pathology, seeking to identify injury pathways to MSDs and work-related factors with the largest impact in targeted MSD-reduction intervention. METHODS Embase and Medline electronic databases were searched from their inception until March 2009, finding 23 eligible peer-reviewed papers related to MSD pathology in SLIs, including narrative reviews, intervention studies, and qualitative and quantitative research. RESULTS Three factors were shown to have limited support as increasing the risk for MSD pathology in SLI: increased mechanical exposure, stress, and speakers pace (a contributor to movement rate). Overall, the published literature was rated medium to low quality, with limited statistical methods and power, often lacking description of how dependent variables were measured, and how risk of biasing or confounding was minimized. CONCLUSIONS A conceptual model was developed to integrate the multi-factorial elements of MSD pathology development among SLIs. However, to strengthen development of evidence-based practice and policy-driven initiatives, higher-quality research is warranted to examine MSD pathology amongst SLIs.
ieee toronto international conference science and technology for humanity | 2009
Kathryn Woodcock
Amusement devices are a familiar category of equipment used within the tourism sector to entertain and amuse the public. Safe use of amusement devices requires that the device be in good condition, be operated correctly, be used by appropriate patrons, and be used appropriately. These prerequisites incorporate a range of opportunities to apply existing human factors knowledge, and to conduct research to build on existing knowledge. A network to exchange and transfer knowledge may be beneficial to overcome difficulties disseminating and accessing research between the diversified discipline of human factors and the specialized domain of amusement safety.
Archive | 2017
Paula Stenzler; Holly A. H. Handley; Kathryn Woodcock
Amusement rides are a familiar and popular form of immersive entertainment. Millions of guests visit theme parks, amusement parks and carnivals for recreation every year with low incidence of injury. However, the rare event of rider ejection or extraction from restraints on a ride could have serious or fatal outcomes. This study examined human factors characteristics of these rare events to identify the nature of rider separations in relation to these patterns. Physical mismatch of patron size and the containment system was significantly associated with type of separation, with large patrons not secured and small size or cognitive disability associated with falls and ejections. This information will aid ride designers in selection of an effective containment system.
IIE Transactions on Occupational Ergonomics and Human Factors | 2014
Steven L. Fischer; Ron Johnson; Mohammad Abdoli-Eramaki; Kathryn Woodcock
OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Upper extremity injuries pose a considerable problem to sign language interpreters. Over 1 hour of interpretation, interpreters experienced a decrease in their mean rate of wrist flexion and extension, while novices also experienced decreases about other wrist and elbow axes as well. It is suspected that interpreters were beginning to fatigue over the 1-hour duration, more so among novices, and that this increasing fatigue may be reducing their ability to “keep-up” with the interpretation. While more research is needed to measure fatigue and the quality of sign output, 1 hour of signing can induce changes in a signers movements. In the near term, injury-prevention efforts could focus on helping interpreters (particularly novices) structure their workload to ensure they provide themselves with ample opportunities for recovery. Imposing stricter guidelines regarding the maximum length of a continuous interpretation session is one example of a practical, near-term intervention. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Sign language interpreters frequently report pain, and many develop musculoskeletal disorders. Yet, there is limited research quantifying the mechanics of signing independently or how such factors as experience or duration might influence those mechanics. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine if duration (within a single session) or experience affected kinematics during a 1-hour simulated classroom interpreting session. Methods: Nine novice (<2 years of experience) and nine experienced (≥5 years of experience) sign language interpreters interpreted for a continuous 60-minute session. Kinematic measures of the left and right upper extremities were recorded and compared between groups (experience) and within participants (time). Results: Duration had a significant effect on the mean angular velocity of right wrist and elbow movements. Novices exhibited decreased velocities between the first and last 15-minute samples for all right limb velocity measures (interaction effect). However, experienced interpreters only exhibited this decrease at the right wrist about the flexion/extension axis (main effect). Additionally, the number of micro-breaks increased between the first and last 15-minute samples about the wrist flexion/extension axis in both groups (main effect) and about the right elbow flexion/extension axis only among novices (interaction effect). Conclusions: Despite anecdotal evidence suggesting that novice interpreters use a less effective signing approach, these data suggest that on the basis of kinematics, novice and experienced sign language interpreters sign using similar kinematics, at least during the initial 15 minutes of an interpreting session. However, over the course of a continuous 1-hour session, differences emerge. It is plausible that novices may be more fatigable than their experienced counterparts or that they have not yet learned strategies to slow the accumulation of fatigue while maintaining the similar signing kinematics.
International Journal of Rehabilitation Research | 2008
Kathryn Woodcock; Jason D. Pole
Canadian Family Physician | 2007
Kathryn Woodcock; Jason D. Pole
Higher Education | 2007
Kathryn Woodcock; Meg J. Rohan; Linda M. Campbell
Applied Ergonomics | 2005
Kathryn Woodcock; Colin G. Drury; Alison Smiley; Jiao Ma
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics | 2012
Steven L. Fischer; Kathryn Woodcock
Accident Analysis & Prevention | 2008
Kathryn Woodcock