Using AI-Powered video feedback to improve ergonomics: An analog experiment

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries that can result from or are worsened by performing work-related tasks. Approximately 1.7 billion people suffer from MSDs globally. Thus, strategies are needed to improve postural behaviors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of video feedback using an AI-powered application to improve participants' low-risk neck positioning while completing an analog work task. Ten undergraduate students completed the analog work task in a simulated office environment. The researchers provided video feedback in a multiple baseline design across participants and the results showed that low-risk neck positioning increased when video feedback was provided. Additionally, the researchers conducted two validation tests comparing the ergonomic measurements produced by the AI-powered app to measurements produced by a gold-standard sensor-based ergonomic measurement system. The results of the validation tests provide preliminary support for the accuracy and reliability of the AI-powered app's ergonomic measurements.