AcuPath™ Industrial Lumbar Motion Monitor™ (iLMM™)

The new iLMM released in the summer of 2001 has numerous enhancements both in the hardware and software over the previous version. Users can now automatically select telemetry or tethered data capture. As well, the new adjustable exoskeleton eliminates the need for multiple devices.

Hundreds of professionals worldwide already use the iLMM. These include major corporations, universities, insurance companies, government organizations and consultants.

The iLMM is an exoskeleton of the spine that measures the position, velocity and acceleration of the spine in the sagittal, lateral, and twisting planes. The system also includes BackMetrix software whose risk model overcomes many traditional limitations in the analysis and redesign of the work environment.

In the past, it was impossible to accurately identify which elements of a job led to an increase in risk. The LBD (Low Back Disorders) risk model can be used to identify which elements of a job led to an increase in LBD risk and thus which elements need to be changed. It is important to understand that LBD risk can never be completely eliminated, but by quantifying risk levels, the model can help determine if a job is within acceptable levels of risk. It can additionally provide a "benchmark" of LBD risk for a job, allowing comparisons between the original design and possible job alterations.

The iLMM breaks the work into individual job tasks for analysis of the specific range of motion, velocity and acceleration moments on the lumbar spine. The iLMM allows you to compare the task to a normative database of common variables associated with jobs that have a high incidence of low back disorders. These comparisons, combined with the data from the job site assessment, allows you to recommend ergonomic changes.

Ergonomists and researchers can:

• Objectively assess the risk related to performing a Manual Material Handling (MMH) job
• Acquire quick feedback as to the risk level of a MMH job
• Identify the specific parts of a task most responsible for producing injury risk
• Determine which sub task is most responsible for the level of risk associated with a job comprised of multiple MMH sub-tasks
• Evaluate in any work setting where employees must move their torsos to perform their jobs
• Assess the impact of ergonomic interventions into a work site.

The iLMM incorporates all the function and features of the previous model with the following improvements:

• Easily adjustable exoskeleton eliminates need for multiple devices in a One Size Fits All design. The size of the iLMM is based on the number of spine sections that are in contact with the slide plate. If one spine section is on the plate, then the unit is set for Large. The other sizes are Medium, Small, and Extra Small corresponding to 2, 3, and 4 spine sections respectively.
  
  
• Adjustable harness eliminates need for multiple harnesses. Comfortable fabric lined foam shoulder straps resist spills and stains.
  
• Reduced device size is less obtrusive in the workplace environment. Eliminates need for multiple harnesses.
• Integral choice of hardwired (tethered) or free roaming (telemetry) data collection. Device automatically senses either cabled or telemetry mode. Telemetry range of over 100 feet. Data cable length is 50 feet.
• Long life battery assures data collection through out 12-hour work shift.
• Battery can be charged either on the device or separately with charger.
• Custom carrying case includes durable foam compartments for all components including a laptop PC. Case has Neoprene wheels and a retractable handle for easy transport.

BackMetrix Software Features

• Assessment of Low Back Disorder Risk is calculated across a job (for overall job) that is composed of several subtasks, in addition to calculations of risk for each subtask. Risk can be assessed by computing averages across several employees performing the same job or subtask.
• NIOSH 1981 and 1991 lifting equations as well as analysis using Snook psychological tables.
  
  
  
  
• Risk can now be assessed by computing averages across several employees performing the same job or subtask.
• Data exporting capabilities including Microsoft Access format. You can export summary trunk motion statistics for each trial, as well as trial level time dependent trunk motion data.
• Warning and alert messages prevent the user from making errors during data collection and analysis, such as the necessary number of trials for an LBD Risk Analysis, and the necessity to offset the iLMM voltages before use.
• User controlled start and stop feature for data collection for tasks where the cycle times vary, even within the same task.
• "Hot buttons" assist users in the software's use and in navigation.

iLMM Specifications

Sampling rate
Internal sampling rate is 4 MHz. Sampling and transmission rate of iLMM data to PC is 9600 baud (matching rate expected by software).

Power rating
The Device runs off of batteries therefore there is no wall current. The battery current when transmitting is approximately 215 mA at roughly 7 Volts. The wall current for the charger is about 800 mA.

Data channels
There is only one data channel. Data from the 4 pots is sent to the PC in a single, serial data stream at 9600 packets/sec.

Weight
Approximately 3 pounds

Dimensions (approximate)
5" wide by 2.5" high at bottom section
4" wide by 2" high at top section
Length of 19" in smallest position, 23" in longest position

Custom carrying case
Size 29" x 15" x 13"
Weight (with iLMM) 44lbs

System Requirements

• Any Pentium or equivalent PC
• Windows 98, NT, 2000 Professional, XP
• Serial port

iLMM Reference Information

1. Allread, W.G., Marras, W.S., and Burr, D.L., (2000), "Measuring Trunk Motions in Industry: Variability Due to Task Factors, Individual Differences, and the Amount of Data Collected." Ergonomics, 43:691-701.
2. Gill, K.P., and Callaghan M.J., (1996), "Intratester and Intertester Reproducibility of the Lumbar Motion Monitor as a Measure of Range, Velocity and Acceleration of the Thoracolumbar Spine." Clinical Biomechanics, 11(7):418-421.
3. Marras WS, Allread WG, Burr DL, and Fathallah FA, (2000), "Prospective Validation of a Low-Back Disorder Risk Model and Assessment of Ergonomic Interventions Associated with Manual Materials Handling Tasks." Ergonomics, 43(11):1866-1886.
4. Marras, W.S., Allread, W.G., and Ried, R.G., (1999), "Occupational Low Back Disorder Risk Assessment Using the Lumbar Motion Monitor." in Karwowski, W., and Marras, W.S., eds., The Occupational Ergonomics Handbook. CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL, 1075-1100.
5. Marras, W.S., Fathallah, F.A., Miller, R.J., Davis, S.W., and Mirka,G.A., (1992), "Accuracy of a Three-Dimensional Lumbar Motion Monitor for Recording Dynamic Trunk Motion Characteristics." International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 9:75-87.
6. Marras, W.S., and Kim, J.Y., (1993), "Anthropometry of Industrial Populations." Ergonomics, 36:371-378.
7. Marras, W.S., Lavender, S.A, Leurgans, S., Rajulu, S., Allread, W.G., Fathallah, F., and Ferguson, S.A., (1993), "The Role of Dynamic Three Dimensional Trunk Motion in Occupationally-Related Low Back Disorders: The Effects of Workplace Factors, Trunk Position and Trunk Motion Characteristics on Injury." Spine, 18(5):617-628.
8. Stuart-Buttle, C., (1995), "A Case Study of Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Scissor Lifts for Box Palletizing." American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, 56:1127-1132.

AcuPath, Industrial Lumbar Motion Monitor, iLMM and BackMetrix are trademarks of BIOMEC Inc.
BIOMEC is a registered trademark of BIOMEC Inc.