2024: Williams Espericueta Luna
University of Florida
Project Title: Best of Both Worlds: Combining Artificial Intelligence and Behavior Analytic Technology to Improve Ergonomic Postural Performance
Williams Espericueta Luna is a doctoral student at the University of Florida. He is specializing in organizational behavior management under the guidance of Dr. Nicole Gravina. Previously, he earned his B.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis and M.S. in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas. Thanks to the support from the Society for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis Innovative Student Research Grant, Will can complete his dissertation research evaluating the effectiveness of video feedback provided using an artificial intelligence-powered app to improve postural behavior.
Approximately 1.7 billion people across the globe suffer from musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). MSDs are soft tissue injuries that are caused by or made worse by the performance of work. Though office workers are generally thought of as sedentary with low risk of injury, research has shown that postural behavior such as static and prolonged awkward positioning and frequent repetitive movements can increase workers’ likelihood of developing MSDs. However, postural behavior can be difficult to measure. Traditional methods used to measure these behaviors have some limitations, such as being unreliable (i.e., self-reports of pain), intrusive (i.e., sensor-based devices), or may require training to use accurately (i.e., validated ergonomic assessments). Due to these shortcomings, as well as recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, companies have developed smart-device applications (apps) that measure and analyze postural behavior through video recordings. Two studies have shown that video feedback using an AI-powered app can improve postural behavior; however, the durability of the improved postural behavior is unknown. Previous research suggests that improved postural behavior tends to deteriorate over time. Will aims to evaluate whether the improvements in participants’ postural behavior maintain two weeks and four weeks after the provision of video feedback using an AI-powered app. If the improvements do not maintain, then the researchers will evaluate if vocal feedback is sufficient to restore improved postural behavior, or if additional provisions of video feedback are needed. The results of this study will provide valuable information about how to maintain improved postural behavior over long periods of time.
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