Publications

Peer-reviewed journal publications

2021-present

Evans, K. D., Weikle, A. N., Fukumura, Y. E., Roll, S. C., & Sommerich, C. M. (2023). Understanding the Downstream Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Sonographers and Vascular Technologists: Healthcare Heroes’ Kryptonite! Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 39(5), 430-440. doi: 10.1177/87564793231185297

Fukumura, Y.E., Sommerich, C.M., Evans, K.D., Roll, S.C., 2023. Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Work Systems Factors: Are There Differences Between Sonography Practice Areas? Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography 40(1), 4-18.

Roll, S. C., Fukumura, Y. E., Sommerich, C. M., Stigall-Weikle, A. N., & Evans, K. D. (2023). Cross-disciplinary Prevalence and Associated Factors for Work-Related Discomfort in Users of Ultrasonography: Implications for Sonography Professionals and Health Care Administrators. JDMS, 39(4), 314-330. doi: 10.1177/87564793231170016

Evans, K.D., Bloom, I.W., Sommerich, C.M., 2023. All the King’s Horses and All the King’s Men: Falling Into Moral Injury, During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography 39(5), 540-543.  doi: 10.1177/87564793231165503

Evans, K.D., Mohammad, S.H., Stigall-Weikle, A.N., Yang, Q., Sommerich, C.M., 2023. Utilizing Simulation as a Means to Teach Diagnostic Medical Sonography: A Multi-Site Discipline-Based Educational Research Project. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography 39(2), 132-143.

Lavender, S.A., Charbonnet, J., Sommerich, C.M., 2023. Biomechanical assessment of alternative hand trucks for transporting heavy loads up and down stairs. Appl Ergon 110, 104010.

Sommerich, C.M., 2022. Adopting a Sociotechnical Systems Perspective to Examine the Challenge of WRMSDs in Sonography. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography 38, 1-4.

Seagren, K.E., Sommerich, C.M., Lavender, S.A., 2022. Musculoskeletal discomfort in veterinary healthcare professions. Work 71, 1007-1027.

Mohammad, S.H., Sommerich, C.M., Butwin, A.N., Evans, K.D., 2022. Assessment of OB/Gyn Residents’ Knowledge of Basic Obstetric Sonography and Psychomotor Skills Posttraining on a Computer-Based Simulator. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography 38, 5-17.

Evans, K.D., Sommerich, C.M., Bloom, I.W., Roll, S.C., Stigall-Weikle, A.N., 2022. The Value of Conducting a Longitudinal Study on Well-Being and Risk for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries in Ultrasound Users. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography 38, 474-480.

Wang, X., Lavender, S.A., Sommerich, C.M., Rayo, M.F., 2022. Exploring the relationships between computer task characteristics, mental workload, and computer users’ biomechanical responses. Ergonomics, 1-10.

Wang, X., Lavender, S.A., Sommerich, C.M., Rayo, M.F., 2021. The effects of using a footrest during computer tasks varying in complexity and temporal demands: A postural and electromyographic analysis. Appl Ergon 98, 103550.

Tang, M., Sommerich, C.M., Lavender, S.A., 2021. An investigation of an ergonomics intervention to affect neck biomechanics and pain associated with smartphone use. Work 69, 127-139.

Xu, Y., Lavender, S.A., Sommerich, C.M., 2021. The efficacy of a lifting strap as an ergonomic intervention for EMS providers: Does it make it easier to raise a supine patient to an upright sitting posture? Appl Ergon 94, 103416.

Evans, K.D., Sommerich, C.M., Stigall-Weikle, A.N., Stokes, A.D., Klatt, M.D., 2021. Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Radiographers: An Exploration of Self-reported Symptoms. Radiol Technol 93, 161-176.

Lavender, S.A., Sun, C., Xu, Y., Sommerich, C.M., 2021. Ergonomic considerations when slotting piece-pick operations in distribution centers. Appl Ergon 97, 103554.

Amini Pay*, N., Sommerich, C.M., Lavender, S.A., 2021. Assessment of alternative methods for informal caregivers to perform patient repositioning tasks. Applied Ergonomics 93.  [Read this paper.(*Thesis research by Master’s student N. Amini Pay, who was supported  through our NIOSH Training Grant)

2011-2020

Li, J., C. M. Sommerich, E. Chipps, S. A. Lavender and E. A. Stasny (2020). A framework for studying risk factors for lower extremity musculoskeletal discomfort in nurses. Ergonomics: 1-39. [Read this paper.]

Sommerich, C.M., Lavender, S.A., Evans, K.D., Sanders, E.B., Joines, S., Lamar, S., Radin Umar, R.Z., Yen, W.T., Park, S., 2020. Collaborating with radiographers to address their work-related musculoskeletal discomfort. Appl Ergon 85, 103069.

Mohammad, S.H., Evans, K.D., Bahner, D., Sommerich, C.M., 2020. An Interprofessional Approach to Targeted Sonography Training Using Computer-Based Simulation in Medical Students’ Clinical Training: A Case Series. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography 36, 153-161.

Lavender, S.A., Sommerich, C.M., Bigelow, S., *Weston, E.B., *Seagren, K., *Amini Pay, N., *Sillars, D., Ramachandran, V., Sun, C., Xu, Y., Marras, W.S., 2020. A biomechanical evaluation of potential ergonomic solutions for use by firefighter and EMS providers when lifting heavy patients in their homes. Appl Ergon 82, 102910.  (* indicate students who received support through our NIOSH Training Grant)

Wang, X., Lavender, S. A., & Sommerich, C. (2019). The Effects of Load Stability and Visual Access During Asymmetric Lifting Tasks on Back and Upper Extremity Biomechanical Responses. Hum Factors, 61(5), 712-721.

Polivka, B. J., Anderson, S., Lavender, S. A., Sommerich, C. M., Stredney, D. L., Wills, C. E., & Darragh, A. R. (2019). Efficacy and Usability of a Virtual Simulation Training System for Health and Safety Hazards Encountered by Healthcare Workers. Games Health J, 8(2), 121-128.

Lavender, S., Polivka, B., Darragh, A., Sommerich, C., Stredney, D., & Wills, C. (2019). Evaluating home healthcare workers’ ability to detect safety hazards in client homes using a virtual simulation training system. Home Healthcare Now, 37, 265-272.

Lavender, S.A., Sommerich, C.M., Sanders, E.B.-N., Evans, K.D., Li, J., Radin Umar, R.Z., Patterson, E.S., 2019. Developing Evidence-Based Design Guidelines for Medical/Surgical Hospital Patient Rooms That Meet the Needs of Staff, Patients, and Visitors. Health Environments Research & Design Journal, 1-34.

Evans, K.D., Sommerich, C.M., Klatt, M.D., Griffin, H., Pan, X., 2019. Self-reported Symptoms of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Radiation Therapists. Radiation Therapist 28, 131-142.

Lavender, S.A., Wang, Z., Allread, W.G., Sommerich, C.M., 2019. Quantifying the effectiveness of static and dynamic insoles in reducing the tibial shock experienced during walking. Appl Ergon 74, 118-123.

Klatt, M., Sommerich, C., Hausmann, M., Stigall, N., Evans, K., 2019. Reimagining the Imaging Professional. Radiology Management 41, 20-24.

Patterson, E.S., Sanders, E.B., Lavender, S.A., Sommerich, C.M., Park, S., Li, J., Evans, K.D., 2018. A Grounded Theoretical Analysis of Room Elements Desired by Family Members and Visitors of Hospitalized Patients: Implications for Medical/Surgical Hospital Patient Room Design. HERD. 12(1), 124-144. doi: 10.1177/1937586718792885

Mickley, J.P., Evans, K.D., Tatarski, R.L., Sommerich, C.M., 2018. Pilot Application of Varied Equipment and Procedural Techniques to Determine Clinical Blood Pressure Measurements. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography 34, 446–457.

Sommerich, C.M., Lavender, S.A., Evans, K., Sanders, E., Joines, S., Lamar, S., Radin Umar, R.Z., Yen, W.-T., Park, S., 2018. Collaborating With Sonographers and Vascular Technologists to Develop Ergonomics Interventions to Address Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 35, 23-37.

Evans, K.D., Sommerich, C.M., Sanders, E.B.-N., Patterson, E.S., Li, J., Lavender, S.A., 2018. Opportunities for Inpatient Room Designs That Facilitate Imaging Professionals in Providing Diagnostic Patient Care: A Mixed Methods Study. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.  DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/8756479318776219

Sommerich, C.M., 2018. Next Steps for Ergonomics Research in Sonography. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 1-2.  DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/875647931879151

Polivka B, Anderson, S., Lavender, S., Sommerich , C., Stredney, D., Wills, A., Darragh, A. (2019). Efficacy and Usability of a Virtual Simulation Training System for Health and Safety Hazards Encountered by Healthcare Workers. Games for Health Journal, 8(2), 121-128.

Radin Umar, R.Z., Sommerich, C.M., Lavender, S.A., Sanders, E., Evans, K.D., 2018. Conceptual frameworks for the workplace change adoption process: elements integration from decision making and learning cycle process. Ergonomics, 1-14.

Volz, K.R., Evans, K.D., Kanner, C.D., Buford, J.A., Freimer, M., Sommerich, C.M., Basso, M., 2017. Molecular Ultrasound Imaging for the Detection of Neural Inflammation: A Longitudinal Dosing Pilot Study. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography 33, 466-478.

Volz, K.R., Evans, K.D., Kanner, C.D., Buford, J.A., Freimer, M., Sommerich, C.M., 2017. Molecular Ultrasound Imaging of the Spinal Cord for the Detection of Acute Inflammation. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography 33, 454-463.

Volz, K.R., Evans, K.D., Kanner, C.D., Buford, J.A., Freimer, M., Sommerich, C.M., 2017. Targeted Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for Inflammation Detection: A Review of Current Evidence. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography 33, 102-111.

Patterson, E.S., Sanders, E.B., Sommerich, C.M., Lavender, S.A., Li, J., Evans, K.D., 2017. Meeting Patient Expectations During Hospitalization: A Grounded Theoretical Analysis of Patient-Centered Room Elements. Health Environments Research & Design Journal 10, 95-110.

Butwin, A.N., Evans, K.D., Klatt, M., Sommerich, C.M., 2017. Teaching a Series of Mind-Body Techniques to Address the Risk of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Sonography Students: A Pilot Study. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography 33, 392-403.

Ay, H., Luscher, A., Sommerich, C.M., 2017. A dynamic simulator for the ergonomics evaluation of powered torque tools for human assembly. Assembly Automation 37, 1-12.

Keester, D.L., Sommerich, C.M., 2017. Investigation of musculoskeletal discomfort, work postures, and muscle activation among practicing tattoo artists. Appl Ergon 58, 137-143.  (Thesis research by Master’s student D.L. Keester, who was supported through our NIOSH Training Grant.)

Sommerich, C.M., Lavender, S.A., Evans, K.D., Sanders, E., Joines, S., Lamar, S., Radin Umar, R.Z., Yen, W.T., Park, S., 2016. Collaborating with mammographers to address their work-related musculoskeletal discomfort. Ergonomics 59, 1307-1317.   [Read this paper.]

Sommerich, C.M., Lavender, S., Evans, K., Sanders, E., Joines, S., Lamar, S., Radin Umar, R.Z., Yen, W.-T., Li, J., Nagavarapu, S., Dickerson, J., 2016. Collaborating with cardiac sonographers to develop work-related musculoskeletal disorder interventions. Ergonomics 59, 1193-1204.  [Read this paper.]

Darragh, A.R., Lavender, S., Polivka, B., Sommerich, C.M., Wills, C.E., Hittle, B.A., Chen, R., Stredney, D.L., 2016. Gaming Simulation as Health and Safety Training for Home Healthcare Workers. Clinical simulation in nursing 12, 328-335.   [Read this paper.]

Wills, C.E., Polivka, B.J., Darragh, A., Lavender, S., Sommerich, C., Stredney, D., 2016. “Making Do” Decisions: How Home Healthcare Personnel Manage Their Exposure to Home Hazards. West J Nurs Res 38, 411-426.   [Read this paper.]

Yen, W.T., Sommerich, C.M., Lavender, S.A., Flinn, S.R., Sanders, E.B., 2016. Evaluation of jar lid design characteristics by older women with hand use limitations. Appl Ergon 52, 177-184.

Polivka, B.J., Wills, C.E., Darragh, A., Lavender, S., Sommerich, C., Stredney, D., 2015. Environmental Health and Safety Hazards Experienced by Home Health Care Providers: A Room-by-Room Analysis. Workplace Health Saf 63, 512-522; quiz 523.   [Read this paper.]

Sommerich, C.M., Lavender, S.A., Radin Umar, R.Z., Li, J., Park, S., Dutt, M., 2015. A biomechanical and subjective comparison of two powered ambulance cots. Ergonomics 58, 1885-1896.

Lavender, S.A., Sommerich, C.M., Patterson, E.S., Sanders, E.B., Evans, K.D., Park, S., Umar, R.Z., Li, J., 2015. Hospital Patient Room Design: The Issues Facing 23 Occupational Groups Who Work in Medical/Surgical Patient Rooms. Health Environments Research & Design Journal 8, 98-114.

Mehta, J. P., Lavender, S. A., Jagacinski, R. J., & Sommerich, C. M. (2015). Exploring the effects of seated whole body vibration exposure on repetitive asymmetric lifting tasks. J Occup Environ Hyg, 12(3), 172-181.

Mehta, J.P., Lavender, S.A., Jagacinski, R.J., Sommerich, C.M., 2015. Effects of task precision demands on behavioral and physiological changes during a repetitive asymmetric lifting activity. Hum Factors 57, 435-446.

Roll, S. C., Evans, K. D., Volz, K. R., & Sommerich, C. M. (2013). Longitudinal design for sonographic measurement of median nerve swelling with controlled exposure to physical work using an animal model. Ultrasound Med Biol, 39(12), 2492-2497.   [Read this paper.]

Flinn, S. R., Sanders, E. B., Yen, W. T., Sommerich, C. M., & Lavender, S. A. (2013). Empowering elderly women with osteoarthritis through hands-on exploration of adaptive equipment concepts. Occupational Therapy International, 20(4), 163-172.

Ay, H., Sommerich, C. M., & Luscher, A. (2013). Linear Modeling of Human Hand-Arm Dynamics Relevant to Right-Angle Torque Tool Interaction. Human Factors, 55(5), 893-910.

Yen, W. T., Flinn, S. R., Sommerich, C. M., Lavender, S. A., & Sanders, E. B. (2013). Preference of lid design characteristics by older adults with limited hand function. Journal of Hand Therapy, 26(3), 261-271.

Darragh, A. R., Sommerich, C. M., Lavender, S. A., Tanner, K. J., Vogel, K., & Campo, M. (2015). Musculoskeletal discomfort, physical demand and caregiving activities in informal caregivers. Journal of Applied Gerontology 34, 734-760.  [Read this paper.]

Evans, K.D., Volz, K.R., Roll, S.C., Hutmire, C.M., Pargeon, R.L., Buford, J.A., Sommerich, C.M., 2013. Establishing an Imaging Protocol for Detection of Vascularity within the Median Nerve Using Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound. J Diagn Med Sonogr 29(5).  [Read this paper.]

Roll, S. C., Evans, K. D., Li, X., Sommerich, C. M., & Case-Smith, J. (2013). Importance of tissue morphology relative to patient reports of symptoms and functional limitations resulting from median nerve pathology. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 67(1), 64-72.  [Read this paper.]

Lavender, S. A., Ko, P. L., & Sommerich, C. M. (2013) Biomechanical evaluation of the Eco-Pick lift assist: A device designed to facilitate product selection tasks in distribution centers. Applied Ergonomics, 44(2), 230-236.

Volz, K. R., Evans, K. D., Fout, L. T., Hutmire, C., Sommerich, C. M., & Buford, J. A. (2012). Utilization of sonography compared with magnetic resonance imaging in determining the cross-sectional area of the median nerve in a sample of working macaca fascicularis : a preclinical study. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 28(6), 279-288.

Sommerich, C. M., Lavender, S. A., Radin Umar, R. Z., Le, P., Mehta, J., Ko, P. L., et al. (2012) A biomechanical and subjective assessment and comparison of three ambulance cot design configurations. Ergonomics, 55(11), 1350-1361.

Czuba, L. R., Sommerich, C. M., & Lavender, S. A. (2012). Ergonomic and Safety Risk Factors in Home Health Care:  Assessment and exploration of alternative interventions. Work, 42(3), 341-53.  (Research by Master’s student L.R. Czuba, who was supported through our NIOSH Training Grant.)

Hernandez, O. K., Sommerich, C. M., & Woods, D. D. (July 2011). The Potential for Tele-Presence to Assist and Aid with Medication Self-Management. Ergonomics in Design, 19(3), 15-23.  (Thesis research by Master’s student O.K. Hernandez, who was supported through our NIOSH Training Grant.)

Roll, SC, Evans, KE, Li, X, Freimer, M, Sommerich, CM. 2011. Screening for carpal tunnel syndrome using ultrasonography.  Journal of Ultrasound Medicine. Dec; 30(12), 1657-1667.  [Read this paper.]

2000-2010

Rusli, L, Luscher, AF, Sommerich, CM  (2010)  Force and tactile feedback in preloaded cantilever snap-fits under manual assembly.  IJIE, 40, 618-628.

Vatan Korkmaz, S., Sommerich, CM, (2009) Facilitating student learning about ergonomics and healthy computing skills via participatory ergonomics, Work, 34(4), 439-448.

Noack, KL, Sommerich, CM and Mirka, GM (2009)  College students and computers:  assessment of usage patterns and musculoskeletal discomfort.  Work, 32(3), 285-298.

Evans, K.D. and Sommerich, C.M., 2009, The feasibility of using an HCU system for investigating ergonomic injury among autoworkers. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 25, 80-87.

Sommerich, C.M., R. Ward, K. Sikdar, J. Payne, and L. Herman. 2007. A  survey of high school students with ubiquitous access to tablet PCs. Ergonomics 50 (5):706-727.

Banks, J., Lavender, S. A., Buford, J., and Sommerich, C. M.,(2007) Measuring pad-pad pinch strength in a non-human primate:  Macaca fascicularis, JEK, 17, 725-730.

Sommerich, C.M., S. A. Lavender, J. Buford, J. Banks, S. Vatan Korkmaz, and W.S. Pease. 2007. Towards development of a non-human primate model of carpal tunnel syndrome:  Performance of a voluntary, repetitive pinching task induces median mononeuropathy in Macaca fascicularis. J Orthop Res 25:713-724.  [Read this paper.]

Splittstoesser, R.E., G. Yang, G.G. Knapik, D.R. Trippany, J.A. Hoyle, P. Lahoti, S.V. Korkmaz, C.M. Sommerich, S.A. Lavender, and W.S. Marras. 2007. Spinal loading experienced in a kneeling posture during manual materials handling. JEK 17 (1):25-34.

Joines SB, Sommerich CM, Mirka G, Wilson J, and Moon SD. 2006, Low-level exertions of the neck musculature: A study of research methods. J Electromyogr Kinesiol; 16: 485-497.

Bajaj, K., Mirka, GA, Sommerich, CM, Khachatoorian, H (2006).  Evaluation of a redesigned self-checkout stand for wheelchair users. Asst Technol 18, 15-24.

Korkmaz, S.V., Hoyle, J.A., Knapik, G.G., Splittstoesser, R.E., Yang, G., Trippany, D.R., Lahoti, P., Sommerich, C.M., Lavender, S.A. & Marras, W.S. (2006). Baggage handling in an airplane cargo hold: An ergonomic intervention study. IJIE, 36(4), 301-312.

Sommerich, CM and Hughes, RE (2006)  Etiology of work-related disorders of the rotator cuff tendons:  research and theory.  Theoretical Issues in Ergonomic Science (TIES), 7(1), 19-38.

Duke, K, Mirka, GM, and Sommerich, CM (2004).  Productivity and ergonomic investigation of bent-handle pliers.  Human Factors, 46(2), 234-243.

Leyman E, Kaber DB, Mirka GA, and Sommerich CM (2004).  Assessing the relationship between cognitive load and cervicobrachial muscle response in a dual-task scenario.  Ergonomics, 47,(6), 625-645.

Sommerich, CM, Starr, H, Smith, CA, Shivers, C.  (2002)  Effects of notebook computer configuration and task on user biomechanics, productivity, and comfort, IJIE, 30, 7-31.

Smith, CA, Sommerich, CM, Mirka, GA, George, MC (2002).  An investigation of ergonomic interventions in dental hygiene work, Applied Ergonomics, 33(2), 175-184.

Joines, S.M.B., Sommerich, C.M. (2001). Comparison of self-assessment and partnered-assessment as cost-effective alternative methods for office workstation evaluation, IJIE, 28, 327-340.

Psihogios, J.P. Sommerich, C.M., Mirka, G.M., Moon, S.D. (2001).  A field evaluation of monitor placement effects in VDT users.  Applied Ergonomics, 32(4), 313-325.

Sommerich, C.M., Joines, S.M.B., Psihogios, J.P. (2001).  Effects of computer monitor viewing angle and related factors on strain, performance, and preference outcomes.  Human Factors, 43(1), 39-55.

Kelaher, D, Nay, T, Lawrence, B, Lamar, S, and Sommerich, CM.  (2001)  An investigation into the effects of touchpad location within a notebook computer.  Applied Ergonomics, 32(1), 101-110.

Sommerich, CM, Joines, SMB, Hermans, V, and Moon, SD.  (2000) Use of surface electromyography to study neck muscle activity. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 10, 377-398.

< 2000

Sommerich, CM, Marras, WS, and Parnianpour, M.  (1998).  A method for developing biomechanical profiles of hand-intensive tasks.  Clinical Biomechanics, 13, 261-271.

Sommerich, C.M., Marras, W.S., and Parnianpour, M. (1996). Observations on the relationship between key strike force and typing speed. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, 57(12) 1109-1114.

Sommerich, C.M., Marras, W.S., and Parnianpour, M. (1996). A quantitative description of typing biomechanics. J Occ Rehab, 6(1), 33-55.

Sommerich, C.M., McGlothlin, J.D., and Marras, W.S. (1993). Investigations of occupational risk factors associated with soft tissue disorders of the shoulder: a review of recent investigations in the literature. Ergonomics, 36(6), 697-717.

Sommerich, C.M. and Marras, W.S. (1992). Temporal patterns of trunk muscle activity throughout a dynamic, asymmetric lifting motion. Human Factors, 34(2), 215-230.

Marras, W.S. and Sommerich, C.M. (1991). A three-dimensional motion model of loads on the lumbar spine. Part II: Model validation. Human Factors, 33(2), 139-149.

Marras, W.S. and Sommerich, C.M. (1991). A three-dimensional motion model of loads on the lumbar spine. Part 1: Model structure. Human Factors, 33(2), 123-137.

Lavender, S.A., Mirka, G.A., Schoenmarklin, R.W., Sommerich, C.M., Sudhakar, L.R., and Marras, W.S. (1989). The effects of preview and task symmetry on trunk muscle response to sudden loading. Human Factors, 31(1), 101-115.