Preventive Physical Therapy and Ergonomics Laboratory (LAFIPE)

Lab coordinator: Tatiana de Oliveira Sato, Ph.D.

The LAFIPE aims are twofold: 1) to evaluate occupational exposure in different groups of workers using image records, inclinometer, and electrogoniometer, and 2) to evaluate the effect of interventions for preventing musculoskeletal disorders, such as labor gymnastics and role adjustments. Occupational risk contexts are replicated in the laboratory for risk assessment under controlled conditions. When necessary, workstations, products, or devices are built and assessed using recording movement, forces (e.g., load cells, dynamometers, pressure sensors), or mathematical models (software for biomechanical modeling). Some lab equipment is part of UFSCar's assets; some were acquired with funds from CAPES, FAPESP, CNPq.

Infrastructure: LAFIPE is located in the Physical Therapy Department, in the North Area of the Federal University of São Carlos. LAFIPE consists of data collection and work rooms for researchers and students. Our laboratory has equipment to perform evaluations in preventive physical therapy and ergonomics. We have inclinometers, electrogoniometers, and accelerometers to assess posture and movements, surface electromyography system to assess muscle activation, dynamometers and load cells to assess muscle strength; an algometer for pain assessment; and a heart rate monitor to assess heart rate variability.
@lafipe_ufscar