Conference Agenda

Musculoskeletal disorders are a major occupational health concern among coffee harvesters due to the ergonomic risks associated with improper postures and the traditional basket's attachment. Prolonged exposure to these risk factors can lead to chronic injuries, reduced productivity, and long-term health complications. This study focuses on the design and preliminary analysis of an ergonomic prototype aimed at mitigating these risks and improving working conditions. An ergonomic assessment was conducted using RULA and OWAS methods, identifying high-risk postures that primarily affect the thoracolumbar spine. Additionally, biomechanical evaluations were performed with Kinovea software to analyze movement patterns, joint angles, and force distribution during harvesting tasks. Based on these findings, a prototype was developed to promote healthier postures, improve weight distribution, and reduce physical strain. The proposed design seeks to enhance both workers’ well-being and harvesting efficiency by providing a practical and adaptable alternative to traditional collection methods. Preliminary results indicate its potential effectiveness; however, further testing under real working conditions is recommended to validate its long-term benefits and usability.

This narrative review analyzes the evolution and integration of Big Data and digital health in Latin America from the perspective of biomedical engineering during the period 2010-2024. The research focuses on examining trends, challenges and opportunities in the implementation of digital technologies in the Latin American health sector, with special emphasis on artificial intelligence and big data analytics applications. Through a systematic search in the Scopus database, relevant publications addressing four main areas were identified and analyzed: AI-assisted diagnosis (40% of the studies), optimization of hospital systems (25%), disease prediction and prevention (20%), and personalized medicine (15%). The results reveal a significant transformation in healthcare delivery, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has acted as a catalyst for the accelerated adoption of digital solutions. Key findings indicate that while the region has experienced remarkable progress in the implementation of digital health technologies, significant challenges remain related to technological infrastructure, training of specialized personnel and data protection. The research highlights the importance of developing solutions adapted to the Latin American context, considering socioeconomic, cultural and geographic factors specific to the region.

This research addresses the challenges of technology management in hospitals and clinics, which stem from the limited use of information technology. This limitation leads to adverse consequences, such as delays in maintenance scheduling and inefficient resource utilization. To tackle this issue, a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) was proposed using Google Forms, specifically adapted to the context of a private clinic in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. A qualitative approach was employed, involving interviews and detailed observations to understand the maintenance department's workflow. Key sections of this process were then digitally replicated using Google Forms and automated with App Script. The resulting system consists of two forms: one for reporting medical equipment failures and another for documenting maintenance work orders. Functionality tests demonstrated that the implementation successfully eliminated paper-based work order management and automated maintenance notifications.

Blindness, a global condition affecting millions, presents significant challenges to independence and daily mobility. Individuals with visual impairments face constant risks of collisions with obstacles, potentially leading to severe injuries. This research focuses on developing an obstacle detection system in the form of smart glasses to enhance safety and mobility for visually impaired individuals.
The prototype was designed based on a comprehensive literature review and expert consultations to ensure the optimal selection of electronic components while prioritizing comfort and usability. A V-model methodology guided the iterative development process, incorporating design, implementation, testing, and user evaluation. The device integrates Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors for precise obstacle detection and vibration motors for real-time haptic feedback.
The system alerts users through increasing vibration intensity as the distance to an obstacle decreases, enabling safer and more intuitive navigation. Field tests conducted with visually impaired individuals provided valuable feedback, leading to iterative improvements. The final prototype demonstrated enhanced obstacle detection, particularly for head-level hazards, offering a practical and user-friendly assistive technology solution.

Understanding human movement is essential in the study of biomechanics, particularly in academic settings, where students and researchers seek effective methods to analyze human motion. This project explores the use of open-source tools to study lower-limb biomechanics, alongside the development of a custom program based on MediaPipe as a computer vision tool. The goal is to create an accessible Python application to analyze leg movement, focusing on knee flexion and extension during squats and gait assessment. Through real-time computer vision, this work aims to provide universities with a simple and cost-effective alternative for integrating motion analysis into teaching and research. Rather than achieving absolute accuracy, the focus is on understanding how MediaPipe can complement other open-source tools and its role in biomechanics education. However, while its accesibility and ease of use make it a promising option, further research and experimentation are necessary to explore its full potential and possible improvements for human movement analysis.

The knee is one of the most vulnerable structures to suffer from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries. These injuries, which account for between 50% and 90% of knee injuries, at least in the sports context, cause pain, swelling, and muscle weakness. In some cases, they require surgical procedures such as arthroscopic surgery, which, although effective, presents challenges related to high costs, risks associated with the use of grafts, and a long recovery process. The use of knee orthoses, combined with physical rehabilitation, presents a less invasive and cost-effective alternative, especially for less severe injuries. The purpose of this study is to design a low-cost, effective, and accessible knee orthosis prototype. To achieve this, experts in orthopedics, biomechanics, and athletes with knee injuries were consulted to gather information on their experiences and needs. The results revealed a demand for more accessible orthoses tailored to the specific needs of athletes, as well as dissatisfaction with the current commercial options. Based on the research and analysis of the surveys, materials such as neoprene and thermoplastics were identified, offering stability, support, and an ergonomic design suitable for athletes.