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Item Investigating high-risk biomechanics in agricultural work(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Engineering, 2022) Doud, Devon Michael; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Scott Monfort; This is a manuscript style paper that includes co-authored chapters.Statement of Purpose: Osteoarthritis, a debilitating disease resulting in cartilage degradation and loss of mobility, is often instigated by injury or excessive loading of unconditioned articular cartilage. Although agricultural laborers are especially at risk of developing osteoarthritis, quantitative characterizations of occupation-specific activities have not previously been established. Deep flexion movements common to these groups (e.g., squatting or kneeling) may cause excessive contact forces on unconditioned cartilage, potentially initiating osteoarthritis development. Additionally, although cognitive loads can significantly alter gait mechanics, the effects of dual-task conditions (e.g., visual Stroop tests while walking) on contact forces have not previously been established. The purpose of this thesis is to better understand potential factors of osteoarthritis development in agricultural laborers by investigating occupational-specific movement patterns and joint loading during common occupational tasks. Methods: The first study evaluated seasonal differences in activity levels for farmers and ranchers by measuring movement intensity via wearable triaxial accelerometers. We hypothesized that ranchers would exhibit consistently high activity levels and that both groups would show an increase in movement intensity in their respective high seasons. The second study sought to establish the effects of cognitive challenges on tibiofemoral contact forces during normal gait and kneel-to-stand transitions in healthy adults. We hypothesized that dual-task conditions would correspond with increased peak tibiofemoral contact forces and that these forces would be positioned farther from the joint center along the mediolateral axis during dual-task conditions. Results: The first study findings largely supported the hypothesis: increased movement intensity during high seasons were recorded for both groups, with farmers exhibiting a larger seasonal fluctuation for moderate intensity activities. The second study did not support the hypothesis: cognitive loading did not significantly affect the magnitude of peak contact forces, and peak contact forces occurred closer to the joint center during dual-task conditions than during single-task conditions. However, post hoc analysis suggested that other portions of the contact force time series during stance phase were affected by cognitive challenges. Conclusions: This thesis provides foundational steps in understanding potential contributing factors of osteoarthritis development in agricultural laborers, directing future investigations towards transitional contact forces in movements simulating livestock handling.Item Turning straw into gold, ACE screening for adult agricultural workers in primary care: a quality improvement project(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Nursing, 2022) Conner, Jeanne Randale; Co-chairs, Graduate Committee: Yoshiko Yamashita Colclough and Susan LuparellHistory of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is common among adults and associated with nine of the ten leading causes of death in the United States. ACEs screening, coupled with patient education and support from behavioral health promotes resilience and healing from trauma. ACEs screening was not a routine component of the annual assessment visit at the primary care clinic, a federally qualified health center serving agricultural workers and their families. The purpose of this project was to implement ACEs screening as a routine part of the annual assessment visit for adult agricultural workers, coupled with education and, for patients at increased risk, prompt referral to behavioral health. Prior to implementation, training was provided to clinical staff to prepare them for ACEs screening. During the ten-week data collection period, 75% of annual assessment visits included ACEs screening with documentation in the patient's medical history. 17% of the patients screened were determined to be at increased risk due to ACEs, and 57% of patients referred to behavioral health secondary to ACEs screening completed a visit with a behavioral health provider within two weeks of screening. Recommendations to increase ACEs screening and behavioral health referrals in this primary care clinic include adding ACEs screening to the organization's At-a-Glance Checklist for chart preparation, adding ACE score documentation to peer review chart audit, and identifying ACE-specific diagnoses to list in the medical history to facilitate data extraction and meaningful use for population health.Item Health service needs of Hispanic people in Beaverhead County as reflected by use of the district hospital emergency department(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Nursing, 1996) Carrick, Patricia; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Patricia G. ButterfieldItem An econometric analysis of the impact of energy development on agricultural labor markets(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 1984) Ingebrigtson, Karl BrentItem A study of farm labor practices and conditions in Montana during World War II as factors in post war farm labor employment problems(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 1946) Moser, Dexter H.Item Labor use on livestock ranches in Montana(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 1943) Biddle, George H.