Exposure Variation Analysis (EVA): Past Applications, Present Use, and Future Challenges-A Narrative Review

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSExposure Variation Analysis (EVA) is a method for describing variation in exposure, capturing not only the intensity of exposure (e.g., muscle activity amplitudes or posture levels) but also how long exposures of different intensities occur in uninterrupted sequences. The present review of studies applying EVA found that this method has been used across a range of occupational sectors, from computer-based office work to physically demanding jobs, such as assembly and caregiving, and for a range of exposures, including electromyography and postures. EVA offers a way to identify patterns of exposure and recovery that may contribute to fatigue, discomfort, or disorders, or conversely promote health. The flexibility of EVA makes it suitable even for use with wearable sensor data. By adopting EVA, ergonomics professionals can better assess risk and inform the design of tasks that reduce sustained exposures and promote more balanced activity patterns.