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Zhang H, Yang Z. Research on dynamic comfort maintenance by measuring lower limb edema and seat pressure during simulated seated sleep in flight. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2024; 30:72-83. [PMID: 37401853 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2023.2232635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Objectives. Seated sleep during flight can bring significant discomfort to passengers. The objective of this research was to study passengers' dynamic comfort maintenance strategies in lower limb postural shifting during seated sleep in flight. Methods. Studies on seated sleep postures and sitting comfort were conducted. First, 40 participants were recruited to the observational research for collecting typical leg postures during seated sleep. Then, an experiment was conducted with the participants simulating seated sleep in the aircraft seat. The changes in lower limb edema and seat pressure in different postures were measured with a bioelectrical impedance device, near-infrared spectroscopy device and pressure mapping device. Results. Six postures were selected through the observational research. The experiment showed that tissues of the thighs and buttocks suffer alternate higher compression by shifting between the six postures. Lower limb edema is higher when the shanks are forward, while the tissue under the ischial tuberosity suffers higher compression when the shanks are neutral. Conclusion. Six motivations for passengers to shift each sitting posture to achieve dynamic comfort were summarized, which helps obtain alternating rest in different body parts. The suggestion of a leg position adjustment system was also proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huizhong Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of Science and Technology, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, China
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2
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Lampe D, Deml B. Increasing physical activity in the vehicle with an interactive seating system in a male sample. ERGONOMICS 2023; 66:536-553. [PMID: 35876479 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2022.2098384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
An interactive seating system (IASS) was compared to a state-of-the-art massage seating system (MS) regarding the potential of reducing health risks from prolonged sitting in the vehicle. The study investigated if the systems (1) increase heart rate, which is associated with reduced metabolic and cardiovascular risks; (2) activate muscles with the potential to reduce musculoskeletal pain; (3) influence seating comfort and discomfort. The systems were compared in a passenger scenario in a laboratory study (30 male subjects). Only the use of the IASS significantly elevated the heart rate. Muscle activity showed tendencies to increase in the lower back only while using the MS. In comparison, the IASS activated all six captured muscles. Significantly less discomfort was found for the IASS compared to the MS. In comparison to the MS, the IASS showed a substantially higher potential for reducing health risks from static sitting in the vehicle.Practitioner summary: This laboratory study compared the effects of a novel automotive interactive seating system with those of a state-of-the-art massage seating system. Muscle activity, heart rate and discomfort indicated that the IASS has a significantly higher potential to reduce health risks associated with static seating in a vehicle.Abbreviations: AB: air bladder; AC: active condition; ADSS: active dynamic seating system; CLBP: chronic lumbar back pain; ECG: electrocardiography; EMG: electromyography; IASS: interactive seating system; MS: massage seating system; PC: passive condition; PDSS: passive dynamic seating system; RMS: rootmean-square; TI: time interval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Lampe
- Mercedes-Benz AG, Boeblingen, Germany
- Institute of Human and Industrial Engineering (IFAB), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Barbara Deml
- Institute of Human and Industrial Engineering (IFAB), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
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Stults-Kolehmainen MA. Humans have a basic physical and psychological need to move the body: Physical activity as a primary drive. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1134049. [PMID: 37113126 PMCID: PMC10128862 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1134049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical activity, while less necessary for survival in modern times, is still essential for thriving in life, and low levels of movement are related to numerous physical and mental health problems. However, we poorly understand why people move on a day-to-day basis and how to promote greater energy expenditure. Recently, there has been a turn to understand automatic processes with close examination of older theories of behavior. This has co-occurred with new developments in the study of non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT). In this narrative review, it is hypothesized that psycho-physiological drive is important to understand movement in general and NEAT, specifically. Drive, in short, is a motivation state, characterized by arousal and felt tension, energizing the organism to acquire a basic need. Movement is a biological necessity, like food, water, and sleep, but varies across the lifespan and having the greatest impact before adolescence. Movement meets various criteria for a primary drive: (a) deprivation of it produces feelings of tension, such as an urge or craving, known as affectively-charged motivation states, and particularly the feelings of being antsy, restless, hyper or cooped up, (b) provision of the need quickly reduces tension - one can be satiated, and may even over-consume, (c) it can be provoked by qualities of the environment, (d) it is under homeostatic control, (e) there is an appetite (i.e., appetence) for movement but also aversion, and (f) it has a developmental time course. Evidence for drive has mainly come from children and populations with hyperkinetic disorders, such as those with anorexia nervosa, restless legs syndrome, and akathisia. It is also stimulated in conditions of deprivation, such as bed rest, quarantine, long flights, and physical restraint. It seems to be lacking in the hypokinetic disorders, such as depression and Parkinson's. Thus, drive is associated with displeasure and negative reinforcement, subsuming it within the theory of hedonic drive, but it may fit better within new paradigms, such as the WANT model (Wants and Aversions for Neuromuscular Tasks). Recently developed measurement tools, such as the CRAVE scale, may permit the earnest investigation of movement drive, satiation, and motivation states in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A. Stults-Kolehmainen
- Division of Digestive Health, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College – Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Matthew A. Stults-Kolehmainen,
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Wang L, Yu S, Chen D, Li W, Chu J, Fan H. Effects of aircraft tray table height and neck posture on passenger comfort: A study of the economy class cabin. Work 2022; 75:287-302. [PMID: 36591679 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tray table in economy class air travel may cause excessive neck flexion and discomfort in passengers. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of different tray table heights on the neck posture and discomfort perception of passengers. METHODS A passenger experience survey was used to determine the passengers' view that the tray table was not high enough, and that most passengers were dissatisfied with the overall comfort evaluation of the tray table, especially passengers with obesity. Three head-neck angles and discomfort perceptions of six body parts in 58 participants were recorded by neck posture 3D scanning and perceived level of discomfort assessment, respectively. RESULTS Tray tables at the original height (68 cm) caused unnatural neck posture and discomfort in participants. Raising the tray table can improve the neck posture of participants and reduce discomfort. However, raising the tray table too high will cause more shoulder discomfort in participants. Based on the results, 78 (±2) cm is suggested as the suitable thresholds range of tray tables for economy class air travel. CONCLUSION The results and findings of this study could provide a theoretical base for the optimization of tray table design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Design and Ergonomics, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Shaanxi Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Design, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Suihuai Yu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Design and Ergonomics, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Shaanxi Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Design, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dengkai Chen
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Design and Ergonomics, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Shaanxi Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Design, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Design and Ergonomics, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Shaanxi Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Design, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jianjie Chu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Design and Ergonomics, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Shaanxi Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Design, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hao Fan
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Design and Ergonomics, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Shaanxi Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Design, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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Lampe D, Deml B. Reducing passive driver fatigue through a suitable secondary motor task by means of an interactive seating system. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2022; 103:103773. [PMID: 35462342 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of a secondary motor task induced by an interactive seating system (IASS) on passive driver fatigue in a monotonous simulated driving task. The effect was compared to that of a state-of-the-art massage seating system (MS), which may reduce monotony through additional tactile stimuli. The secondary objective was to compare the user experience of both systems. METHOD The independent variables were three conditions: one with the IASS, another with the MS, and a control without intervention. The study included seven dependent variables in total: a rating of subjective fatigue, three parameters measuring lane keeping ability, and three parameters reflecting fatigue-related eye movements. The duration of the simulator ride was 40 min in each condition. The study included thirty-five subjects. RESULTS The assessment of subjective fatigue and lane keeping showed that the use of the IASS resulted in significantly lower passive driver fatigue compared to the massage and control conditions. The alerting effects of the IASS were also reflected by an increased eyelid distance. Frequency and duration of blinks, however, showed no clear patterns of fatigue over time in any of the conditions. Thus, both parameters did not seem be suitable to capture passive driver fatigue in this study. Regarding user experience, the subjects preferred the IASS over the MS as well. CONCLUSION The IASS showed a strong potential as an effective measure against passive driver fatigue within monotonous driving situations. The MS, on the other hand, induced no measurable effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Lampe
- Institute of Human and Industrial Engineering (ifab), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Engler-Bunte-Ring 4, D-76131, Karlsruhe, Germany; Mercedes-Benz AG, Leibnizstraße 4, D-71032, Böblingen, Germany.
| | - Barbara Deml
- Institute of Human and Industrial Engineering (ifab), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Engler-Bunte-Ring 4, D-76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
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Stults-Kolehmainen MA, Blacutt M, Fogelman N, Gilson TA, Stanforth PR, Divin AL, Bartholomew JB, Filgueiras A, McKee PC, Ash GI, Ciccolo JT, Brotnow Decker L, Williamson SL, Sinha R. Measurement of Motivation States for Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior: Development and Validation of the CRAVE Scale. Front Psychol 2021; 12:568286. [PMID: 33841225 PMCID: PMC8027339 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.568286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical activity, and likely the motivation for it, varies throughout the day. The aim of this investigation was to create a short assessment (CRAVE: Cravings for Rest and Volitional Energy Expenditure) to measure motivation states (wants, desires, urges) for physical activity and sedentary behaviors. Five studies were conducted to develop and evaluate the construct validity and reliability of the scale, with 1,035 participants completing the scale a total of 1,697 times. In Study 1, 402 university students completed a questionnaire inquiring about the want or desire to perform behaviors "at the present moment (right now)." Items related to physical activity (e.g., "move my body") and sedentary behaviors (e.g., "do nothing active"). An exploratory structural equation model (ESEM) revealed that 10 items should be retained, loading onto two factors (5 each for Move and Rest). In Study 2, an independent sample (n = 444) confirmed these results and found that Move and Rest desires were associated with stage-of-change for exercise behavior. In Study 3, 127 community-residing participants completed the CRAVE at 6-month intervals over two years- two times each session. Across-session interclass correlations (ICC) for Move (ICC = 0.72-0.95) and Rest (ICC = 0.69-0.88) were higher than when they were measured across 24-months (Move: ICC = 0.53; Rest: ICC = 0.49), indicating wants/desires have state-like qualities. In Study 4, a maximal treadmill test was completed by 21 university students. The CRAVE was completed immediately pre and post. Move desires decreased 26% and Rest increased 74%. Changes in Move and Rest desires were moderately associated with changes in perceived physical fatigue and energy. In Study 5, 41 university students sat quietly during a 50-min lecture. They completed the CRAVE at 3 time points. Move increased 19.6% and Rest decreased 16.7%. Small correlations were detected between move and both perceived energy and tiredness, but not calmness or tension. In conclusion, the CRAVE scale has good psychometric properties. These data also support tenets of the WANT model of motivation states for movement and rest (Stults-Kolehmainen et al., 2020a). Future studies need to explore how desires to move/rest relate to dynamic changes in physical activity and sedentarism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A. Stults-Kolehmainen
- Digestive Health Multispecialty Clinic, Yale – New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Miguel Blacutt
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nia Fogelman
- Yale Stress Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Todd A. Gilson
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, United States
| | - Philip R. Stanforth
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Amanda L. Divin
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA, United States
| | - John B. Bartholomew
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Alberto Filgueiras
- Department of Cognition and Human Development, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paul C. McKee
- Department of Psychology, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Garrett I. Ash
- Pain, Research, Informatics, Medical Comorbidities and Education Center (PRIME), VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
- Center for Medical Informatics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Joseph T. Ciccolo
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Line Brotnow Decker
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Division of Mental Health, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Susannah L. Williamson
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Rajita Sinha
- Yale Stress Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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Naddeo A, Califano R, Fiorillo I. Identifying factors that influenced wellbeing and learning effectiveness during the sudden transition into eLearning due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Work 2021; 68:45-67. [PMID: 33459679 DOI: 10.3233/wor-203358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sanitary emergency due to COVID-19 virus obliged people to face up several changes in their everyday life becauseWorld Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines and countries' Health Systems imposed lockdown of activities and social distancing to flatten the infection curve. One of these rapid changes involved students and professors that had to turn the traditional "in presence" classes into online courses facing several problems for educational delivery. OBJECTIVES This work aimed to investigate the factors that affected both teaching/learning effectiveness and general human comfort and wellbeing after the sudden transition from classrooms to eLearning platforms due to COVID-19 in Italy. METHODS A workshop, involving students and experts of Human Factors and Ergonomics, has been performed to identify aspects/factors that could influence online learning. Then, from workshop output and literature studies, a survey composed of two questionnaires (one for students and one for teachers) has been developed and spread out among Italian universities students and professors. RESULTS 700 people answered the questionnaires. Data have been analysed and discussed to define the most important changes due to the new eLearning approach. Absence of interactions with colleagues and the necessity to use several devices were some of the aspects coming out from questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS The study shows an overview of factors influencing both teaching/learning effectiveness and general human comfort and wellbeing. Results could be considered as a basis for future investigation and optimization about the dependencies and correlations among identified factors and the characteristics of the products/interaction/environment during eLearning courses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Naddeo
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Rosaria Califano
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Iolanda Fiorillo
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
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Wang X, Beurier G, Zhao M, Obadia JM. Objective and subjective evaluation of a new airplane seat with an optimally pre-shaped foam support. Work 2020; 68:S257-S271. [PMID: 33337426 DOI: 10.3233/wor-208024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aircraft seat manufacturers are making efforts to reduce seat weight while continuously increasing seating comfort. OBJECTIVES To verify if seats with an optimally pre-shaped foam support could improve seating comfort while reducing seat weight. METHODS The optimally pre-shaped surface was obtained from a synthesis of 95% of individually optimized compressed seat pan surfaces of a target population. Two new seats were proposed with two different cushions, one slightly softer and the other harder. Nineteen differently sized volunteers tested the two new seats and an existing seat randomly. After an assessment of initial discomfort, participants were instructed to watch a TV series for 50 minutes. A same questionnaire was used to assess both initial and longer-term discomfort. Contact forces and pressure distribution were analysed as well in-chair movements (ICM) during sitting. RESULTS The two new seats exhibited lower shear, lower peak pressure and larger contact area on the seat pan as well lower number of ICM during the 50 minutes sitting. They also had lower initial overall discomfort, though significant differences between the seats were not found after the long sitting. CONCLUSIONS Properly pre-shaped surface could be used as foam support to reduce the amount of foam while reducing seating discomfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuguang Wang
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, Univ Gustave Eiffel, IFSTTAR, LBMC UMR, Lyon, France
| | - Georges Beurier
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, Univ Gustave Eiffel, IFSTTAR, LBMC UMR, Lyon, France
| | - Mingming Zhao
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, Univ Gustave Eiffel, IFSTTAR, LBMC UMR, Lyon, France
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9
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Abstract
(Dis)comfort research that has no information on behaviour of the participants can be considered as incomplete, as major influencing factors could be missed. For (dis)comfort research it is important to capture factors such as context, task/activity, posture, movement, (distracting) stimuli and time, as these factors have influence on the experienced (dis)comfort. Recording the behaviour allows for better evaluation of and comparison between studies, contributing to an increase of scientific knowledge on (dis)comfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Smulders
- Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - P Vink
- Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
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10
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Areeudomwong P, Bootsast W, Thapthimthong C, Manop P, Buttagat V. Effects of kinesio taping on neck-shoulder discomfort and EMG responses during smartphone texting in healthy young adults. Work 2020; 67:847-854. [PMID: 33325432 DOI: 10.3233/wor-203336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While kinesio taping (KT) is used in several clinical settings to correct posture and reduce pain, KT effects during smartphone texting are unknown. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects among healthy young adults of KT on neck-shoulder discomfort and electromyographic (EMG) responses of neck and upper trunk muscles during smartphone texting. METHODS Twenty-four participants performed a 30-minute texting task on a smartphone using both hands at two separate times under one of two conditions: KT on the right shoulder and no taping. Neck-shoulder discomfort was assessed, along with the normalized root mean square (NRMS) and normalized median frequency (NMF) of the right cervical erector spinae (CES), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA). RESULTS Compared to baseline, both groups had significantly greater neck-shoulder discomfort, and NRMS and NMF of all muscles (p < 0.001) after performing a 30-minute texting task. Comparing between groups, the KT group experienced significantly less neck-shoulder discomfort, and demonstrated delayed deterioration of NRMS and NMF of right CES and LT muscles (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS During smartphone texting, KT on the shoulder decreased neck-shoulder discomfort and delayed reduction of activation and fatigue of neck and upper trunk muscles among healthy young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pattanasin Areeudomwong
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Integrative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Wasuphol Bootsast
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Integrative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Chalalai Thapthimthong
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Integrative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Patchareeporn Manop
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Integrative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Vitsarut Buttagat
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Integrative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
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Fiorillo I, Piro S, Anjani S, Smulders M, Song Y, Naddeo A, Vink P. Future vehicles: the effect of seat configuration on posture and quality of conversation. ERGONOMICS 2019; 62:1400-1414. [PMID: 31368416 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2019.1651904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The percentage of passengers that prefer travelling in groups is increasing. In most vehicles, passengers sit side by side and need to turn their body to be engaged in the conversation with their fellow travellers. However, rotating the body could lead to discomfort which influences conversation quality. The aim of this research is to study the effect of seat configuration on the (dis)comfort experience, conversation quality and posture. Experiments in which participants were asked to talk to each other while sitting at the same distance (1 m) were conducted in four seating arrangements (with seat-belts on), where the angle between the forward directions of two seats were positioned at 0° (side by side), 22.5°, 90° and 120° (almost opposite each other), respectively. Optical tracking has been deployed and the collected data were processed with MatLab® to acquire postural angles over time. Questionnaires were also used to evaluate the perceived (dis)comfort and the quality of the conversation. Experiment results indicate that the 120° configuration scored the best in the overall comfort and the quality of conversation, but only slightly better than the 90° configuration. Practitioner summary: Seating side by side is not optimal to have a comfortable conversation with your seatmate. To improve comfort and quality of conversation in future vehicles, we tested four seating arrangements analysing the effect of seat layout on (dis)comfort experience. Statistical analysis of objective and subjective data shows the optimal configuration for a comfortable conversation. Abbreviation: LPD: localized postural discomfort; PDF: probability density function; OCRA: occupational repetitive action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iolanda Fiorillo
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno , Salerno , Italy
| | - Silvana Piro
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno , Salerno , Italy
| | - Shabila Anjani
- Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology , Delft , The Netherlands
| | - Maxim Smulders
- Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology , Delft , The Netherlands
| | - Yu Song
- Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology , Delft , The Netherlands
| | - Alessandro Naddeo
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno , Salerno , Italy
| | - Peter Vink
- Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology , Delft , The Netherlands
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Piro S, Fiorillo I, Anjani S, Smulders M, Naddeo A, Vink P. Towards comfortable communication in future vehicles. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2019; 78:210-216. [PMID: 31046952 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This research aims to study the effect of seat and/or backrest rotation on comfort and quality of conversation. Different sitting arrangements were tested to study the effect of the seat layout on: 1) (dis)comfort experience; 2) conversation quality and 3) postures. Two seats were arranged in different angles (0°, 45°, 90°, and 180°) at the same distance (1 m) and participants were asked to talk to each other. The participants' postures were acquired by using cameras and markers on the participants' body. Questionnaires were used to rate the perceived (dis)comfort and quality of conversation. Results show that 90° configuration scored the best both in overall comfort and quality of conversation; while the 0° configuration scored the lowest in both ratings. A strong correlation was established between high comfort and good quality of conversation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Piro
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Iolanda Fiorillo
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Shabila Anjani
- Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Landbergstraat 15, 2628CE, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Maxim Smulders
- Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Landbergstraat 15, 2628CE, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Alessandro Naddeo
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy.
| | - Peter Vink
- Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Landbergstraat 15, 2628CE, Delft, the Netherlands
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Fasulo L, Naddeo A, Cappetti N. A study of classroom seat (dis)comfort: Relationships between body movements, center of pressure on the seat, and lower limbs' sensations. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2019; 74:233-240. [PMID: 30487104 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2018.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this work is to define a new method that helps researchers to analyze perceptions of (dis)comfort in dynamic conditions. Recent studies pay considerable attention to body movements, mobility, and stability to measure comfort or discomfort when seated. Most of these discuss the relations between subjective comfort/discomfort and objective measurements (e.g. body pressure distribution, body movement and EMG) for short- and medium-term sitting. The present analysis took place in a classroom of the Industrial Engineering Department at the University of Salerno. The participants included 25 students (12 females and 13 males), who were observed during classroom hours. The students were invited to sit at a combo-desk and were free to perform different combinations of movements while writing and listening. These activities required that they adapt their body movements, as the combo-desk was fixed to the floor. A pressure pad was used to detect pressure at interface and center of pressure's changes, allowing for the bodies' motion data to be recorded. The aim was to identify the correct threshold to be used for movement detection and to investigate correlations between the number of movements and the perceived (dis)comfort. The study also identifies those body parts that have the greatest effect on (dis)comfort perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Fasulo
- Dept of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Italy
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