NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search
Effects of anti-fatigue mats on perceived discomfort and weight-shifting during prolonged standing.
Authors
Wiggermann N; Keyserling WM
Source
Hum Factors 2013 Aug; 55(4):764-775
NIOSHTIC No.
20043078
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of anti-fatigue mats on perceived discomfort and behavioral responses (weight-shifting between the feet) during prolonged standing. BACKGROUND: Prolonged standing is a common requirement in the workplace and is a well-known cause of discomfort. Anti-fatigue mats have been shown to reduce discomfort resulting from standing, but no study has identified a particular mat that performs better than others or examined the relationship between discomfort and weight-shifting. METHODS: Participants stood for 4 hours on four commercially available "anti-fatigue" mats and a hard surface (control condition). Subjective ratings of discomfort were measured, and in-shoe pressure was recorded and used to evaluate weight-shifting during standing. RESULTS: Compared to the control condition, after 4 hours of standing discomfort was reduced by three of the four mats, but discomfort ratings did not significantly differ among mats. However, significant differences among mats were found in the frequency of weight-shifting, and weight-shifting was positively correlated to discomfort. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that subjective reports of discomfort were not sufficiently sensitive to detect differences among mats for the experimental conditions tested. Behavioral responses, specifically weight-shifting between feet, may provide a more sensitive alternative to subjective reports.
Keywords
Posture; Behavior; Fatigue; Weight-factors; Musculoskeletal-system; Humans; Men; Women; Foot-protection; Muscle-tension; Muscle-stress;
Author Keywords: weight-shifting; anti-fatigue mats
Contact
Neal Wiggermann, Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering, University of Michigan, 1161 Tekulve Rd. #401-20, Batesville, IN 47006
CODEN
HUFAA6
Publication Date
20130801
Document Type
Journal Article
Email Address
newiggermann@gmail.com
Funding Type
Grant
Fiscal Year
2013
Identifying No.
Grant-Number-T42-OH-008455; M082013
Issue of Publication
4
ISSN
0018-7208
Source Name
Human Factors
State
MI
Performing Organization
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Page last reviewed: May 11, 2023
Content source:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Education and Information Division