Comparing stationary standing with an intermittent walking posture during assembly operations

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate two different standing postures, intermittent walking (dynamic) and stationary, on 11 volunteers. While performing the activity in a stationary posture, volunteers worked barefoot for 25 minutes at a particular workstation, taking up to five passive breaks. The dynamic standing postural activity was similar in every respect with the exception of the nature of the breaks that were spent walking from one workstation to the other. Foot pressure was analyzed using a static evaluation variable (contact area) and a dynamic evaluation variable (area pressure change root mean square [aPcrms]). Foot center of pressure (COP) was analyzed using two of its features: excursion length (LEN) and root mean square velocity of excursions (VEL). In addition, a psychophysical study was used to distinguish the comfort levels of various muscles between the two postures. The quantifications of the four physiological variables revealed a lower comfort index (p < 0.05) in stationary standing compared to dynamic standing during assembling duties. This significant distinction was further corroborated by the results of the psychophysical test. Such a positive influence of the dynamic standing posture on standing comfort can be used to improve industrial productivity.

Influence of unstable footwear on lower leg muscle activity, volume change and subjective discomfort during prolonged standing

“…5, Table 1). These findings are in line with other studies in which they suggested that dynamic standing or more variation in lower limb movements and muscles activity leads to less discomfort and swelling in the lower extremities during prolonged standing (Balasubramanian et al, 2008(Balasubramanian et al, , 2009Lin et al, 2012a).…”

“…Active standing is classified as the use of an unstable standing surface which requires the subject to engage in more body movement (lower limb in particular) to maintain an upright standing posture. A more dynamic situation during standing can lead to an increase in the muscle activity level; Furthermore it can increase the variation in the muscle activity, which might be useful for blood circulation and reduction of discomfort (Srinivasan and Mathiassen, 2012;Balasubramanian et al, 2008Balasubramanian et al, , 2009.…”

Muscular and Vascular Issues Induced by Prolonged Standing With Different Work–Rest Cycles With Active or Passive Breaks

“…The active exercises required during the break did not have an advantage over passive breaks; however, this result may be due to the duration of the activity. Dynamic/walking interventions have attenuated effects compared with a more static standing posture (Balasubramanian, Adalarasu, & Regulapati, 2008, 2009; Garcia et al, 2016). Hence, the integration of dynamic interventions may have a benefit if done during the standing period instead of the break.…”

Long-Lasting Changes in Muscle Twitch Force During Simulated Work While Standing or Walking

“…Many service occupations, such as health care workers (Meijsen & Knibbe, 2007) and sales personnel (Pensri, Janwantanakul, & Chaikumarn, 2009), as well as many manufacturing jobs (Balasubramanian, Adalarasu, & Regulapati, 2008; Messing, Stock, Côté, & Tissot, 2015) require working in a standing posture. Standing work is very common in diverse workplaces around the world.…”