Aqmar Yazuli Z, Mohamad Jamil P A S, Mohammad Yusof N A D, Karuppiah K, Kumar Perimal E, Sadeghi Naeini H, et al . Effect of Anti-Fatigue Mat on Leg Muscle Discomfort and Muscle Activity Due to Prolonged Work in Upright Position among Production Workers. J Health Saf Work 2022; 12 (3) :483-498
URL:
http://jhsw.tums.ac.ir/article-1-6736-en.html
1- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
2- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia , megam@upm.edu.my
3- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
4- School of Architecture and Environmental Design, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
5- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia | School of Engineering, UOW Malaysia KDU University College, Glenmarie Campus, Jalan Kontraktor U1/14, Seksyen U1, 40150, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
6- Department of Manufacturing Management, Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), Hang Tuah Jaya, 76100 Durian Tunggal, Melaka, Malaysia
Abstract: (1580 Views)
Introduction: The manufacturing, service professions, and other occupations commonly require their employees to spend more than 2 hours of their workday in an upright position which can potentially cause temporary or permanent health effects. The objective of this study is to determine the effect of anti-fatigue mats on leg muscle discomfort and muscle activity due to prolonged standing.
Material and Methods: A total of 100 workers were involved in the study. The control and experimental group stood for 2 hours in a controlled room with or without the anti-fatigue mat while sorting an assortment of mixed items. Borg’s scale questionnaire and EMG signals were used to monitor the muscle discomfort and activity of the respondents.
Results: The discomfort ratings and muscle activity in the experimental group were always at lower levels compared to the control group, which meant there was a reduction in mean perceived exertion rating for the knees, calves, and feet, i.e., 1.8, 2.5 and 2.6, respectively. The results showed that there was a statistically significant (P < 0.001) difference in the Borg’s scale of discomfort ratings and leg muscle activity between both groups.
Conclusion: The anti-fatigue mat can have a positive effect in preventing muscle discomfort and reduce muscle activity among the respondents during prolonged standing.
Type of Study:
Research |
Received: 2022/09/24 | Accepted: 2022/09/1 | Published: 2022/09/1