Impact of Workstation Accommodation on Fatigue and Performance
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The development of a man-machine interface with component adjustability for unmanned aerial vehicle and other remote workstations that the Air Force employs is important and necessary due to the size variability of the operators. In order to provide the range of operators an optimum interface, ergonomic principles must be applied to design for the adjustability that is required to simultaneously prevent discomfort and fatigue and promote performance. Appropriate performance measures must then be employed to delineate between optimal and sub-optimal workstation configurations. METHODS: Thirty male and female subjects participated in this study, which examined the impact of accommodation of a dual-monitor computer workstation. As a measure of performance, subjects performed a split-attention computer task. Surface electromyography was collected on the left and right trapezius and deltoid muscles. Cerebral oxygenation levels were monitored via non-invasive near-infrared surface sensors placed on the right and left sides of the forehead. Subjective comfort levels were recorded via a questionnaire at the start, middle, and end of the session. RESULTS: Trends in performance, oxygenation, and comfort corresponded with workstation configuration. Median frequency analyses of the electromyography signal gave an indication of muscular fatigue levels that were evident in the task-controlling arm. CONCLUSIONS: For UAV control station designs, it is important to consider all sizes of potential users when designing for adjustability. In addition, designs must take into consideration the effect of synergistic positioning of all components of the workstation on all of the operator's bodily components. The cognitive implications of the mission will go hand in hand with the physical ergonomics, perhaps more noticeably for longer missions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADB336590
Entities
People
- Catherine Harrison
- Joseph Pellettiere
- Julia Parakkat
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory