Theoretical models of dis/comfort and the use of techniques for its assessment during seating in static sedentary activities: A literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20453/rhr.v5i2.4363Keywords:
Review, ergonomics, musculoskeletal pain, sitting positionAbstract
Comfort and Discomfort (hereinafter Dis/Comfort) is an aspect of human well-being of interest for ergonomics, since it arises from the interaction of human beings with their environment and serves as an indicator to optimize designs that are increasingly suitable for human use. Objective: The aim of this article was to carry out a bibliographic review of Dis/comfort during sitting, describing the main theoretical models developed and the most commonly used techniques for its assessment. Materials and methods: In order to carry out the review, the SCOPUS and Web Of Science databases were used by entering in the search engine different combinations of the words “comfort”, “discomfort”, “musculoskeletal”, “seat”, “sitting”, “chair” and “ergonomics”. Results: Theoretical models that attempt to develop the concept of Dis/Comfort and others that propose explanatory mechanisms for it were identified. However, there was consensus that Dis/Comfort is a subjective phenomenon resulting from human-environment interaction, and that the trend is to develop increasingly comprehensive models that include the person, the product, the tasks, the environment, and the organization. Subjective assessment techniques include questionnaires and interviews, while objective ones include measurement of interface pressure, posture, surface electromyography, involuntary movements, among others. Conclusions: It is considered that the models can serve as a basis for research in other contexts. The subjective and objective assessment techniques should not be self-exclusive, but complementary, in search of a comprehensive understanding under a participatory ergonomics approach.
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