The effects of whole-body restriction on task performance

Abstract

Many occupations, particularly involving maintenance operations, require individuals to perform both physical tasks and mental tasks in restricted spaces. Researchers have examined physical task performance under various restrictions; however, little research has investigated the effects of restricted space on cognitive tasks. Cognitive task performance in restricted spaces presents cognitive demands (i.e. the task itself) as well as additional physical demands (e.g. awkward postures), which may adversely affect task performance or operator workload. This research focused on the effects of whole-body restrictions on cognitive task performance. An experiment was conducted that examined 9 levels of restriction created in a laboratory: an unrestricted control, 6 single whole-body restrictions at two severity levels (2 lateral, 2 sagittal and 2 vertical) and 2 multiple restrictions (sagittal/vertical, lateral/sagittal/vertical). An inspection task served as the cognitive task. Behavioural, physiological and psychophysical measures were collected and analysed to measure the operator and performance effects. Operator response differences were found among the various forms of restriction as well as the severity level of similar forms of restriction. Increasing restriction significantly affected the behavioural and physiological operator response as opposed to the cognitive response.

An Ergonomic Case Study of Scale-Pits in Transportation

“…One such group of individuals that have been the target of such research is mechanics and maintenance people. For example, many aircraft maintenance tasks require the maintenance staff to perform inspection and diagnostic activities within the narrow confines of aircraft structures, [9] like airplane mechanics and others, scale technicians are also forced to work in a confined or restricted space.…”

“…Mozrall et al [9] examined the effects of restricted body position on task performance. In their study, the subjects were asked to perform an inspection task in an experimentally constructed restricted space.…”

“…The following categories cover the major hazard groups found in confined spaces: atmospheric, content issues, potential energy, environment, configuration, nature of the work, external hazards, and miscellaneous Schroll. There is a definite tangible effect on workers operating in confined spaces as indicated by Sharit et al [9]. As the postural deviations needed increased, the discomfort in the operator's corresponding body parts also saw a sharp increase [9].…”

“…There is a definite tangible effect on workers operating in confined spaces as indicated by Sharit et al [9]. As the postural deviations needed increased, the discomfort in the operator's corresponding body parts also saw a sharp increase [9]. Delleman [10] estimated this tangible relationship in military settings.…”

Measurement and the practising ergonomist

“…Given that we take these dual sets of measurements on a system involving a subsystem as complex as a human operator, should we be surprised if the measurements dissociate (Yeh and Wickens 1988)? To give one recent example, Mozrall et al (2000) looked at the e V ects of quite severely restricted physical workspaces. They found that participants gave consistent and easily interpretable measures of the costs of performance (e.g.…”