An experimental study on the ergonomics indices of partial pressure suits

Partial pressure suits (PPSs) are used under high altitude, low-pressure conditions to protect the pilots. However, the suit often limits pilot’s mobility and work efficiency. The lack of ergonomic data on the effects of PPSs on mobility and performance creates difficulties for human factor engineer...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied ergonomics 2013-05, Vol.44 (3), p.393-403
Main Authors: Li, Xianxue, Ding, Li, Hedge, Alan, Hu, Huimin, Qin, Zhifeng, Zhou, Qianxiang
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Altitude
Applied physiology
Biological and medical sciences
Ergonomics - methods
Ergonomics - standards
Ergonomics indices
Ergonomics. Work place. Occupational physiology
Gravity Suits - standards
Human physiology applied to population studies and life conditions. Human ecophysiology
Humans
Male
Medical sciences
Movement
Operational performance
Partial Pressure
Partial pressure suits
Range of Motion, Articular
Young Adult
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Summary:Partial pressure suits (PPSs) are used under high altitude, low-pressure conditions to protect the pilots. However, the suit often limits pilot’s mobility and work efficiency. The lack of ergonomic data on the effects of PPSs on mobility and performance creates difficulties for human factor engineers and cockpit layout specialists. This study investigated the effects of PPSs on different ergonomic mobility and performance indices in order to evaluate the suit’s impact on pilot’s body mobility and work efficiency. Three types of ergonomics indices were studied: the manipulative mission, operational reach and operational strength. Research results indicated that a PPS significantly affects the mobility and operational performance of the wearers. The results may provide mission planners and human factors engineers with better insight into the understanding of pilots’ operational function, mobility and strength capabilities when wearing PPS. ► We investigated the effects of partial pressure suits on different ergonomics indices. ► We examined three types of ergonomics: manipulative mission, operational reach and operational strength. ► A PPS significantly affects the mobility and operational performance of the wearers. ► An ergonomic evaluation index system with three levels for PPS design was established based on the results of this paper.
ISSN:0003-6870
1872-9126
DOI:10.1016/j.apergo.2012.10.003