Original scientific paper
Using Different Methods to Assess the Discomfort during Car Driving
David Ravnik
Stanislav Otáhal
Metoda Dodič Fikfak
Abstract
This study investigated the discomfort caused by car driving. Discomfort estimates were achieved by self-administered
questionnaire, measured by different testing methods, and through the goniometry of principal angles. Data from a
total of 200 non-professional drivers who fulfilled the questionnaire was analysed. 118 subjects were analysed by goniometry
and 30 drivers were assessed using the OWAS (Ovaco Working Posture Analysis), RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment),
and CORLETT tests. The aim of this paper was to assess the appearance of the discomfort and to find some
correlations between drivers’ postures. Results suggest that different levels of discomfort are perceived in different body
regions when driving cars. Differences appear mostly between the genders concerning the discomfort. With the questionnaire
and the different estimation techniques, it is possible to identify 'at risk’ drivers and ensure urgent attention when
necessary. It can be concluded that the questionnare and the CORLETT test are good in predicting location of discomfort.
TheBorg CR10 scale is good indicator of the level of the discomfort, while OWAS and RULA can appraise the body
posture to predict discomfort appearance. According to the goniometry data, the drivers posture could be one of the contributing
factors in appearing of discomfort
Keywords
discomfort; driver; car; posture; assessment
Hrčak ID:
23738
URI
Publication date:
8.5.2008.
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