Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026

An Instrumented Pull Test to Characterize Postural Responses
Published on: April 6, 2019
The effect of spine discomfort on the overall postural (dis)comfort
Alessandro Naddeo1, Rosaria Califano1, Mariarosaria Vallone2
1Dept. of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Italy.
Abstract:
Currently, the word 'comfort' is often used in relation to the marketing of products such as chairs, cars interiors, clothing, hand tools and even airplane tickets. In this field of research, the aim of this study is to investigate the influence of spinal posture on postural (dis)comfort perception; the test case is the analysis of the interaction between humans and vending machines for purchasing food or beverages. A statistical sample of 20 healthy students (subjects) performed the required tests, with each participant asked to take a product from three different vending machines (snacks, drinks and coffee). The subjects' postures were acquired non-invasively using cameras; software and instruments for virtual prototyping were used for posture analysis and interaction modelling, both questionnaires (subjective) and comfort-analysis software (objective) were used to rate the perceived (dis)comfort. The results obtained from simulations and questionnaires were compared, and a method to weigh the effect of the perceived spinal discomfort on overall postural (dis)comfort was proposed. These results reveal a good correlation between subjective perception and objective evaluation obtained through simulations, confirming the validity of the proposed method.
Related Concept Videos
Cognitive Dissonance
Nonconscious Mimicry
Groupthink
Fixed Action Patterns
The Tree of Life - Bacteria, Archaea, Eukaryotes
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood

