Classification of Whole-Body Postural Discomfort Using Cluster Analysis

Area of Science:

• Ergonomics and Human Factors
• Biomechanics
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Postural discomfort is a significant issue in various occupational settings.
• Understanding the interplay of gender and specific body postures is crucial for mitigating discomfort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the influence of gender and neck, trunk, and knee postures on perceived postural discomfort.
• To categorize combined postures into distinct postural discomfort levels using cluster analysis.

Main Methods:

• Ninety-five participants (42 males, 53 females) adopted 45 distinct static postures.
• Postures were combinations of varying neck, trunk, and knee angles.
• Non-hierarchical K-means cluster analysis was used to group postures by discomfort levels.

Main Results:

• Gender and all tested postures (neck, trunk, knee) significantly affected postural discomfort (p < 0.001).
• Three discomfort clusters were identified: high, medium, and low, with significant differences between them (p < 0.001).
• High discomfort was associated with male participants exhibiting high knee/trunk flexion and moderate neck flexion.
• Low discomfort was predominantly observed in females with low neck/trunk flexion and moderate knee flexion.

Conclusions:

• Gender-specific joint flexibility may contribute to differences in perceived postural discomfort.
• Knee and trunk postures are critical determinants of overall body discomfort perception.
• Findings can inform the development of improved postural assessment tools.