Designing and usability testing of a new prototype active footrest for knee extension exercise among office workers

Objectives. The active factor along with light exercise can reduce static muscle work and increase muscle flexibility and endurance. Accordingly, this study aimed to design and prototype a new active footrest, implemented in conventional sitting workstations, and to test its usability among office workers. Methods. The steps taken to design and prototype the active footrest were: selection of an exercise appropriate for goals of ergonomic interventions; idea development; selection of the best conceptual design; design with SOLIDWORKS version 2016; and fabrication of a prototype. Afterward, usability of the active footrest prototype was assessed among 20 office workers (10 females) using field data by the system usability scale. Results. Upon completion of the design steps, the active footrest prototype was prototyped by taking into account design criteria (e.g., functionality, inclusive design, easy application and reduction of additional body movement), anthropometric data and mechanical properties. The participants rated the usability of the active workstation as 89 ± 8.21 (out of 100), indicating good usability results. Conclusion. In this study, an active footrest was designed and prototyped to perform knee extension exercise with the capability of being implemented in conventional sitting workstations.