The Evaluation Of Vibrating Insole Prototype On Female School Teachers’ Comfort

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Ayuni Nabilah Alias, Karmegam Karuppiah, Vivien How, Velu Perumal

Abstract

Ergonomic interventions have become more popular and are among the preferred research methods and treatment of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). School teachers are the vulnerable group to WMSDs due to prolonged exposure of posture discomfort during school hours. Objective: To evaluate vibrating insole prototype on female school teachers’ comfort. Methods: Respondents were 124 primary school teachers who have met the study’s inclusive and exclusive requirements. The respondents were then divided into an experimental group (with a vibrating insole prototype) and a control group (without vibrating insole prototype) by randomisation. The respondents were asked to complete Borg's Scale every 15 minutes until the 1-hour session ended. Experimental groups reported a decrease in discomfort rating for 10 body parts (neck or head, shoulder, upper back, arm and hand, low back, buttock, thigh, knee, calf and ankle, and feet) during 1-hour experimental session. The ankle and feet showed the highest reduction, of discomfort rating (67%) among experimental group compare to control group. Overall, there were 12 to 67% reductions in discomfort rating for all body parts among experimental group compare to control group during 1-hour experimental session in the classroom. Conclusion: The significant reduction of discomfort rating have provided a new insight into the evaluation of vibrating insole prototype on comfort among female school teachers, particularly during teaching sessions in the classroom. The potential use of vibrating insole prototype has provided a beneficial ergonomic aid that reduces body discomfort and enhances school teachers' posture, positively affecting lower leg comfort.

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