ORIGINAL PAPER
Effect of airplane passenger seat armrest height on human neck comfort when using a smartphone
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1
Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
(School of Mechanical Engineering)
2
Chengdu University of Technology, Cheng’Du, China
(School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering)
Online publication date: 2021-10-18
Corresponding author
Xing Tang
Northwestern Polytechnical University, School of Mechanical Engineering, 127 West Youyi Road, Beilin District, 710072, Xi’an,
China
Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(2):199-208
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ABSTRACT
Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between seat armrest height and human neck comfort when using a smartphone
while sitting on a passenger seat during the flight. Material and Methods: The authors used a wireless angle-measuring instrument and
subjective comfort scale to evaluate the changes of head flexion angle and neck comfort level of 24 young smartphone users in an aircraft simulated
cabin. Results: The study results indicated that using a smartphone while sitting on a passenger seat during the flight would pose a larger discomfort
to the neck, and the discomfort would be higher for gaming than reading tasks. Seat armrest height is related to the comfort level of the neck when
using a smartphone, increasing the height of the armrest can effectively alleviate discomfort in this state. Conclusions: Considering the prevalence
of passengers using smartphones in aircraft, a seat armrest that can be properly adjusted in height, which can effectively reduce the risk of passenger
head flexion angle and neck discomfort. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(2):199–208