Posture and performance: sitting vs. standing for security screening

A classification of the literature on the effects of workplace posture on performance of different mental tasks showed few consistent patterns. A parallel classification of the complementary effect of performance on postural variables gave similar results. Because of a lack of data for signal detection tasks, an experiment was performed using 12 experienced security operators performing an X-ray baggage-screening task with three different workplace arrangements. The current workplace, sitting on a high chair viewing a screen placed on top of the X-ray machine, was compared to a standing workplace and a conventional desk-sitting workplace. No performance effects of workplace posture were found, although the experiment was able to measure performance effects of learning and body part discomfort effects of workplace posture. There are implications for the classification of posture and performance and for the justification of ergonomics improvements based on performance increases.

[1]  Colin G. Drury,et al.  Error Analysis and Threat Magnitude for Carry-on Bag Inspection , 2006 .

[2]  M. Gardner,et al.  Interference between postural control and mental task performance in patients with vestibular disorder and healthy controls , 2001, Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry.

[3]  Ben-Tzion Karsh,et al.  Effects of a Split Keyboard Design and Wrist Rest on Performance, Posture, and Comfort , 1998, Hum. Factors.

[4]  S. Hart,et al.  Development of NASA-TLX (Task Load Index): Results of Empirical and Theoretical Research , 1988 .

[5]  J. Caldwell,et al.  Body posture affects electroencephalographic activity and psychomotor vigilance task performance in sleep-deprived subjects , 2003, Clinical Neurophysiology.

[6]  A M Wing,et al.  Effects of spatial and nonspatial cognitive activity on postural stability. , 2001, British journal of psychology.

[7]  J Duysens,et al.  Postural control and cognitive task performance in healthy participants while balancing on different support-surface configurations. , 2001, Gait & posture.

[8]  R J Edwards,et al.  The Effects of Back Angle on Target Detection , 1994 .

[9]  G. Andersson,et al.  Effect of cognitive load on postural control , 2002, Brain Research Bulletin.

[10]  T. Waters,et al.  The Impact of Mental Processing and Pacing on Spine Loading: 2002 Volvo Award in Biomechanics , 2002, Spine.

[11]  B S Shender.  High performance supine flight assessment using the NAWC dynamic flight simulator. , 1996, Aviation, space, and environmental medicine.

[12]  E N Corlett,et al.  A technique for assessing postural discomfort. , 1976, Ergonomics.

[13]  John E. Deaton,et al.  Reclined Seating in Advanced Crewstations: Human Performance Considerations , 1991 .

[14]  Peter J Keir,et al.  Interfering effects of the task demands of grip force and mental processing on isometric shoulder strength and muscle activity , 2005, Ergonomics.

[15]  Colin G. Drury,et al.  Ergonomics and quality in paced assembly lines , 2001 .

[16]  J. Frank,et al.  Influence of a visuo-spatial, verbal and central executive working memory task on postural control. , 2001, Gait & posture.

[17]  Alan Hedge,et al.  Effects of a Vertical Split-Keyboard on Posture, Comfort and Performance , 1999 .

[18]  Robert E. Thomas,et al.  An investigation of relationships between driver comfort, performance and automobile seat type during short term driving tasks , 1991 .

[19]  Max Vercruyssen,et al.  Age-Related Slowing, S-R Compatibility, and Stages of Information Processing , 1990 .

[20]  Adrian Schwaninger,et al.  Evaluation of CBT for increasing threat detection performance in X-ray screening , 2004 .

[21]  M. Cann,et al.  Causes and Correlates of Age-Related Cognitive Slowing: Effects of Task Loading and CNS Arousal , 1990 .

[22]  Chris W. Clegg,et al.  Designing and evaluating new ways of working: The application of some sociotechnical tools , 2001 .

[23]  Carolyn M. Sommerich,et al.  Effects of Computer Monitor Viewing Angle and Related Factors on Strain, Performance, and Preference Outcomes , 2001, Hum. Factors.

[24]  C G Drury,et al.  Posture, Postural Discomfort, and Performance , 1985, Human factors.

[25]  Diana Hardmeier,et al.  Aviation Security Screeners Visual Abilities & Visual Knowledge Measurement , 2005 .

[26]  Sharon Joines,et al.  Technical Note: The use of mirrors during an assembly task: a study of ergonomics and productivity , 2001 .

[27]  Arthur F Kramer,et al.  Visual Skills in Airport-Security Screening , 2004, Psychological science.

[28]  Muriel Prevot-Carpentier,et al.  International Ergonomics Association. , 2006 .

[29]  Alan Hedge,et al.  Effects of a Fixed-Angle, Split Keyboard with Center Trackball on Performance, Posture and Comfort Compared with a Conventional Keyboard and Mouse , 1995 .

[30]  K. M. Ghylin,et al.  Temporal Effects in a Security Inspection Task: Breakdown of Performance Components , 2007 .

[31]  C M Haslegrave,et al.  Seated work postures for manual, visual and combined tasks. , 1999, Ergonomics.

[32]  C G Drury,et al.  Symmetric and asymmetric manual materials handling. Part 1: Physiology and psychophysics. , 1989, Ergonomics.

[33]  E Corlett.  The evaluation of industrial seating , 2005 .

[34]  C G Drury,et al.  Effects of physical exertion on task performance in modern manufacturing: a taxonomy, a review, and a model. , 1996, Ergonomics.

[35]  D. Lipnicki,et al.  Thinking on your back: solving anagrams faster when supine than when standing. , 2005, Brain research. Cognitive brain research.

[36]  G Salvendy,et al.  Non-work-related movements in machine-paced and self-paced work: an industrial study. , 1984, Applied ergonomics.

[37]  M A Life,et al.  An integrated approach to the study of posture in keyboard operation. , 1984, Applied ergonomics.

[38]  C. Drury,et al.  The effects of whole-body restriction on task performance , 2000, Ergonomics.

[39]  C G Drury,et al.  Posture, discomfort and performance in a VDT task , 2000, Ergonomics.

[40]  Peter A. Hancock,et al.  Gender Differences in Posture Effects on Cognition , 1989 .

[41]  Lucy Yardley,et al.  Posture and mental task performance when viewing a moving visual field. , 2003, Brain research. Cognitive brain research.