title: Optimizing the physical ergonomics indices for the use of partial pressure suits.
abstract: This study developed an ergonomic evaluation system for the design of high-altitude partial pressure suits (PPSs). A total of twenty-one Chinese males participated in the experiment which tested three types of ergonomics indices (manipulative mission, operational reach and operational strength) were studied using a three-dimensional video-based motion capture system, a target-pointing board, a hand dynamometer, and a step-tread apparatus. In total, 36 ergonomics indices were evaluated and optimized using regression and fitting analysis. Some indices that were found to be linearly related and redundant were removed from the study. An optimal ergonomics index system was established that can be used to conveniently and quickly evaluate the performance of different pressurized/non-pressurized suit designs. The resulting ergonomics index system will provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for mission planners, suit designers and engineers to design equipment for human use, and to aid in assessing partial pressure suits.
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 XueYuan Road, HaiDian District, Beijing 100191, China. Electronic address: ding1971316@buaa.edu.cn.
authors.forename: Li
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ding
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 XueYuan Road, HaiDian District, Beijing 100191, China.
authors.forename: Xianxue
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Design & Environmental Analysis, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hedge
authors.affiliation: China National Institute of Standardization, No. 4 ZhiChun Road, HaiDian District, Beijing 100088, China.
authors.forename: Huimin
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.affiliation: Department of Design & Environmental Analysis, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Feathers
authors.affiliation: The 4th Dept., Institute of Aviation Medicine of Air Force, Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing 100036, China.
authors.forename: Zhifeng
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Qin
authors.affiliation: The 4th Dept., Institute of Aviation Medicine of Air Force, Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing 100036, China.
authors.forename: Huajun
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Xiao
authors.affiliation: The 4th Dept., Institute of Aviation Medicine of Air Force, Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing 100036, China.
authors.forename: Lihao
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Xue
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 XueYuan Road, HaiDian District, Beijing 100191, China.
authors.forename: Qianxiang
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Zhou
mesh_terms: D000401:Aircraft; D002681:China; D004867:Equipment Design; D006804:Ergonomics / Q000379:methods*; D005676:Gravity Suits; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D011481:Protective Clothing; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014741:Video Recording; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Ergonomics index system; Manipulative mission; Partial pressure suit