Impact of Advance Fabrics on Human Biomechanics: Example of Anti-fatigue Mats

Health and individual’s wellbeing is influenced by a range of factors such as social, cultural, economic, psychological and environmental. For instance, people spend approximately 8 h per day at work, where they are exposed to multiple stressors that have a negative impact on their health. This increases the risk of disease, especially for those who present low levels of physical activity per day. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of new generation of advanced ‘smart’ material on body balance at work. Studying the body upright position and balancing by utilization of technological mats helps professionals in their daily life through decreasing muscular problems, especially fatigue. This is due to the increased frequency and repetition of movements that are performed by professionals over extended periods of time. Another objective of this study is to validate model prototypes that improve ergonomics at work, as well as optimize users’ comfort; a new anti-fatigue mats by Notrax^®. A total of 25 professionals from different age groups participated in the study which took place for a period of six months. A dysfunction in balance was observed in professionals who didn’t use mats. Dysfunction in balance can cause pathologies, strain and fatigue therefore disorders due repetitiveness. Additionally, a significant increase of balance was observed for those who used the mats in comparison of those without mats (p < 0.05). Significant variations were also observed between the different mats and their specifications (p < 0.05). Utilization of mats helps professionals on their daily life by decreasing joint stresses and optimizing body balance.