Effect of Anti-Fatigue Mat on Leg Muscle Discomfort and Muscle Activity Due to Prolonged Work in Upright Position among Production Workers

The manufacturing, service professions, and other occupations commonly require their employees to spend more than 2 hours of their workday in an upright position which can potentially cause temporary or permanent health effects. The objective of this study is to determine the effect of anti-fatigue mats on leg muscle discomfort and muscle activity due to prolonged standing.

A total of 100 workers were involved in the study. The control and experimental group stood for 2 hours in a controlled room with or without the anti-fatigue mat while sorting an assortment of mixed items.  Borg’s scale questionnaire and EMG signals were used to monitor the muscle discomfort and activity of the respondents.

The discomfort ratings and muscle activity in the experimental group were always at lower levels compared to the control group, which meant there was a reduction in mean perceived exertion rating for the knees, calves, and feet, i.e., 1.8, 2.5 and 2.6, respectively. The results showed that there was a statistically significant (P < 0.001) difference in the Borg’s scale of discomfort ratings and leg muscle activity between both groups.

The anti-fatigue mat can have a positive effect in preventing muscle discomfort and reduce muscle activity among the respondents during prolonged standing.