Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of backrest angle and hand maneuver direction on maximum hand strength and to recommend a strength value for the hand-controlled stick of an aircraft. Methods: Forty-eight female subjects were recruited to perform simulated forward–backward and adduction–abduction maneuvers using control sticks. Each subject was free from musculoskeletal disorders and pain. The independent variables included four control maneuvers (forward, backward, adduction, abduction), two right-hand control stick locations (central, side), and three backrest angles (90°, 103°, 108°). The dependent variable was maximum hand strength. Results: The maximum strength for forward maneuvers with both central and side sticks was strongest at a 90° backrest angle (p < 0.001). The maximum strength for adduction maneuvers with both central and side sticks was also strongest at a 90° backrest angle (p < 0.001). On the other hand, the highest strength was observed at a 108° backrest angle when pulling the stick backward (p < 0.001). The abduction strength was significantly stronger than the adduction strength with a central stick (p < 0.001), but the adduction strength was significantly stronger than the abduction strength with a side stick (p < 0.001–p = 0.017). The forward and abduction strength were significantly different in different locations (p < 0.001). The recommended strength in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) by the US FAA is higher than the strength values observed in this study. Conclusions: The backrest angle, directions, and location affected the muscular strength. The recommended values should be reevaluated and adjusted for Taiwanese pilots.
Highlights
The application of ergonomics in aircraft design is long-standing
To compare the effects of the stick locations on strength by maneuvers and backrest angle (Figure 3), the results reveal that the strength of the center and side sticks was significantly different in the three maneuver directions
The strength values of pushing forward, adduction, and abduction maneuvers were highest at an elbow angle of 60◦ (42.6, 21.8 and 18.6 kgw, respectively) and the strength decreased as the elbow angle increased
Summary
The application of ergonomics in aircraft design is long-standing. Many military aircraft design standards or guidelines are based on the results of ergonomic studies [1,2,3,4,5,6,7].It may be a potential hazard for the pilots if the force feedback of the controller is too little or too great when they are on duty. The application of ergonomics in aircraft design is long-standing. Many military aircraft design standards or guidelines are based on the results of ergonomic studies [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]. It may be a potential hazard for the pilots if the force feedback of the controller is too little or too great when they are on duty. Excessive force requirements of flight control is one of the causes of aircraft accidents and errors [8,9]. Beringer and colleagues recently published a study report for the Federal
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