Experimental procedure for measuring and comparing head–neck–trunk posture and movements caused by different progressive addition lens designs

Abstract

This study demonstrates that appropriate measurement procedures can detect differences in head movement in a near reading task when using three different progressive addition lenses (PALs). The movements were measured using an anatomical reference system with a biomechanical rationale. This reference system was capable of representing rotations for comparing head flexion relative to trunk, head flexion relative to neck, head rotation relative to trunk and trunk flexion. The subject sample comprised 31 volunteers and three PAL designs with different viewing zones were selected. Significant differences were found between the lenses for three of the seven movement parameters examined. The differences occurred for both vertical and horizontal head movements and could be attributed to aspects of the PAL design. The measurement of the complete kinematic trunk–neck–head chain improved the number of differences that were found over those in previous studies.

Statement of Relevance: The study proposes a methodology based on a biomechanical rationale able to differentiate head–neck–trunk posture and movements caused by different progressive addition lens designs with minimum invasiveness. This methodology could also be applied to analyse the ergonomics of other devices that restrict the user's field of view, such as helmets, personal protective equipment or helmet-mounted displays for pilots. This analysis will allow designers to optimise designs offering higher comfort and performance.

Keywords:

• biomechanics
• ergonomic tools and methods
• health care ergonomics
• user testing