Simulation of Pregnant Workers Performing a Standing Assembly Task

Abstract

This paper attempts to answer the question: “In what ways can a pregnancy simulator accurately replicate the pregnant condition during a standing light assembly task?” Thirty non-pregnant women performed a standing assembly task, once while wearing a Pregnancy Simulator and once without it. Additionally, four pregnant women participated without wearing the simulator. Data concerning perception of discomfort and the simulator's ability to mimic the pregnant condition were collected. The key areas of inquiry on the questionnaire were, discomfort during trials, the extent to which various body parts were uncomfortable, and the perceived accuracy of the simulator's ability to model the pregnant condition. Subjects reported four pregnancy symptoms as being accurately modeled by the simulator; breathing difficulties, obstructed movement, general fatigue, and body image. However, the results also indicated that the simulator did not adequately replicate the pregnant condition as it related to overall discomfort.