An Investigation of the Effects of Material and Incline Angle on a Foot Restraint System for the International Space Station

Abstract

This study presents a human factors assessment of the foot restraint system used aboard the International Space Station. We examine pressure distribution maps of 3 different restraint materials (elastic strap; canvas strap; metal bar) at 2 incline angles (0 and 20 degrees plantar flexion) to explore potential system improvements. Our findings reveal that the canvas strap yields the most optimal combination of broadly distributed pressure while maintaining a high subjective evaluation of comfort and security. Foot restraint angle was found to be most critical for modulating pressure distribution in high-force conditions, suggesting that inclination improves security and decreases injury risk in high-force work areas.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Balkin

T.J.

Horrey

W.J.

Graeber

R.C.

Czeisler

C.A.

Dinges

D.F.

(2011). The challenges and opportunities of technological approaches to fatigue management. Accident Analysis and Prevention, 43(2), 565-572.

Cohen

M.M.

(1990). Designing space habitats for human productivity. Journal of Aerospace, 99(1), 352-364.

Mount

F. E.

Mihriban

Stealey

S.L.

(2003). Evaluation of neutral body posture on Shuttle mission STS-57 (spacehab-1). NASA Technical Memorandum.

NASA. (1995). NASA Man-Systems Integration Manual, Revision B (NASA-STD-3000).

NASA International Space Station Office. (1999). The International Space Station Flight Crew Integration Standard, Revision C.

Norris

Holden

Whitmore

(2004). Crew restraint design for the International Space Station. AIAA Space Conference and Exposition, 3, 16501659.

Scholl

W.M.

(1946). The human foot: anatomy, physiology, mechanics, deformities and treatment: a textbook for the student and practioner. The Foot Specialist Publishing Co.