PVAT - a Posture Video Analysis Tool

Abstract

The Posture Video Analysis Tool (PVAT) has been developed to meet the special needs of ergonomist and human factors analyst at NASA Johnson Space Center. Often times these specialist must attempt to evaluate microgravity working posture from video footage not specifically recorded for the purposes of quantitative analysis. The purpose for developing PVAT was to provide a structured methodology in which these specialists could optimize the data collection technique. The PVAT is designed such that microgravity postures can be documented while systematically observing footage of astronauts working in a space environment. PVAT is an interactive Macintosh menu and button driven Supercard^TM prototype. Users are provided with a set of input parameters related to the microgravity environment and human performance issues. The primary inputs are: subject code, body orientation, targeted body part, camera view (given subject location), body movement, and rating level. A secondary set of inputs is available for users wishing to document extraneous behaviors or activities such as bending, reaching, interruptions, etc. These secondary behaviors may be documented as part of the primary inputs or independently. Each entry is time stamped and stored automatically. Provisions are made that allow users to pause, tag incorrect selections, enter an “unsure” response and user comments. Data output is saved as a “text file” using tab delimiters for easy importation into programs such as Micrsoft EXCEL^TM. Future PVAT modifications will include adding more input parameters, data reduction capabilities, control of the video deck from the application, and an animated postural glossary.