Ten subjects participated in the study to investigate the flooring effect on subjective tiredness and fatigue due to long-term standing. Subjects stood for four hours on each of the seven flooring conditions. During the 3rd and 4th hour, the floor type had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on a number of subjective ratings including lower leg and lower back discomfort. The hard floor and another flooring condition were consistently ranked the worst when these measures were considered. Finally, floor mats characterized by an increased elasticity, decreased energy absorption and increased stiffness were significantly more efficient in reducing fatigue.
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