Supporting the need for Anti-fatigue Flooring:
“Working on a hard floor has the impact of a hammer, pounding the heel at every step.” Article>>
“How does it work? According to industrial hygienists, anti-fatigue matting induces natural yet imperceptible flexing of the muscles as the body makes adjustments to keep a balanced position. As the muscles tense and relax, blood and oxygen flow back to the heart, and the buildup of lactic acid, which causes fatigue, is reduced.” Article>>
“Employees who stand on hard work surfaces such as concrete, tile, or linoleum eight hours a day often suffer from fatigue and discomfort. This can, as the shift progresses, quickly translate into reduced productivity.”
-Floor Mats Prevent Fatigue and Reduced Productivity, Electrical Apparatus, May 2002, Elsberry, Richard B
An expanding body of research exists which addresses standing work positions and potential damage. The general conclusion is that anti-fatigue floor mats, such as the Smart Step Therapeutic Mat™, are an important element in injury prevention efforts.
The following are three studies conducted fully independently of our company:
- Pascal Madeleine, Michael Voigt, Lars Arendt-Nielsen: “Subjective, physiological and biochemical responses to prolonged manual work performed standing on hard and soft surfaces.”
European Journal of Applied Physiology (1998) 77: 1-9
- L. Arednt-Nielsen, L. Jensen, N. Gantchev: “The influence of floor surface hardness on muscle activation, coordination and fagifue during long-term static standing.”
University of Alborg Laboratory for Motor Control, Aalborg, Denmark
- Kurt Jorgensen, Jorgen Winkel: “A summary of ergonomic studies of anti-fatigue mats – (Internal Report)”. The August Krogh Institute, Department of Physiology, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
