Experimental investigation of the effect of thermal comfort parameters on cervical range of motion

Abstract

The most well-known ailment affecting the neck muscles is neck stiffness, caused by sharp changes in temperature, chilling of the muscles by air conditioning or drafts, and consequent painful muscle contractions. A stiff neck is typically characterized by soreness and difficulty in moving the neck especially when trying to turn the head to the side. A stiff neck may also be accompanied by a headache, neck pain, shoulder pain and/or arm pain. Reduced cervical range of motion (ROM) is a common finding in people with neck pain. Musculoskeletal disorders continue to represent a major source of pain and discomfort as well as a significant source of workday loss and workers' compensation costs.In this study, the effects of parameters in air conditioning such as temperature, humidity and air velocity on cervical ROM have been investigated experimentally. In this investigation, each of the three parameters was used as a variable while the others were kept constant in a controlled laboratory room, and the effects of the parameter variations were investigated. Based on the observation that individuals often enter the air conditioned room perspiring in summer conditions, both dry and sweaty conditions were examined. Finally, experimental data were assessed with ANOVA analyses, and cervical rotation was found to be influenced by temperature and air velocity, but not humidity. It was also determined that parameters (temperature, air velocity and humidity) are not effective factors on cervical motion limitation provided that indoor air conditions remain within comfort limits which are prescribed in current standards of ASHRAE Standard 55 - 2004 and ISO 7730.