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<p>Indian kitchens remain physically demanding environments for older adults, who routinely perform labour-intensive tasks such as kneading, chopping, grinding, stirring, and utensil washing. Age-related reductions in muscle strength, joint mobility, and balance heighten vulnerability to postural strain, yet conventional counter heights and workspace layouts rarely account for the anthropometric realities of ageing users. This study investigates ergonomic risk, workspace mismatch, and task-specific musculoskeletal discomfort among elderly Indian kitchen users, while proposing empirically validated design interventions to enhance safety, usability, and independence. A mixed-methods approach integrated quantitative anthropometric data with detailed observational and postural analysis. Forty-five participants aged 60–82 years, recruited through an adaptive snowball sampling strategy, were assessed within their home kitchens to preserve ecological validity. Measurements of stature, elbow height, reach, and waist height were collected using standard anthropometric instruments. Video-based analysis captured postures during representative tasks, which were evaluated using RULA and REBA scoring systems. Musculoskeletal discomfort was rated using a 0–10 Numeric Rating Scale. Statistical analysis comprised repeated-measures ANOVA to compare task categories and Pearson correlations to examine the effect of counter-elbow height mismatch on postural load. Findings showed that standard Indian countertops (85–91&#xa0;cm) exceeded users’ elbow height by 6–10&#xa0;cm, producing significant ergonomic misalignment. Washing tasks generated the greatest strain (REBA 8–10; mean NRS 7.3 ± 1.6), followed by kneading and chopping activities. Implementation of a multi-level counter system (75–90&#xa0;cm) reduced forward trunk flexion by 35%, shoulder elevation by 22%, and discomfort ratings by 28%. This study establishes a validated ergonomic framework guiding an age-friendly kitchen counter.</p>

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Ergonomic assessment of kitchen workspace demands among older adults in India

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月23日

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  • Soumya Kanti Deb,
  • S. Saleem Ahmed

摘要

Indian kitchens remain physically demanding environments for older adults, who routinely perform labour-intensive tasks such as kneading, chopping, grinding, stirring, and utensil washing. Age-related reductions in muscle strength, joint mobility, and balance heighten vulnerability to postural strain, yet conventional counter heights and workspace layouts rarely account for the anthropometric realities of ageing users. This study investigates ergonomic risk, workspace mismatch, and task-specific musculoskeletal discomfort among elderly Indian kitchen users, while proposing empirically validated design interventions to enhance safety, usability, and independence. A mixed-methods approach integrated quantitative anthropometric data with detailed observational and postural analysis. Forty-five participants aged 60–82 years, recruited through an adaptive snowball sampling strategy, were assessed within their home kitchens to preserve ecological validity. Measurements of stature, elbow height, reach, and waist height were collected using standard anthropometric instruments. Video-based analysis captured postures during representative tasks, which were evaluated using RULA and REBA scoring systems. Musculoskeletal discomfort was rated using a 0–10 Numeric Rating Scale. Statistical analysis comprised repeated-measures ANOVA to compare task categories and Pearson correlations to examine the effect of counter-elbow height mismatch on postural load. Findings showed that standard Indian countertops (85–91 cm) exceeded users’ elbow height by 6–10 cm, producing significant ergonomic misalignment. Washing tasks generated the greatest strain (REBA 8–10; mean NRS 7.3 ± 1.6), followed by kneading and chopping activities. Implementation of a multi-level counter system (75–90 cm) reduced forward trunk flexion by 35%, shoulder elevation by 22%, and discomfort ratings by 28%. This study establishes a validated ergonomic framework guiding an age-friendly kitchen counter.