Incremental Innovation of Rubber Ergonomic Seat Cushions to Reduce Pressure and Aches and Enhance Health Care Performance for Women's Weaving Groups
Incremental Innovation of Rubber Ergonomic Seat Cushions to Reduce Pressure and Aches and Enhance Health Care Performance for Women's Weaving Groups and Thale Noi Boat Drivers
Abstract
This research employed a Research and Development (R&D) methodology with the objectives to investigate health risks, develop an incremental innovation of ergonomic rubber seat cushions, transfer knowledge, and evaluate the effectiveness regarding knowledge, health behaviors, and satisfaction among women weaving group and boat drivers in Thale Noi, Phatthalung Province. The sample consisted of 60 participants, comprising 30 weaving women and 30 boat drivers, selected via purposive sampling. Research instruments included a health risk and health status assessment form, a knowledge test, a health behavior assessment form, and a satisfaction assessment form regarding the innovation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
The results revealed that 1) The women weaving group faced health risks associated with muscle pain in a diagonal pattern, while the boat drivers were at risk from occupational vibration. 2) Regarding innovation, the developed rubber seat cushions reduced Peak Pressure by an average of 30-40%. 3) The mean scores for knowledge regarding ergonomics and health care after the knowledge transfer were significantly higher than before the training, and satisfaction with the transfer process was at the highest level. 4) After utilizing the innovation, the participants' mean health behavior scores were significantly higher than pre-experiment levels at the .001 statistical level. Specifically, the women weaving group (
= 4.88, SD = 0.17) and the boat drivers (
= 4.67, SD = 0.25) showed distinct improvements in health behaviors regarding posture arrangement and muscle stretching. Furthermore, satisfaction with the innovation was rated at the highest level 
= 4.52 and 
= 4.61, respectively).
The implementation of the rubber seat cushion innovation, coupled with knowledge transfer, resulted in the target group acquiring learning and self-care skills, leading to a concrete and sustainable reduction of occupational health risks. Consequently, this innovation can be applied to promote well-being in other occupations with similar risk factors.
