Muscular effort

Efforts related to the use of products are already taken into account in some standards for furniture products. However, the use of some furniture can be difficult, particularly for the elderly. Home care for the elderly is a solution favoured by the French. In this perspective, it is necessary to challenge the design of products with regard to the specific problems of the elderly.

FCBA has carried out a state of the art study to find out about the major biomechanical limitations linked to age, and to see how the handling efforts and ergonomics of products are taken into account in furniture standards. Examples of products that may require effort to use for older people are presented.

Thus, our study seeks to assess whether the normative requirements are still consistent with the actual usability of the products. The aim of these tests is to be able to propose ways of developing these requirements in order to provide all consumers with greater comfort and ease of use, while supporting ageing well.