Effect of airplane passenger seat armrest height on human neck comfort when using a smartphone

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to explore the relationship between seat armrest height and human neck comfort when using a smartphone while sitting on a passenger seat during the flight.Material and MethodsThe authors used a wireless angle-measuring instrument and subjective comfort scale to evaluate the changes of head flexion angle and neck comfort level of 24 young smartphone users in an aircraft simulated cabin.ResultsThe study results indicated that using a smartphone while sitting on a passenger seat during the flight would pose a larger discomfort to the neck, and the discomfort would be higher for gaming than reading tasks. Seat armrest height is related to the comfort level of the neck when using a smartphone, increasing the height of the armrest can effectively alleviate discomfort in this state.ConclusionsConsidering the prevalence of passengers using smartphones in aircraft, a seat armrest that can be properly adjusted in height, which can effectively reduce the risk of passenger head flexion angle and neck discomfort.