Exploring the Impact of Factors on Upper Limb Functional Space and Operational Efficiency: A Theoretical Analysis

Operators in transportation environments, such as aircraft cockpits and vehicle cabins, must perform high-precision tasks within constrained spaces. Understanding the factors impacting upper limb functional space and operational efficiency is essential for optimizing human-machine collaboration. This study follows PRISMA guidelines and systematically reviews literature from Scopus, Web of Science, and SpringerLink to examine the impact of posture, environmental conditions, and task demands. Results show that posture impacts functional space by affecting muscle load distribution, force transmission, and fatigue. Environmental conditions restrict visual input, joint mobility, and dexterity while influencing efficiency through vestibular perception, grip friction, and muscle activity. Task demands regulate interaction distance, movement strategies, and muscle load, optimizing efficiency via task complexity and coordination. Task demands determine optimal posture under specific conditions, while environmental factors modulate muscle load and strategies. Proper posture adjustments mitigate environmental constraints, whereas improper posture increases strain and task difficulty. These findings provide insights for optimizing cockpit and cabin ergonomics. Future research should explore individual differences and biomechanical factors to enhance ergonomic design and human-machine collaboration.