Variation in sitting pressure distribution and location of the points of maximum pressure with rotation of the pelvis, gender and body characteristics

Abstract

The pressure distribution and the locations of the points of maximum pressure, usually below the ischial tuberosities, were measured for subjects sitting on a flat, hard and horizontal support, and at various angles of the rotation of the pelvis. The pressure data were analysed for force- and pressure-related quantities. Multiple regression was applied to explore relationships between these quantities and (i) a set of body characteristics and (ii) the pelvis rotation. The maximum pressure and the pressure gradient were mainly found to be explained by the ectomorphic index and the distance between the maximum pressure points by gender and the angle of rotation of the pelvis.

Keywords:

• Ergonomics
• Biomechanics
• Pelvis
• Pelvis rotation
• Pressure distribution
• Sitting
• Anthropometry
• Ischial tuberosity

Acknowledgements

Special thanks go to Henk Lok, who constructed the antenna, the various versions of the pressure distribution measuring device and the mirror box, including the corrugated white foil. Hans Houtkamp had a substantial contribution to the calibration of the measuring devices and the measurement setup.