Objective classification of vehicle seat discomfort

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify how physiological measures relate to self-reported vehicle seating discomfort. Twelve subjects of varied anthropometric characteristics were enrolled in the study. Subjects sat in two seats over a 2-h period and were evaluated via three physiological measures (near-infrared spectroscopy, electromyography and pressure mapping) yielding six testing sessions. Subjective discomfort surveys were recorded before and after each session for nine regions of the body. Conditional classification discomfort models were developed through dichotomised physiological responses and anthropometry to predict subjective discomfort in specific body locations. Models revealed that subjects taller than 171 cm with reduced blood oxygenation in the biceps femoris or constant, low-level muscle activity in the trapezius tended to report discomfort in the lower extremities or neck, respectively. Subjects weighing less than 58 kg with reduced blood oxygenation in the biceps femoris or unevenly distributed pressure patterns tended to report discomfort in the buttocks. The sensitivities and specificities of cross-validated models ranged between 0.69 and 1.00.

Abstract

Practitioner Summary: Discomfort has been studied extensively in order to enhance the seating design process. However, biomechanical and physiological responses relative to subjective discomfort have been largely ignored in the literature. Considering these responses along with anthropometry may provide insight into why a specific individual reports a seat as uncomfortable.

Keywords::

• seating
• sitting
• car
• physiological discomfort

Notes

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^2. Email: [email protected]

^3. Email: [email protected]

Additional information

Funding

A consortium of seating companies (Steelcase, Faurecia, B/E Aerospace, and Honda) contributed to the funding of the project. An automotive-based original equipment manufacturer, Faurecia provided automotive seats. None of the investigators or key personnel as well as their immediate family members has a significant financial interest with the entities supporting the research. Hence, there is no conflict of interest.