The effect of microadjustment on low back comfort in the context of automotive seating
by M. Kolich, S.M. Taboun
International Journal of Vehicle Design (IJVD), Vol. 29, No. 4, 2002

Abstract: This study was focused on an automotive seating concept, known as microadjustment, designed to induce subtle shifts in an occupant's lumbar posture. The concept should reduce the incidence of low back pain and enhance comfort by delaying the onset of low back muscle fatigue. The purpose was to determine the most advantageous combination of control system settings. The variables of interest were cycle (2 min and 5 min), wait (15 s and 30 s), and pulse (0.8 s and 1.1 s). A 23 full-factorial repeated measures design was employed. Ten subjects volunteered to sit in the experimental automobile seat for 2 h per condition. Data were obtained using electromyography (EMG). The response variable was the change in root mean squared (DRMS) values over time. The best results were achieved with a 5 min cycle and a 15 s wait.

Online publication date: Fri, 15-Aug-2003

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