Kinematic body responses and perceived discomfort in a bumpy ride: Effects of sitting posture

TL;DR

This study examines how different sitting postures affect perceived discomfort and body motion during simulated bumpy rides, revealing that slouched posture increases discomfort and body motion, with adaptive postural strategies developing over repeated exposures.

Contribution

It provides new insights into how sitting posture influences vibration transmission and discomfort in simulated bumpy rides, highlighting adaptive postural control mechanisms.

Findings

Slouched posture increases lateral and yaw body motion.

Slouched posture induces more discomfort in the seat back.

Participants adapt their postural control after repeated exposures.

Abstract

The present study investigates perceived comfort and whole-body vibration transmissibility in intensive repetitive pitch exposure representing a bumpy ride. Three sitting strategies (preferred, erect, and slouched) were evaluated for perceived body discomfort and body kinematic responses. Nine male and twelve female participants were seated in a moving-based driving simulator. The slouched posture significantly increased lateral and yaw body motion and induced more discomfort in the seat back area. After three repetitive exposures, participants anticipated the upcoming motion using more-effective postural control strategies to stabilize pelvis, trunk, and head in space.