Quantitative Evaluation of Driver`s Postural Change and Lumbar Support Using Dynamic Body Pressure Distribution

Although body pressure distribution is sensitive to movements and is relatively simple to measure even in small space, there are few researches involving applications to driver`s posture and its change. The main objective in this study is the application of body pressure distribution measurements for the prediction of the driver`s posture and its change. This requires quantitative analyses of the dynamic body pressure distribution, which is the change of body pressure distribution with time. The experiment involved 16 male subjects who drove for 45 minutes in a seating buck. Measurement time, stature group, and lumbar support prominence were selected as independent variables, with subjective ratings of driver`s discomfort, body posture data of hip, torso. knee angle, and body pressure data variables as dependent variables. The body pressure change variables and subjective ratings were found to increase as the measurement time increased and body pressure ratio variables reflected the torso angle. From the results and analysis of the body posture data and subjective rating results, it was predicted that the seats and the design of the lumbar supports used in the experiment was not fit for tall subjects, which could also be confirmed through the body pressure distribution data.