Exploring the Correlation Between Seat Backrest Angles and Motion Sickness Response in Ship Rocking Conditions

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between seasickness induced by ship motion and the angle of seat backrest, aiming to guide the redesign of ship seats to enhance passengers' comfort during voyages. With a focus on sitting posture, participants rated the severity of motion sickness symptoms under different seat backrest angles on a six-degree-of-freedom platform simulating ship motion. The relationship between seat backrest angle and motion sickness response was explored. The experimental results indicate that variations in seat backrest angle under ship motion conditions have a certain impact on participants' motion sickness response. The symptoms of motion sickness in participants are mildest when the seat backrest is tilted back approximately 22.5°, while they become significantly exacerbated when the tilt angle exceeds 45°. Additionally, there is no significant difference between males and females. This study proposes an effective measure to alleviate seasickness that is free of side effects, low-cost, and easy to implement, which could help alleviate the suffering caused by seasickness and hold significant implications for the redesign of ship seats. Moreover, it expands the possibilities for the application of industrial design in the field of ship and ocean engineering.