Macro repositioning movements of pelvis and trunk during simulated driving tasks

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP)3 is one of the most important features of discomfort in prolonged sitting postures. This is evidenced by an increase in the number of postural changes called macro-movements. The focus of study was the frequencies of macro repositioning movements in prolonged sitting posture resulting from the perception of discomfort caused by low-back pain. Eighteen (18) drivers performed driving tasks for a period of 90 min. The results indicate that LBP participants performed more movements (10.52 rep/h), compared to without low back pain participants (8.52 rep/h). However, the latter moved more than expected due to joint macro movements of the pelvis and trunk. LBP subjects generally performed macro-repositioning movements of the trunk only, while without low back pain (WLBP)4 subjects moved pelvis and trunk simultaneously. Although the WLBP participants moved less than those with LBP symptoms, they applied different movement strategies which should be considered in further research. Finally, the authors also propose that future research should be directed towards determining the influence of these lumbo pelvic movements when provided in a controlled manner, to improve comfort in seats and to help manufactures to offer better ergonomic seats. Relevance to industryAccording to the findings of this study, control of lumbo pelvic movements could be used to improve the design and production of ergonomic seats for driving activities.