Interface pressure data and the prediction of driver discomfort in road trials.

An objective measure that will predict discomfort reliably, and which can be used at an early stage in the development of a vehicle and its seating, would have the potential to reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems associated with driving. This paper reports on an extended road trial study to further investigate the potential value of pressure distribution data in the prediction of reported discomfort. Road trial data were collected from three cars and then interface pressure data were recorded for each of the three seats. Clear differences were identified between the cars with respect to reports of discomfort. However, no clear relationship was found between interface pressure data and reported discomfort.