title: Do users desire symmetrical lumbar supports in task seating?
abstract: This research was designed to objectively investigate the desired low back (lumbar) support in a task chair; specifically by allowing a user to self-select the magnitude and location of support. An experimental chair built specifically for this study allowed the users to remotely adjust 35 diodes to achieve their desired level of support. Pressure mapping was used to measure the interface pressure at the user-seat back interface. It was determined that 73.8% of the 201 participants in this study, self-selected asymmetrical lower back support that was at least 20% greater on one side vs. the other. Additionally, 16.9% of the participants self-selected support on one side which was at least twice that of the other side. Contrary to popular practice, participants were found to prefer asymmetric support in the lower back region. It is anticipated that the culmination of this research will aid chair manufacturers in designing adaptable back rests. Practitioner Summary: Most current lumbar supports are designed to move vertically and to symmetrically increase or decrease in firmness as per a user's adjustment. This investigation highlights that participants tended to select asymmetrical lumbar support, and as such, designers should consider providing lumbar supports that provide the desired support at appropriate locations.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Industrial and Entrepreneurial Engineering & Engineering Management, Human Performance Institute, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences , Western Michigan University , Kalamazoo , MI , USA.
authors.forename: Tycho K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Fredericks
authors.affiliation: a Department of Industrial and Entrepreneurial Engineering & Engineering Management, Human Performance Institute, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences , Western Michigan University , Kalamazoo , MI , USA.
authors.forename: Steven E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Butt
authors.affiliation: a Department of Industrial and Entrepreneurial Engineering & Engineering Management, Human Performance Institute, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences , Western Michigan University , Kalamazoo , MI , USA.
authors.forename: Anil R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.affiliation: b Haworth Inc, One Haworth Center , Holland , MI , USA.
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bellingar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D004867:Equipment Design; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008297:Male; D011187:Posture; D011312:Pressure; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Low back support; lumbar comfort; lumbar support design; seating