The impact of man-seat interface on long-time-sitting fatigue and comfort

Abstract

To explore the impact of man-seat interfaces on long-time-sitting fatigue and comfort, a simulating flight facility in which can fix three different seats(A, B and C) was set up. 4 volunteers carried out simulated flight operation in it for 8 h continuously. 8 objective indicators were monitored, and the subjective fatigue and discomfort feelings were investigated too. The results showed 5 objective indicators were significant to long-time-sitting fatigue. Visual sensitivity declined along with the increase of fatigue. The fatigue feelings of neck, back, waist, buttocks and thighs all had an increasing tendency with the extending of sitting time. The comfort of seat A was superior to that of seat B, and seat C was superior to both A and B. Adjustable lumbar pad could effectively improve comfort, and a modeling designed man-seat interface could do that significantly.