A 3D Body Scan Method to Measure Postural Deformations in Flexible Material Chair Backs

Abstract

A 3D whole-body laser scanning method was used to evaluate the deformations of flexible material chair backs. Twenty-four Ss of different gender and body sizes sat in each of two ergonomic chairs (B, G). 3D images were analyzed for volumetric deformations. The chair back was divided into an upper region (from the lumbar through the thoracic to the shoulders), and a lower region (the lumbar/lower back area). When Ss sat with their back leaning against the chair back the upper region deformation was comparable for chair G (984.9 cm³) and for chair B (952.1 cm³). The lower region deformation, however, was significantly greater (p = 0.000) for chair G (393.3 cm³) compared to chair B (268.7 cm³). There were no significant differences in ratings of chair comfort.

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