For some the picture to the right is not an uncommon feeling. Driving can cause neck, lower back, hip and leg pain. In this article we are giving some simple but valuable advise when setting up your car seat.
Introduction
Causes of discomfort
- Static constrained posture
- Increased external pressures – eg vibration
- Duration of driving
- Used as “office” – do you work out of your car
- Recent vehicle change – shock to the system
To minimise discomfort you need to look at:
- User – How are you set up in the vehicle and how you are using the vehicle
- Task – how long your driving, what type of road quality you are driving on
- Vehicle – What type of vehicle, suspension, car seat set up
| How to set up: | |
| Seat | Allows driver to have full vision of the rd. Upright and tall is more ideal then low recline seat |
| Lower limb position | Knees should be bent to allow access to pedals. Knees should not touch steering wheel. |
| Seat Pan | Thighs support along length No pressure behind knees (ensure seat is close enough to pedals) |
| Back rest | Should have continued support along length of back. Shoulders slightly behind hips (20-30 degrees) |
| Lumbar Support | Adjustable or not: should provide support along length of lumbar spine with no pressure points or gaps between spine and car seat. S shape spine is a safe shape. |
| Steering wheel | Objects and controls should be easy reach. Elbows/shoulders relaxed with hands below shoulders (do not grip steering wheel)Clearance of thighs |
| Head rest | Allows neutral neck position and centrally located behind head. |
| Mirrors | Adjust mirrors to allow adequate vision without having to rotate or flex neck. |
Reducing the risk
- Change posture regularly – vary styles of posture
- Back support adjusted 10 degrees either way
- Move chair slightly closer or further
- Break for 15 minutes every 1-2 hours. During break incorporate stretches in break (ensure break does not also utilise a static posture) Change posture regularly – vary styles of posture
- Back support adjusted 10 degrees either way
- Move chair slightly closer or further
- Where possible get out of the vehicle (ensuring safe location)
- Like any functional task or activity – allow adequate warm up. Start your day with stretches prior to entering vehicle.
- Avoid gripping steering wheel – avoid tense posture.
- Vibration – take note of vibration if hand is resting on gear stick.
- Lumbar support devices
If you would like further assistant with vehicle ergonomics, give us a call to see how we can help you.
