ABSTRACT
The Lumbar Motion Model Mannequin was developed to account for lumbar mobility. The lumbar motion associated with thigh-torso angles from 128 to 90 is of particular interest in the design of ergonomic chairs. The lumbar motion associated with thigh-torso angles from 110 to full flexion 35 is of particular interest to the public transportation industry in the study of seat motion and occupant dynamics during vehicle crashes. The chapter argues that the Lumbar Motion Mannequin can offer a practical method to simplify and standardize design to correlate anthropometries, medical data and health practitioners' findings to ergonomic seating design. Static seating prevents lumbar mobility and flattens the lumbar curve; when the task requires the torso to move from reclined angles to erect or forward postures. Although the System of Postural Support embraces traditional ergonomic seating design principles, the Lumbar Motion Model Mannequin and the Continuous Balanced Motion seat are a new approach in ergonomic seating system design.
