TY - JOUR PY - 2018// TI - Effect of reclining angle on lumbar lordosis at driving posture: a radiological evaluation JO - Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation A1 - Nam, Hyung Seok A1 - Han, Manyong A1 - Choi, Hyung Yun A1 - Song, Kyuman A1 - Kang, Seonggyu A1 - Ahn, Sung Min A1 - Lee, Shi-Uk SP - 923 EP - 930 VL - 31 IS - 5 N2 - BACKGROUND: Optimal seatback angles for automobile drivers' seats have been investigated based on comfort and back muscle activities; however, radiology supported evidences are scarce.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate optimal range of the seatback reclining regarding torso angles for an automobile driver's seat to preserve lumbar lordosis.

METHODS: Thirty-one healthy volunteers were recruited among five body type categories. Lateral lumbar spine X-rays were obtained for the neutral sitting posture without seatback (reference), and with reclining angles of 23∘ to 33∘ by 2∘ intervals. The Cobb angles for the L1-L4, L4-S1, and L1-S1 segments were measured.

RESULTS: The Cobb angle for L4-S1 was nearest to the reference (18.74 ± 1.57∘, mean ± standard error mean) at reclining angles of 29∘ and 31∘ (14.51 ± 1.41∘ and 14.47 ± 1.43∘, respectively). The Cobb angle at L4-S1 between reclining angles of 27∘ (12.02 ± 1.31∘) and 29∘ (14.51 ± 1.41∘) were significantly different (p< 0.001). Tall men showed relatively preserved lordosis angles at all reclining angles. Fat men and short women demonstrated prominent loss of lordosis with excessively kyphotic L1-L4 segment.

CONCLUSIONS: Reclining angles of 29∘ to 31∘ revealed to be optimal for preserving lordosis at the L4-S1 segment. Individualized healthcare-related guideline for driver's seat adjustment setting is necessary.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 1053-8127 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/BMR-170875 ID - ref1 ER -