Development of an Objective Measure to Quantify Automotive Discomfort Over Time

The possibilities for describing sitting postural discomfort over time were demonstrated by using non-linear methods. Correlating Center of Pressure (COP) data with % of pressure under the ischial tuberosities (IP) and under the upper thighs (TH) it was further possible to explain the dynamics of the COP data in terms of discomfort perception. Visual recurrence were used to compare the COP data with IP and TH data and revealed transitions of discomfort over time. Therefore the technique of recurrence plots showed a clear change in the underlying dynamics of the data in relation to ones perceived discomfort level.