Assessing Post-Driving Discomfort and Its Influence on Gait Patterns

Area of Science:

• Ergonomics
• Occupational Health
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Professional drivers face prolonged driving periods, necessitating sustained attention.
• Discomfort during driving is a known issue, but its link to post-driving accidents requires further investigation.
• Understanding driver discomfort is crucial for preventing accidents and improving well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the discomfort experienced by professional drivers during prolonged driving.
• To analyze changes in preferred postures, seat interface pressure, and gait patterns before and after driving.
• To identify potential physiological mechanisms underlying driving-induced discomfort and behavioral changes.

Main Methods:

• Forty-four volunteers participated in a two-hour driving simulation.
• Modified preferred postures, seat interface pressure, and pre- and post-driving gait patterns were analyzed.
• Participants were grouped based on changes in walking speed post-driving.

Main Results:

• Seat interface pressure and the area covered on the seat increased over the driving duration.
• Preferred driving postures varied among the identified groups.
• Post-driving gait analysis revealed three groups, with two showing increased walking speed and one showing decreased speed.

Conclusions:

• Prolonged driving leads to discomfort and increased interface pressure, prompting drivers to adjust their postures.
• Changes in gait patterns after driving suggest physiological adaptations to prolonged sitting.
• Increased interface pressure may impede blood circulation, contributing to discomfort and altered post-driving mobility.