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Quantifying posture differences between wheelchair users and standard automotive posture
Brennen T McManus1, Byoung-Keon Daniel Park1, Nichole R Orton1
1University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI), Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Ergonomics
|July 29, 2026
Summary
Wheelchair users exhibit unique seated postures in vehicles, differing from standard automotive positions. Understanding these differences is crucial for developing effective occupant protection systems for automated driving.
Area of Science:
- Automotive Safety
- Biomechanics
- Human Factors Engineering
Background:
- Automated driving systems offer potential benefits for wheelchair users.
- Limited research exists on wheelchair user posture in automotive safety contexts.
- Accurate posture data is vital for designing effective occupant protection systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the three-dimensional posture of wheelchair users in vehicles.
- To compare wheelchair user posture to standard automotive postures.
- To identify how participant characteristics influence seated posture.
Main Methods:
- Collected 3D postural data from 75 wheelchair users.
- Generated individualized 3D avatars using HumanShape software.
- Analyzed anatomical landmarks and segment orientations relative to participant data.
Main Results:
- Wheelchair users showed a more reclined posture with forward-leaning neck angles compared to standard automotive posture.
- Significant postural variations were linked to gender, body mass index (BMI), and disability type.
- Differences in pelvis, abdomen, and knee angles were observed.
Conclusions:
- Wheelchair user posture in vehicles deviates from standard automotive assumptions.
- These unique postural characteristics must be considered for designing advanced occupant protection systems.
- Findings have implications for the safety design of vehicles accommodating wheelchair users.
