Application of biomechanics in graphic design and ergonomic optimization
Abstract
For patients recovering from spinal diseases, ordinary seats often lack support and correction functions, which can easily lead to problems such as spinal curvature and lumbar disc herniation. The study uses MediaPipe to recognize postures and perform 3D graphics modeling, combined with finite element analysis to simulate the coordinated work of the patient’s muscles, bones, and joints, and optimize the design of ergonomic orthosis. First, MediaPipe Pose is used for posture recognition to capture the key point coordinates of the spine and joint positions and obtain dynamic data of the patient’s sitting posture. Next, a 3D model of the patient’s skeleton and spine is built, and the bone structure is generated based on the posture data and refined with ZBrush. Then, a finite element analysis is performed using ANSYS Workbench, and the stress distribution of the spine under the patient’s weight and different sitting pressures is simulated. The orthopedic seat’s geometry and support area distribution are optimized, and adjustment functions are added to improve adaptability. The data results show that the MSE (Mean Square Error) of the optimized spinal curve deviation is only 0.0009; the maximum stress of the intervertebral disc is reduced from 56.1 MPa to 42.4 MPa; the area of the high-stress area is reduced to 12.4cm²; the stress uniformity is improved by 28.1%; the local pressure is reduced by 24.6%. The designed method can significantly reduce the patient’s spinal deviation rate, relieve seat pressure, and have a good rehabilitation auxiliary effect.
References
1. De Carvalho De, Callaghan Jp. Effect of office chair design features on lumbar spine posture, muscle activity and perceived pain during prolonged sitting. Ergonomics, 2023, 66(10):1465-1476. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2022.2152113
2. Ademiluyi Adeolu, Aruin Alexander S. Reaching in sitting: The effect of seat design and body manipulations. Work, 2022, 71(1):201-207. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-205114
3. Acharya Bishnu Dutta, Karki Arpita, Prasertsukdee Saipin, Reed Darren, Rawal Lal, Baniya Prem Laxmi, et al. Effect of adaptive seating systems on postural control and activity performance: a systematic review. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 2023, 35(4):397-410. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/PEP.0000000000001042
4. Lampe Dario, Deml Barbara. Increasing physical activity in the vehicle with an interactive seating system in a male sample. Ergonomics, 2023, 66(4):536-553. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2022.2098384
5. Li Zhi, Abd Shukor Rina. Design Issues and Solutions for Improving the Comfort of Neo-Ming Style Chair. Academic Journal of Science and Technology, 2024, 12(3):64-69. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54097/92z30j86
6. Shahriman Muhammad Norman Nurhakim Mohd, Tan Xi Ning, Rasid Mahmud Thaqif Mahmud, Yusri Batrisyia Inanda Sari, Abdul-Kadir Nurul Ashikin, Safri Norlaili Mat. Smart Chair Development using ESP32 Microcontroller–A Preliminary Study. Journal of Human Centered Technology, 2024, 3(1):60-66. DOI: https://doi.org/10.11113/humentech.v3n1.69
7. Md Nadzri Norhani, Hamzaid Nur Azah, Chung Tze Yang. Design and development of a wheelchair seating pressure relief reminder system for pressure ulcer prevention among paraplegics. Journal of medical engineering & technology, 2021, 45(7):574-581. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03091902.2021.1936238
8. Jeong Haeseok, Park Woojin. Developing and evaluating a mixed sensor smart chair system for real-time posture classification: Combining pressure and distance sensors. IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics, 2020, 25(5):1805-1813. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/JBHI.2020.3030096
9. Wang Yimei, Vatandoost Hossein, Sedaghati Ramin. Development of a Novel Magneto-Rheological Elastomer-Based Semi-Active Seat Suspension System. Vibration, 2023, 6(4):777-795. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration6040048
10. Zhang Huizhong, Yang Zhi. Research on dynamic comfort maintenance by measuring lower limb edema and seat pressure during simulated seated sleep in flight. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2024, 30(1):72-83. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10803548.2023.2232635
11. Tanoue Hironori, Mitsuhashi Toshitaka, Sako Shunji, Inaba Ryoichi. An exploratory study on the impact of static and dynamic sitting postures on lumbar and pelvic mobility during visual display terminal work. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 2021, 33(5):406-412. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.33.406
12. Keerthana J, Krishna R Harish, Krishnamoorthy M, Hariharan R, Kumaresan R. Design and analysis of lower limb Assistive Exoskeleton. Asian Review of Mechanical Engineering, 2022, 11(1):18-28. DOI: https://doi.org/10.51983/arme-2022.11.1.3285
13. Zehr Jackie D, Noguchi Mamiko, Fok Donna J, Callaghan Jack P. Mechanical work and energy of sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit transitions performed with traditional and dynamic office chair designs. Work, 2023, 76(1):303-313. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-220333
14. Wang Jianquan, Hafidh Basim, Dong Haiwei, El Saddik Abdulmotaleb. Sitting posture recognition using a spiking neural network. IEEE Sensors Journal, 2020, 21(2):1779-1786. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/JSEN.2020.3016611
15. De Mare Lieke, De Groot Bas, De Koning Fleur, Geers Richard, Tetteroo Daniel. The influence of a contoured seating base on pressure distribution and discomfort. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 2023, 18(1):1-7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2021.1892841
16. Nguyen Teron, Nguyen-Phuoc Duy Q, Wong Yiik Diew. Developing artificial neural networks to estimate real-time onboard bus ride comfort. Neural Computing and Applications, 2021, 33(10):5287-5299. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00521-020-05318-3
17. Ahmad Nooraziah, Ismail Ahmad Rasdan, Mohamad Darliana, Palate Nur Syakina Sonie, Kamaruzzaman Azmul Fadhli. Improving Classroom Chairs for Student Comfort and Health: An Ergonomic Approach. Journal of Human Centered Technology, 2024, 3(1):22-28. DOI: https://doi.org/10.11113/humentech.v3n1.65
18. Hu Qisong, Tang Xiaochen, Tang Wei. A smart chair sitting posture recognition system using flex sensors and FPGA implemented artificial neural network. IEEE Sensors Journal, 2020, 20(14):8007-8016. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/JSEN.2020.2980207
19. Mizumoto Teruhiro, Otoda Yasuhiro, Nakajima Chihiro, Kohana Mitsuhiro, Uenishi Motohiro, Yasumoto Keiichi, et al. Design and implementation of sensor-embedded chair for continuous sitting posture recognition. IEICE TRANSACTIONS on Information and Systems, 2020, 103(5):1067-1077. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1587/transinf.2019EDP7226
20. Lin Ming-Chyuan, Qiu Guo-Peng, Zhou Xue Hua, Chen Chien-Nan. Using Taguchi and neural network approaches in the optimum design of product development process. International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing, 2020, 33(4):343-359. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0951192X.2019.1639218
21. Moshayedi Ata Jahangir, Hosseinzadeh Maziar, Joshi Bhagyashree P, Emadi Andani Mehran. Recognition system for ergonomic mattress and pillow: Design and fabrication. IETE Journal of Research, 2024, 70(2):1956-1974. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03772063.2022.2163927
22. Mahantesh M Math, Rao Kvs Rajeswara, Chandra Ac Prapul, Vijayakumar Mn, Nandini B, Prasad C Durga, et al. Design and modeling using finite element analysis for the sitting posture of computer users based on ergonomic perspective. International Journal on Interactive Design and Manufacturing (IJIDeM), 2024, 18(8):5875-5891. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12008-023-01383-9
23. Radwan Ahmed, Hall Jessica, Pajazetovic Ariana, Gillam Owen, Carpenter Duane. Alternative Seat Designs-A Systematic Review of Controlled Trials. Professional Safety, 2020, 65(03):39-46.
24. Trivers Neil C, Carrick Christopher A, Kim Il Yong. Design optimization of a business aircraft seat considering static and dynamic certification loading and manufacturability. Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 2020, 62(6):3457-3476. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-020-02650-z
25. Pehnec Igor, Marinic-Kragic Ivo, Vucina Damir. Robust evolutionary shape optimization for ergonomic excellence based on contact pressure distribution. Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering, 2020, 23(13):945-958. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10255842.2020.1774751
26. Colley Mark, Jansen Pascal, Rukzio Enrico, Gugenheimer Jan. Swivr-car-seat: Exploring vehicle motion effects on interaction quality in virtual reality automated driving using a motorized swivel seat. Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies, 2021, 5(4):1-26. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3494968
27. Liaqat Sidrah, Dashtipour Kia, Arshad Kamran, Assaleh Khaled, Ramzan Naeem. A hybrid posture detection framework: Integrating machine learning and deep neural networks. IEEE Sensors Journal, 2021, 21(7):9515-9522. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/JSEN.2021.3055898
28. Lepora Nathan F, Lloyd John. Pose-based tactile servoing: Controlled soft touch using deep learning. IEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine, 2021, 28(4):43-55. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/MRA.2021.3096141
29. Zhang Jianfeng, Gong Kehong, Wang Xinchao, Feng Jiashi. Learning to augment poses for 3D human pose estimation in images and videos. IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence, 2023, 45(8):10012-10026. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/TPAMI.2023.3243400
30. Liu Wu, Bao Qian, Sun Yu, Mei Tao. Recent advances of monocular 2d and 3d human pose estimation: A deep learning perspective. ACM Computing Surveys, 2022, 55(4):1-41. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3524497
31. Wen Yuan. Optimization design of biomechanical parameters based on advanced mathematical modelling. Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, 2024, 21(3):463-463. DOI: https://doi.org/10.62617/mcb463
32. Sharma Rakesh Chandmal, Sharma Sakshi, Sharma Sunil Kumar, Sharma Neeraj, Singh Gurpreet. Analysis of bio-dynamic model of seated human subject and optimization of the passenger ride comfort for three-wheel vehicle using random search technique. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part K: Journal of Multi-body Dynamics, 2021, 235(1):106-121. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1464419320983711
33. Wang Qichao, Huo Yihuan, Xu Zheng, Zhang Wenjie, Shang Yujun, Xu Hongmei. Effects of backrest and seat-pan inclination of tractor seat on biomechanical characteristics of lumbar, abdomen, leg and spine. Computer methods in biomechanics and biomedical engineering, 2023, 26(3):291-304. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10255842.2022.2062229
34. Zhao Leilei, Yu Yuewei, Cao Jianhu, Zhou Weiwei. Nonlinear coupled dynamic modelling of driver-seat-cab system and biomechanical behaviour prediction. Strojniški vestnik-Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 2022, 68(2):90-100. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5545/sv-jme.2021.7429
35. Wu Hequan, Hou Haibin, Shen Ming, Yang King H, Jin Xin. Occupant kinematics and biomechanics during frontal collision in autonomous vehicles—can rotatable seat provides additional protection?. Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering, 2020, 23(5):191-200. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10255842.2019.1710496
36. Desai Raj, Guha Anirban, Seshu Pasumarthy. An appropriate biomechanical model of seated human subjects exposed to whole-body vibration. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part K: Journal of Multi-body Dynamics, 2021, 235(4):586-601. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/14644193211039406
37. Xiang Xinhao, Zhang Ke, Qin Yi, Ma Xingchen, Dai Ying, Zhang Xiaoqing, et al. Smart Cushions with Machine Learning-Enhanced Force Sensors for Pressure Injury Risk Assessment. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2024, 16(29):38466-38477. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.4c05964
38. Paquin Clemence, Rozaire Julie, Chenu Olivier, Gelis Anthony, Dubuis Laura, Duprey Sonia. Studying mechanical load at body-seat interface during dynamic activities such as wheelchair propulsion: a scoping review. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 2024, 19(5):1879-1889. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2023.2248184
39. Dong Ruichun, Tang Shengjie, Cheng Xiang, Wang Zongliang, Zhang Peibiao, Wei Zheng. Influence of foot excitation and shin posture on the vibration behavior of the entire spine inside a seated human body. Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering, 2024, 27(12):1664-1679.
40. Habegger Janik, Govers Megan E, Hassan Marwan, Oliver Michele L. The Development of a High-Static Low-Dynamic Cushion for a Seat Containing Large Amounts of Friction. Vibration, 2024, 7(2):388-406.
41. Kyeong Seulki. Analysis of the Impact of Chair Tilt Function on Users' Biometric Signals and Comfort. Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research, 2024, 45(2):75-80.
42. Singh Gajendra, Tewari Vk, Ambuj, Choudhary Vinod. Biomechanical analysis of real‐time vibration exposure during mini combine harvester operation: A hybrid ANN–GA approach. Journal of Field Robotics, 2024, 41(7):2441-2454.
43. Alshehri Mansour Abdullah, Van Den Hoorn Wolbert, Klyne David M, Hodges Paul W. Coordination of hip and spine in individuals with acute low back pain during unstable sitting. The Spine Journal, 2024, 24(5):768-782.
44. Wang Xuguang, Grébonval Cyrille, Beillas Philippe. Effect of seat back angle on preferred seat pan inclination for the development of highly automated vehicles. Ergonomics, 2024, 67(5):619-627.
Copyright (c) 2025 Wei Wei
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Copyright on all articles published in this journal is retained by the author(s), while the author(s) grant the publisher as the original publisher to publish the article.
Articles published in this journal are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International, which means they can be shared, adapted and distributed provided that the original published version is cited.
Submit a Paper
