Effects of Seat Height and Backrest Inclination on Body Pressure Distribution and Subjective Comfort in Seat Design for the Elderly

作者：Jianhua Lyu, Sibing Chen, Shanshan Xia, Qinling Zhong, Danninghan Chang, Yuxin Lin, Haiyan Wang, Ming Chen · 发表于：Applied Sciences · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.3390/app152011224 · 被引用次数：2 · 研究领域：Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders、Occupational health in dentistry、Effects of Vibration on Health

Adopting a human-centered approach, this study investigates the influence of seat parameters on comfort for elderly users. Twenty healthy older adults (61–70 years) assessed age-friendly seats with varying seat heights (knee popliteal height H mm, H − 50 mm, H − 25 mm, H + 25 mm, and H + 50 mm) and backrest inclinations (90°, 105°, 120°, 135°). Body pressure distribution analysis and subjective comfort evaluations were conducted to assess the impact of these parameters. Key findings demonstrated that optimal subjective and objective comfort ratings were achieved at a seat height of H mm or H − 25 mm combined with a backrest inclination of 105°. Seat height showed a positive correlation with contact area, while exhibiting negative correlations with average pressure and maximum pressure. Regional comfort (feet, calves, coccyx, anterior thighs) exhibited significant positive correlations with overall comfort (p < 0.01). Furthermore, increasing the backrest inclination angle led to a higher-pressure gradient, and slippage perception negatively correlated with comfort (p < 0.05). This research confirms that the parameter optimization—specifically height and backrest inclination—effectively optimizes pressure distribution and significantly enhances sitting comfort for the elderly. The findings provide a scientific basis for designing comfortable, age-friendly seating solutions that support sustainable quality of life.