• Franz M
• Zenk R
• Vink P
• Hallbeck S

• Automobiles
• Electromyography
• Ergonomics
• Massage / instrumentation
• Muscle, Skeletal
• Neck Muscles
• Spine / physiology

Methods: Two experiments were performed during driving with and without the active LWMAS in the seat. Subjective measurements were taken, in which the comfort experience was recorded for 20 participants driving a prescribed path around Munich for 120 minutes. Then objective (surface EMG above the rhomboideus and trapezius muscles) measurements and subjective measurements of the comfort experience were recorded over 7 laps on a test track for 24 participants.

Results: The comfort was higher, and the EMG was significantly lower in the trapezius area while driving with the LWMAS.

Conclusion: Despite the fact that the LWMAS system is lightweight, has low intensity, and might have had a smaller effect, similar effects to previous studies with heavier systems were found, indicating that this massage system increases comfort and reduces muscle activity during driving as well.

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