Citation

Franz M, Zenk R, Vink P, Hallbeck S. J. Manipulative Physiol. Ther. 2011; 34(2): 107-113.

Affiliation

BMW AG Forschungs und Innovationszentrum, München, Germany. matthias.franz@bmw.de

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jmpt.2010.12.002

PMID

21334542

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a lightweight low-intensity massage system (LWMAS) in a car seat on the electromyogram (EMG) of the neck and shoulder muscles and on the comfort experience during driving.

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.

Copyright © 2011 National University of Health Sciences. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Language: en