The Study of Seating Pressure on Car Seat Between Two National Cars

Last reviewed: March 2026

Summary

This study compared the seating pressure distribution on car seats between two types of Malaysian national cars using objective pressure mapping technology. As Malaysian drivers spend increasing amounts of time behind the wheel — due to long commutes, traffic congestion, and the country’s car-dependent transportation infrastructure — the ergonomic quality of car seats has direct implications for public health through its effects on musculoskeletal comfort, fatigue, and long-term spinal health.

Background

Automotive seating comfort and its relationship to driver health have become important research topics as societies worldwide spend more time in vehicles. In Malaysia, where car ownership rates are among the highest in Southeast Asia and many residents commute long distances daily, the ergonomic quality of car seats is particularly relevant. The two national car manufacturers, Proton and Perodua, together account for a substantial share of the Malaysian domestic vehicle market, making the ergonomic evaluation of their seat designs a public health priority.

Seating pressure distribution — the pattern and magnitude of forces at the interface between the seated body and the seat surface — is a key determinant of seating comfort and a risk factor for musculoskeletal problems. Excessive or poorly distributed pressure can restrict blood flow to soft tissues, cause discomfort and pain, accelerate fatigue during extended driving, and contribute to chronic conditions including low back pain, which is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.

Pressure mapping technology, using thin, flexible sensor arrays placed on the seat surface, enables objective measurement of the pressure distribution experienced by seated occupants. The resulting pressure maps reveal areas of high and low pressure, enabling comparison between seat designs and identification of pressure concentrations that may cause discomfort. This objective approach complements subjective comfort ratings, which are influenced by individual preferences, expectations, and psychological factors.

Methods

Twelve respondents participated in driving sessions in both national car models, designated as PM1 (Proton model) and PS1 (Perodua model). Both vehicles were equipped with automatic transmission to eliminate differences in driving technique as a confounding factor. The Tekscan CONFORMat pressure mapping system (Model 5330 with CER2 system) was used to record seat pressure distribution during driving.

Each participant drove along a standardised route of identical length and road conditions in both vehicles, with the pressure sensor mat placed on the seat cushion throughout the journey. The CONFORMat Research 7.60 software recorded pressure data continuously, capturing the dynamic pressure patterns experienced during actual driving conditions rather than static sitting alone.

In addition to pressure measurements, the physical dimensions of both car seats were measured and compared, including seat cushion width, cushion length, backrest width, backrest height, and seat height from the vehicle floor.

Key Results

The pressure mapping analysis revealed distinct pressure distribution patterns between the two car seat designs. Both seats showed the expected concentration of pressure under the ischial tuberosities (the bony prominences of the pelvis on which seated weight is primarily supported), but the magnitude and spread of this pressure concentration differed between the two models.

Seat dimensional analysis confirmed significant differences in design specifications between the PM1 and PS1 seats. These differences reflected distinct design philosophies and target demographics — the Proton model seat was generally larger in key dimensions while the Perodua model seat was more compact, reflecting the different vehicle classes and typical buyer profiles. Importantly, the analysis revealed the absence of commonly accepted standards for driver’s seat dimensions in Malaysia, with neither seat closely conforming to ergonomic recommendations based on Malaysian anthropometric data published in earlier research.

Discussion

The documented differences in pressure distribution between the two national car seats have practical significance for driver comfort and health. A seat that distributes pressure more evenly across the buttock-thigh contact area is generally considered more comfortable and less likely to cause tissue stress, while seats with sharp pressure peaks may lead to discomfort during prolonged driving and could contribute to chronic musculoskeletal complaints over time.

The absence of Malaysian automotive seat standards is a notable finding with policy implications. While international standards exist for certain aspects of automotive seating (primarily related to safety in crash scenarios), ergonomic comfort standards that account for population-specific anthropometry are less well developed. Given the documented differences between Malaysian anthropometric profiles and those of Western populations for whom most international standards were developed, Malaysia-specific guidelines for automotive seat design could improve the ergonomic fit for local consumers.

Limitations

The small sample size (12 respondents) limits the statistical power and generalisability of the findings. Only two car models were compared, representing a fraction of the vehicles driven by Malaysians. The standardised test route, while necessary for comparability, may not capture the full range of driving conditions experienced in daily commuting. Individual factors such as body mass index, driving posture preferences, and pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions were not fully controlled.

Implications

The study provides objective ergonomic data that can inform automotive seat design by Malaysia’s national car manufacturers. The pressure mapping methodology demonstrated here offers a valuable tool for iterative design evaluation and optimisation. From a public health perspective, improving automotive seat comfort has the potential to reduce driving-related musculoskeletal complaints in a population that spends substantial time in vehicles. The findings also support calls for the development of ergonomic design guidelines specific to the Malaysian population.