Ergonomic optimization of rowing seats using personalized Human Body Models

Seat-related discomfort and health problems, which occur especially during long rowing tours or training sessions, can be reduced by rowing seats with a surface geometry that is ergonomically optimized for the particular rower. This seat optimization can be done by analyzing measured pressure distributions and modifying the standard seat surface geometry for a specific person based on these results using CAD tools. The project presented here focuses on the purely virtual development of the optimal geometry for specific rowers. FE simulations were performed using Human Body Models (HBMs) to define seat geometries for specific individuals.