The aim of this study was to develop a predictive discomfort model in single-axis, 3-D, and 6-D combined-axis whole-body vibrations of seated occupants considering different postures.

Non-neutral postures in seated whole-body vibration play a significant role in the resulting level of perceived discomfort and potential long-term injury. The current international standards address contact points but not postures.

The proposed model computes discomfort on the basis of static deviation of human joints from their neutral positions and how fast humans rotate their joints under vibration. Four seated postures were investigated. For practical implications, the coefficients of the predictive discomfort model were changed into the Borg scale with psychophysical data from 12 volunteers in different vibration conditions (single-axis random fore-aft, lateral, and vertical and two magnitudes of 3-D). The model was tested under two magnitudes of 6-D vibration.

Significant correlations (R² = .93) were found between the predictive discomfort model and the reported discomfort with different postures and vibrations. The ISO 2631-1 correlated very well with discomfort (R² = .89) but was not able to predict the effect of posture.

Human discomfort in seated whole-body vibration with different non-neutral postures can be closely predicted by a combination of static posture and the angular velocities of the joint.

The predictive discomfort model can assist ergonomists and human factors researchers design safer environments for seated operators under vibration. The model can be integrated with advanced computer biomechanical models to investigate the complex interaction between posture and vibration.