Multi-Modal Ergonomic Evaluation of High-Speed Rail Seating by Integrating Electromyography, Skin Conductance Response, and Scenario-Based Analysis

Suihong Lan

doi:10.3791/69661

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Research Article

Multi-Modal Ergonomic Evaluation of High-Speed Rail Seating by Integrating Electromyography, Skin Conductance Response, and Scenario-Based Analysis

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DOI:

10.3791/69661

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January 9th, 2026

Suihong Lan¹

¹Fuzhou University

Summary

The research evaluates physiological and ergonomic differences among high-speed rail seating classes by integrating electromyography, skin conductance response, and scenario-based analysis to quantify muscle fatigue, stress responses, and overall comfort under realistic travel activities.

Abstract

Most existing studies on high-speed rail (HSR) seating comfort are based on subjective surveys and pressure maps; there is no physiological reporting on muscle fatigue and stress accrual with longer travel periods. The assessment of dynamic sitting performance in different travel conditions is rather difficult due to the impossibility of the traditional laboratory-based investigations to reproduce real-life posture variations. To surmount these limitations, the present research compares business, first-class, and economy-class seats in a real-world HSR travelling scenario through the application of multi-modal ergonomic testing, which involves the use of electromyography (EMG), skin conductance response (SCR), and scenario-based behavioral testing. The 30 participants were divided into two seating classes and placed in four functional situations: entertaining, dining, working, and resting. Whereas SCR was used to monitor autonomic stress responses, EMG was used to record muscular activity in the shoulders, lumbar, and neck. The results indicate that although business-class chairs reduce lumbar strain, they do not eliminate the weariness of upper limbs and necks, especially in the reclining position. The first-class seats are maximum in terms of working postures, but they cannot offer flexible support for varied body proportions, which results in head and lumbar discomfort. Owing to their low level of adjustability, economy-class seats produce the largest amount of muscular tension, despite their high level of lumbar and neck support. This research provides an understanding of adjustable, ergonomically idealized seating for trains in future models and the significance of incorporating behavioral and physiological information into dynamic seat analysis.

Introduction

Global mobility has been transformed by the quick development of high-speed rail (HSR) networks, which shorten travel times and improve accessibility. Even as HSR infrastructure has undergone constant technical improvements, seating comfort, especially during extended travel, remains a crucial yet understudied component of the passenger experience. According to earlier studies, badly made seats can lead to chronic musculoskeletal strain, discomfort, and muscular fatigue¹^,²^,³. These problems are made worse in lower-tier seating classes, where cost-driven design trade-offs freq....