Seated posture can be accurately described when the position of the pelvis is accurately measured. The pelvis is one of the most difficult body segments to measure due to the amount of tissue overlaying it and the fact that it is a very private area of the body. To the automobile seat manufacturer, three points on the pelvis are of great importance: H-point (hip joint location) D-point (ischial tuberosity) and ASIS (anterior superior iliac spine). H-point is most important for vehicle packaging, D-point is important for comfort and safety of the occupant and the lap belt is most effective for holding the pelvis in the seat during a crash if it is below the ASIS. This report describes methods developed at the Ergonomics Research Laboratory for measuring pelvic position, using non-invasive methods for locating H-point and D-point. Results from 102 subjects are summarized, describing five points measured on each subject's pelvis and one additional point (H-point) calculated from the measured data.
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