TitleEvaluation of Vertical and Multi-axial Suspension Seats for Reducing Vertical-dominant and Multi-axial Whole Body Vibration and Associated Neck and Low Back Joint Torque and Muscle Activity.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2022
AuthorsKia, K, Bae, H, Johnson, PW, Dennerlein, JT, Kim, JH
JournalErgonomics
Pagination1-29
Date Published03/2022
ISSN1366-5847
Abstract

The primary aim of this laboratory-based human subject study was to evaluate the biomechanical loading associated with mining vehicles' multi-axial whole body vibration (WBV) by comparing joint torque and muscle activity in the neck and low back during three vibration conditions: mining vehicles' multi-axial, on-road vehicles' vertical-dominant, and no vibration. Moreover, the secondary aim was to determine the efficacy of a vertical passive air suspension and a prototype multi-axial active suspension seat in reducing WBV exposures and associated biomechanical loading measures. The peak joint torque and muscle activity in the neck and low back were higher when exposed to multi-axial vibration compared to the vertical-dominant or no vibration condition. When comparing the two suspension seats, there were limited differences in WBV, joint torque, and muscle activity. These results indicate that there is a need to develop more effective engineering controls to lower exposures to multi-axial WBV and related biomechanical loading.

DOI10.1080/00140139.2022.2051611
Alternate JournalErgonomics
PubMed ID35257643