1
|
Kordmiri SHM, Aliabadi M, Golmohammadi R, Bovenzi M, Farhadian M. Effect of noise and hand-transmitted vibration exposure on hearing and equilibrium under a simulated work environment with building tools. Work 2024; 77:615-628. [PMID: 37718831 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Construction workers are exposed to hand-transmitted vibration (HTV) and/or noise caused by vibrating hand tools in the work environment. OBJECTIVE The present study aims to investigate the effects of exposure to HTV and/or noise on workers' hearing loss and body balance. METHODS Forty construction workers were exposed to HTV (10 m/s2 rms, 31.5 Hz) and/or typical construction noise (90 dBA) in three simulated experiment scenarios with the vibrating hand-held tool for 30 minutes over three days. The hearing loss from 1000 to 6000 Hz and the body balance were determined before and after each exposure scenario. RESULTS Separate noise exposure at all frequencies except for 1000 Hz could significantly affect hearing threshold levels (p-value<0.05). Separate exposure to HTV cannot lead to a remarkable effect on hearing loss (p-value>0.05); however, it can synergistically increase the effect of noise on hearing loss. Also, the affected frequency range in concurrent exposure has been greater than in separate noise exposure. The separate effects of exposure to HTV and noise on the subjects' body balance were not statistically significant (p-value>0.05); however, these effects became significant in concurrent exposure (p-value<0.05). Based on the estimated effect sizes, noise could synergistically increase the observed effect of HTV on body balance. CONCLUSION There is a synergistic interaction between HTV and noise on hearing loss and body balance. It seems necessary to pay attention to the risk evaluation of simultaneous exposure to noise and HTV when setting the occupational action limit values.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Hojat Mousavi Kordmiri
- Center of Excellence for Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Occupational Health and Safety Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Aliabadi
- Center of Excellence for Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Occupational Health and Safety Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Rostam Golmohammadi
- Center of Excellence for Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Massimo Bovenzi
- Clinical Unit of Occupational Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Maryam Farhadian
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nawayseh N, AlBaiti S. Vibration transmitted to the hands of power drill operators: Effect of arm posture and type of drilled material. Proc Inst Mech Eng H 2023:9544119231171211. [PMID: 37096367 DOI: 10.1177/09544119231171211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of the arm posture and the type of material on the vibration measured at the hands during drilling operation. An experiment was conducted using three different materials (concrete, steel, and wood) and two different arm postures characterized as 90° and 180° angle between the upper arm and forearm. Six male subjects stood on a force platform to measure and control the feed force during the drilling operation. The vibration was measured at the interface between the drill and both hands. The results showed that the effect of arm posture was dependent on the type of material being drilled. For example, drilling in concrete yielded higher frequency-weighted acceleration with the 90° arm posture than the 180° posture while drilling in wood showed an opposite trend. The results tend to suggest no correlation between the material hardness and the vibration at the hands. Higher vibration was also observed at the right hand than the left hand. It is recommended to not use the vibration emission data reported by manufacturers of power tools to evaluate incidences of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) but to rely on real measurements taken in the field under typical operating conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naser Nawayseh
- Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Saleh AlBaiti
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, College of Engineering, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
- Sustainable Engineering Asset Management Research Group (SEAM), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Schulze DG, Nilsen KB, Clemm T, Grotle M, Zwart JA, Ulvestad B, Nordby KC. Influence of ergonomic factors on peripheral neuropathy under HAV exposure. Occup Med (Lond) 2023; 73:13-18. [PMID: 36480225 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqac118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hand-arm vibration (HAV) is a risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE). It is unclear how ergonomic factors influence the relationship between HAV exposure and CTS and UNE. AIMS We aimed to assess the relationship between cumulative HAV exposure and CTS and UNE in workers exposed to HAV from two tools with different ergonomic profiles. METHODS We performed nerve conduction studies (NCSs) of the sensory and motor median and ulnar nerves and recorded symptoms indicating CTS and UNE in workers exposed to HAV from impact wrenches or from rock drills. Exposure was measured as cumulative lifetime exposure. We used linear regression adjusted for age and body mass index to assess linear relationships. RESULTS Sixty-five workers participated (33 rock drill and 32 impact wrench operators). We found inverse linear associations between cumulative HAV exposure and median nerve sensory conduction velocity in impact wrench operators and ulnar nerve motor conduction velocity in rock drill operators (beta of 0.63 and 0.75). Based on NCS findings and symptoms, seven impact wrench operators had CTS and one UNE, and four rock drill operators had CTS and six UNE. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that ergonomic factors influence the development of CTS and UNE under HAV exposure. The ergonomic profile seems to influence which type of neuropathy workers exposed to HAV will develop. Design of occupational exposure guidelines and future studies should be based on ergonomic profile and exposure characteristics for different tools and not merely HAV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D G Schulze
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, 0424 Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0316 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Research, Innovation and Education, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - K B Nilsen
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, 0424 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Research, Innovation and Education, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - T Clemm
- National Institute of Occupational Health, 0304 Oslo, Norway
| | - M Grotle
- Department of Research, Innovation and Education, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
- Oslo Metropolitan University, 0130 Oslo, Norway
| | - J A Zwart
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0316 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Research, Innovation and Education, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - B Ulvestad
- National Institute of Occupational Health, 0304 Oslo, Norway
| | - K C Nordby
- National Institute of Occupational Health, 0304 Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
A Multiscale Approach for Predicting Certain Effects of Hand-Transmitted Vibration on Finger Arteries. VIBRATION 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/vibration5020014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged exposure to strong hand-arm vibrations can lead to vascular disorders such as Vibration White Finger (VWF). We modeled the onset of this peripheral vascular disease in two steps. The first consists in assessing the reduction in shearing forces exerted by the blood on the walls of the arteries (Wall Shear Stress—WSS) during exposure to vibrations. An acute but repeated reduction in WSS can lead to arterial stenosis characteristic of VWF. The second step is devoted to using a numerical mechano-biological model to predict this stenosis as a function of WSS. WSS is reduced by a factor of 3 during exposure to vibration of 40 m·s−2. This reduction is independent of the frequency of excitation between 31 Hz and 400 Hz. WSS decreases logarithmically when the amplitude of the vibration increases. The mechano-biological model simulated arterial stenosis of 30% for an employee exposed for 4 h a day for 10 years. This model also highlighted the chronic accumulation of matrix metalloproteinase 2. By considering daily exposure and the vibratory level, we can calculate the degree of stenosis, thus that of the disease for chronic exposure to vibrations.
Collapse
|
5
|
Investigating the Relationship between Coupling Forces and Hand-Transmitted Vibration under Varying Excitation Levels. VIBRATION 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/vibration5010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the vibration total value of the acceleration transmitted to the wrist and elbow was measured in the laboratory with a group of 13 male subjects holding a cylindrical handle while modifying the coupling force under varying levels of vibration. The results were used to establish the relationship between hand-transmitted vibration and coupling forces and to compare with the relations proposed as part of an ISO Technical Specification, ISO/TS 15230-2. This was done to determine the suitability of the proposed relationships when variations are introduced on the level of vibration on the handle. While tracing back the origins of the relations proposed in ISO/TS 15230-2, this paper further brings in evidence of the importance of considering the role of coupling forces when evaluating the exposure to hand-transmitted vibration and provides additional evidence to support the relationships which are proposed as part of the ISO Technical Specification. Irrespective of the level of broadband random vibration excitation considered, the agreement with these relationships was found to be best when setting the reference coupling force at 50, 75, 100 and 125 N and whenever the coupling forces applied on the handle were maintained below 150 N.
Collapse
|
6
|
An Experimental Study on the Vibration Transmission Characteristics of Wrist Exposure to Hand Transmitted Vibration. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12042232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This research intends to further improve the understanding of vibration damage mechanisms in the wrist area and to establish a more effective biodynamic model of the hand-arm system. Scholars have conducted some research work around the influencing factors of vibration response and commonly used vibration transmissibility to characterize the local vibration transmission characteristics of the hand-arm system. In this paper, a hand-transmitted vibration test platform was built according to ISO 10819, and a random combination of four ergonomic factors, namely wrist posture, arm posture, grip force, and thrust force, was used to test the vibration response of six subjects’ wrists; the total vibration transmissibility of the wrist was calculated according to the transmissibility formula. The effect of the four factors on the total vibration transmissibility of the wrist part was comprehensively analyzed, in which the wrist posture was proposed for the first time. The results show that (1) vibration transmissibility of the wrist is not only related to the arm posture, thrust force, and grip force but also related to the wrist posture; (2) the total vibration transmissibility and resonance frequency on the wrist has small correlation with large grip force and thrust force, and the vibration transmissibility of grip force 30 N and 60 N are basically equal in the low-frequency band (from 5–10 Hz to 5–20 Hz); (3) the wrist postures have a significant effect on the total vibration transmissibility at the wrist.
Collapse
|
7
|
Ciullo AS, Catalano MG, Bicchi A, Ajoudani A. A Supernumerary Soft Robotic Limb for Reducing Hand-Arm Vibration Syndromes Risks. Front Robot AI 2021; 8:650613. [PMID: 34490355 PMCID: PMC8418115 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2021.650613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common causes of the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) have been identified as joint overloading, bad postures, and vibrations. In the last two decades, various solutions ranging from human-robot collaborative systems to robotic exoskeletons have been proposed to mitigate them. More recently, a new approach has been proposed with a high potential in this direction: the supernumerary robotic limbs SRLs are additional robotic body parts (e.g., fingers, legs, and arms) that can be worn by the workers, augmenting their natural ability and reducing the risks of injuries. These systems are generally proposed in the literature for their potentiality of augmenting the user's ability, but here we would like to explore this kind of technology as a new generation of (personal) protective equipment. A supernumerary robotic upper limb, for example, allows for indirectly interacting with hazardous objects like chemical products or vibrating tools. In particular, in this work, we present a supernumerary robotic limbs system to reduce the vibration transmitted along the arms and minimize the load on the upper limb joints. For this purpose, an off-the-shelf wearable gravity compensation system is integrated with a soft robotic hand and a custom damping wrist, designed starting from theoretical considerations on a mass-spring-damper model. The real efficacy of the system was experimentally tested within a simulated industrial work environment, where seven subjects performed a drilling task on two different materials. Experimental analysis was conducted according to the ISO-5349. Results showed a reduction from 40 to 60% of vibration transmission with respect to the traditional hand drilling using the presented SRL system without compromising the time performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea S Ciullo
- Soft Robotics for Human Cooperation and Rehabilitation, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Manuel G Catalano
- Soft Robotics for Human Cooperation and Rehabilitation, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonio Bicchi
- Soft Robotics for Human Cooperation and Rehabilitation, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy.,Bioengineering and Robotics Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Arash Ajoudani
- Human-Robot Interfaces and Physical Interaction, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lin DJ, Kimball JP, Zia J, Ganti VG, Inan OT. Reducing the Impact of External Vibrations on Fiducial Point Detection in Seismocardiogram Signals. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2021; 69:176-185. [PMID: 34161234 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2021.3090376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Wearable systems that enable continuous non-invasive monitoring of hemodynamic parameters can aid in cardiac health evaluation in non-hospital settings. The seismocardiogram (SCG) is a non-invasively acquired cardiovascular biosignal for which timings of fiducial points, like aortic valve opening (AO) and aortic valve closing (AC), can enable estimation of key hemodynamic parameters. However, SCG is susceptible to motion artifacts, making accurate estimation of these points difficult when corrupted by high-g or in-band vibration artifacts. In this paper, a novel denoising pipeline is proposed that removes vehicle-vibration artifacts from corrupted SCG beats for accurate fiducial point detection. METHODS The noisy SCG signal is decomposed with ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD). Corrupted segments of the decomposed signal are then identified and removed using the quasi-periodicity of the SCG. Signal quality assessment of the reconstructed SCG beats then removes unreliable beats before feature extraction. The overall approach is validated on simulated vehicle-corrupted SCG generated by adding real subway collected vibration signals onto clean SCG. RESULTS SNR increased by 8.1dB in the AO complex and 11.5dB in the AC complex of the SCG signal. Hemodynamic timing estimation errors reduced by 16.5\% for pre-ejection period (PEP), 67.2\% for left ventricular ejection time (LVET), and 57.7\% for PEP/LVET---a feature previously determined in prior work to be of great importance for assessing blood volume status during hemorrhage. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that usable SCG signals can be recovered from vehicle-corrupted SCG signals using the presented denoising framework, allowing for accurate hemodynamic timing estimation. SIGNIFICANCE Reliable hemodynamic estimates from vehicle-corrupted SCG signals will enable the adoption of the SCG in outside-of-hospital settings.
Collapse
|
9
|
Dong RG, Wu JZ, Xu XS, Welcome DE, Krajnak K. A Review of Hand-Arm Vibration Studies Conducted by US NIOSH since 2000. VIBRATION 2021; 4:482-528. [PMID: 34414357 PMCID: PMC8371562 DOI: 10.3390/vibration4020030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Studies on hand-transmitted vibration exposure, biodynamic responses, and biological effects were conducted by researchers at the Health Effects Laboratory Division (HELD) of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) during the last 20 years. These studies are systematically reviewed in this report, along with the identification of areas where additional research is needed. The majority of the studies cover the following aspects: (i) the methods and techniques for measuring hand-transmitted vibration exposure; (ii) vibration biodynamics of the hand-arm system and the quantification of vibration exposure; (iii) biological effects of hand-transmitted vibration exposure; (iv) measurements of vibration-induced health effects; (iv) quantification of influencing biomechanical effects; and (v) intervention methods and technologies for controlling hand-transmitted vibration exposure. The major findings of the studies are summarized and discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ren G. Dong
- Physical Effects Research Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division (HELD), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - John Z. Wu
- Physical Effects Research Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division (HELD), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Xueyan S. Xu
- Physical Effects Research Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division (HELD), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Daniel E. Welcome
- Physical Effects Research Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division (HELD), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Kristine Krajnak
- Physical Effects Research Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division (HELD), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Viellehner J, Potthast W. The Effect of Cycling-specific Vibration on Neuromuscular Performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2021; 53:936-944. [PMID: 33196607 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to provide an understanding of how surface-induced vibrations in cycling interfere with short-term neuromuscular performance. METHODS The study was conducted as a cross-sectional single cohort trial. Thirty trained cyclists participated (mass = 75.9 ± 8.9 kg, body height = 1.82 ± 0.05 m, V˙O2max = 63 ± 6.8 mL·kg-1⋅min-1). The experimental intervention included a systematic variation of the two independent variables: vibration (Vib: front dropout, 44 Hz, 4.1 mm; rear dropout, 38Hz, 3.5 mm; NoVib) and cranking power (LOW, 137 ± 14 W; MED, 221 ± 18 W; HIGH, 331 ± 65 W) from individual low to submaximal intensity. Dependent variables were transmitted accelerations to the body, muscular activation (gastrocnemius medialis, gastrocnemius lateralis, soleus, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, triceps brachii, flexor carpi ulnaris, and lumbar erector spinae), heart rate, and oxygen consumption. RESULTS The main findings show that the root-mean-square of local accelerations increased with vibration at the lower extremities, the torso, and the arms-shoulder system. The activation of gastrocnemius medialis, gastrocnemius lateralis, soleus, triceps brachii, and flexor carpi ulnaris increased significantly with vibration. The activation of vastus lateralis increased significantly with vibration only at HIGH cranking power. Oxygen consumption (+2.7%) and heart rate (+5%-7%) increased significantly in the presence of vibration. CONCLUSIONS Vibration is a full-body phenomenon. However, the impact of vibration on propulsion is limited as the main propulsive muscles at the thigh are not majorly affected. The demands on the cardiopulmonary and respiratory system increased slightly in the presence of vibration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josef Viellehner
- Institute of Biomechanics and Orthopaedics, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, GERMANY
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Goggins KA, Oddson BE, Lievers WB, Eger TR. Anatomical locations for capturing magnitude differences in foot-transmitted vibration exposure, determined using multiple correspondence analysis. THEORETICAL ISSUES IN ERGONOMICS SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/1463922x.2020.1731623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katie A. Goggins
- Bharti School of Engineering, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada
- Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada
| | - Bruce E. Oddson
- Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada
- Laurentian Research Institute in Aging, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada
| | - W. Brent Lievers
- Bharti School of Engineering, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada
- Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada
| | - Tammy R. Eger
- Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada
- School of Human Kinetics, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was to investigate the acute effects of hand-arm vibrations on the nerve functions of the hands, and the impact of the grip force applied to the vibrating tool during exposure. METHODS Grip strength and perception of vibration, touch, and temperature were evaluated using quantitative sensory testing (QST) before and after vibration exposure in 21 occupationally unexposed individuals. The procedure was performed twice, with a higher grip force being applied during exposure on the second occasion. RESULTS Vibration perception was significantly impaired after both exposures. Grip strength, perception of touch, and temperature were only significantly affected after the high grip force exposure. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to hand-arm vibrations has acute effects on hand nerve function that are sensitive to the grip force applied during exposure.
Collapse
|
13
|
Goggins KA, Tarabini M, Lievers WB, Eger TR. Standing centre of pressure alters the vibration transmissibility response of the foot. ERGONOMICS 2019; 62:1202-1213. [PMID: 31177967 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2019.1626490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Vibration-white foot as an occupational disease has underscored the need to better understand the vibration response of the foot. While vibration transmissibility data exist for a natural standing position, it is anticipated that weight distribution will affect the response. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of changes in centre of pressure (COP) on the foot's biomechanical response. Twenty-one participants were exposed to vertical vibration of 30 mm/s, with a sine sweep from 10-200 Hz. Z-axis (vertical) vibration was measured at 24 locations on the right foot, with the COP shifted forward or toward the heel. A mixed model analysis at each location revealed significant differences (p < .001) in the transmissibility response when the COP was altered to the forefoot and rearfoot. In general, the peak frequency of the average vibration response increased for a region of the foot when the COP was shifted toward that region. Practitioner Summary: Altering the centre of pressure location resulted in changes in the transmission of vibration through the foot. The forward lean position was associated with the greatest amplitude of vibration transmissibility at the toes. This information is relevant for clinicians studying vibration-induced white-foot and engineers designing protective equipment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katie A Goggins
- a Bharti School of Engineering, Laurentian University , Sudbury , Canada
- b Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health, Laurentian University , Sudbury , Canada
| | - Marco Tarabini
- c Department of Mechanics, Politecnico di Milano , Lecco , Italy
| | - W Brent Lievers
- a Bharti School of Engineering, Laurentian University , Sudbury , Canada
- b Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health, Laurentian University , Sudbury , Canada
| | - Tammy R Eger
- b Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health, Laurentian University , Sudbury , Canada
- d School of Human Kinetics, Laurentian University , Sudbury , Canada
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Pan D, Xu XS, Welcome DE, McDowell TW, Warren C, Wu J, Dong RG. The relationships between hand coupling force and vibration biodynamic responses of the hand-arm system. ERGONOMICS 2018; 61:818-830. [PMID: 29086628 PMCID: PMC6530558 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2017.1398843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study conducted two series of experiments to investigate the relationships between hand coupling force and biodynamic responses of the hand-arm system. In the first experiment, the vibration transmissibility on the system was measured as a continuous function of grip force while the hand was subjected to discrete sinusoidal excitations. In the second experiment, the biodynamic responses of the system subjected to a broadband random vibration were measured under five levels of grip forces and a combination of grip and push forces. This study found that the transmissibility at each given frequency increased with the increase in the grip force before reaching a maximum level. The transmissibility then tended to plateau or decrease when the grip force was further increased. This threshold force increased with an increase in the vibration frequency. These relationships remained the same for both types of vibrations. The implications of the experimental results are discussed. Practitioner Summary: Shocks and vibrations transmitted to the hand-arm system may cause injuries and disorders of the system. How to take hand coupling force into account in the risk assessment of vibration exposure remains an important issue for further studies. This study is designed and conducted to help resolve this issue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pan
- a Engineering and Control Technology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Xueyan S Xu
- a Engineering and Control Technology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Daniel E Welcome
- a Engineering and Control Technology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Thomas W McDowell
- a Engineering and Control Technology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Christopher Warren
- a Engineering and Control Technology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - John Wu
- a Engineering and Control Technology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Ren G Dong
- a Engineering and Control Technology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health , Morgantown , WV , USA
| |
Collapse
|