Modeling human response to foot-transmitted vibration

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Vibration can enter the body through any point that is in contact with a vibrating surface and is typically classified as whole-body vibration (WBV), hand-arm vibration (HAV), or foot-transmitted vibration (FTV). Previous research examining WBV and HAV has modeled a complex interaction between structural, vascular, and neurological response to vibration. However, a model explaining the complex bio-dynamic, pyscho-physics and physiological human response to FTV has not been developed. Therefore, the long-term objective of this research program is to develop a model that describes the quantitative relationship between variables of FTV and human response to FTV from a bio-dynamic, pyscho-physics, and physiological perspective. Research outcomes will support efforts of engineers working to develop “anti-vibration” tools/equipment and material scientists working to identify materials for personal protective equipment that are capable of attenuating occupational vibration parameters link to injury, and discomfort. An understanding of human response to FTV is also needed to propose a weighting curve appropriate for the measurement, and evaluation of occupational FTV. To this end, short-term objectives will focus on investigating the relationship between FTV exposure characteristics (frequency; magnitude; direction), posture characteristics (lower limb postures; standing center of pressure; arch-index; mass), and selected bio-dynamic (transmissibility), psycho-physics (comfort), and physiological response variables (heart rate; blood flow). Controlled laboratory experiments will be conducted and participants will be exposed to FTV while standing on a six degree of freedom robotic platform that is capable of simulating vibration exposures. Research outcomes will be used to build a model that explains the bio-dynamic, psycho-physics and physiological response of male and female participants to FTV.