Human Response Effects to Whole Body Vibration in Aviation: A Brief Review

Abstract

This document serves as a brief summary of the current state of knowledge regarding the biomechanical and physiological effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure. While extensive research has shown the link between long-term WBV exposure and spinal disorders, little is known about the dose-response relationship from specific frequencies. Historically it has been recommended to avoid or minimize exposure to frequencies that overlap with resonance of the human body or its components, but many rotary-wing aircraft operate in these same ranges. More research is needed to understand the effects of these vibrations on acute and chronic injury risk and to build the dose-response relationship. This document provides an overview of effects deemed by the authors to be most relevant to aviator WBV exposure and the direction of current and proposed research from the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 21, 2020
Accession Number
AD1098433

Entities

People

  • Adrienne M. Madison
  • Matthew T. Ballard
  • Valeta C. Chancey

Organizations

  • United States Army Aeromedical Research Lab

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Frequency
  • Helicopters
  • Human Factors Engineering
  • Measurement
  • Medical Personnel
  • Motion Sickness
  • Muscles
  • Musculoskeletal System
  • Pain
  • Resonant Frequency
  • Rotary Wing Aircraft
  • Skeletal Muscle
  • Spine
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Vibration

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Toxicology/Environmental Toxicology