Med. Eng. Phys. Vol. 18, No. 5, pp.

Copyright
0 1996 Elsevier Science
Printed
in Great Britain.
All
1350-4533/96

13504533(95)00060-7

350-358,
1996
Ltd for IPEMB
rights reserved
$15.00 + 0.00

ELSEVIER

Model prediction
of vibration effects on human
subject seated on various cushions
W. Qassem
Hijjawi
Received

Faculty for Applied

14 January

1995, accepted

Engineering,
21 July

Yarmouk

University,

Irbid,

Jordan

1995

ABSTRACT
Vertical and horizontal
vibrations
of a 100 kg seated human
body on cushions
of various
mechanical
parameters
have been investigated.
The vibration
inputs were from (a) steering, (b) cushion and (c) a combination
of the two.
A @viously
developed
model has been used in this study. Resonance frequencies
and gains of body segments have
been found.
The results obtained have been tabulated
and presented in graphical
manneT. It is found that each body
segment response depends on the source (steering,
cushion or a combination
of the two) and the kind (vertical or
horizontal)
of vibrations
as well as the mechanical
parameters
(mass, stiffness and damping) of the cushion.
Copyright 0 1996 Else&r
Science Ltd for IPEMB.

Keywords:

Body segments, cushion,

model,

steering, vibration

Med. Eng. Phys., 1996, Vol. 18, 350-358, July

INTRODUCTION
The objective measurement
of vehicle vibration
entails knowledge of the relative distress produced
along various directions of motion. Measurements
of vehicle vibration
have shown that vibration
spectra are complex with one or two components
in the range 0.5 to 5 Hz. Griffin* reported
that
seats possess low frequency
resonance
values
which increase the vibration
effects at some frequencies below 10 Hz. The proper judgment
of
the vehicle
ride and seat dynamics
is not
accomplished
by considering
simply the highest
spectral component
on the natural frequency of
the seat. It is necessary to attribute
appropriate
weight to each component
of motion according
to its effects on the passenger. The IS0 guidelines3 characterize
a general method for measuring the severity of 1 to 80 Hz vibrational
effects
on human performance,
comfort and health.
Many researchers@j have reported the relationships between exposure to vehicle vibrations and a
variety of musculoskeletal
disorders. Donati et ~1.
reported that subjects are generally more responsive to narrow-band
random excitations
than to
sinusoidal excitations. The variations of sensitivity
are important
at frequencies
below 6 Hz for the
three translation
axes. Pope et al5 compared
the
reaction of the human sitting on materials (foams
and viscoelastic)
of various thickness and found
that softer materials decrease the first natural frequency value while increasing
the amplitude.
Softer materials also increase the gain at the first
natural frequency. Thus they are unlikely
to be
helpful in a vehicle environment.

Numerous
studies have been devoted to investigate the effects of whole-body vibrations
(WBV)
on the spine. However, conclusive evidence is not
available,
Guignard
and von Gierkeg reported
that low frequency
vibrations
(1-2 Hz) induce
sleep, while higher frequencies,
mainly random
ones, induce arousal. Many investigators
have
reported
an increased
incidence
of low-back
pain (LBP)
in air crewslO-I2 and drivers of
tractors13-16, trucks*
and buses-.
The critical
vibration frequencies coincide with the most sensitive frequencies
of the human body and exceed
the IS0 guidelines 3. Vibration
has been implicated in chronic health conditions
such as digestive and circulatory
disorders as well as in back
injuries *O-**. Prolonged
sitting in itself can damage the spine 14,23,24.Fatigue failure of spinal structures has been the hypothesized
pathomechanism25. Disturbances
of the nutrition
of the inter
vertebral disc might be another pathophysiological effect of WBv6. Electromyographic
muscular
response has been found to be synchronous with
the frequency of the elicited vibrations*-,
and
vibratory evoked muscular activity can also accelerate muscle fatigue.
Previous
experimental
measurements
have
shown acceptable
reproducibility
within
sub
jects 3o. The differences between various subjects
that existed were reported to be owing to anthropometric differences in muscle guarding owing to
discomfort
and differences of static posture stabilit$. Krause and Lange and Coermann3*
relied
on fitting transducing
elements over the spinous
process, but this approach suffers problems such

Q
Head

10

lee

Frequency (Hz)

Figure

Mechanical

model

of the human

hod\
Figure 2 Frequency
d cushion of variable
and (b) hor-iiontdl
cushion

as spinal flexing and tissue movement

over the
process. Christ and Dupuis, Panjabi et ~1.~~ and
Hagena et aL3~ made use of pins driven into the
spinous processes. If an accelerometer
was fitted
to a pin inserted in a spinous process to estimate
the acceleration
at the centroid,
there could be
two sources of error: (a) one which arises from
the changes in the angle relative to the earths
gravitational
field and which is small (1 to 2%)
for the angles observed, and (b) the other which
arises from the angular acceleration
and can be
significant.
Thus,
if possible,
measurements
should be carried out at the point of interest and
not at some remote location. The measurements
must ideally be carried out with rigid fixation to
the skeleton.
The human body has been modelled
as linear
spring-mass-dampers
by Mishoe and Suggs. Several investi ators38-40 have developed the Mishoe
and Suggs F model and reported results which are
in agreement
with the experimental
findings
obtained
from real subjects. The applicability
of
these models is simple and suitable for the human
body exposed to vertical vibrations.
Other investithat most of these models
gators41-44 reported
have serious shortcomings.
Therefore,
the author
and his collaborators
developed
the Muksian
and Nash4. model by considering
more body
segments
subjected
to vertical and horizontal
vibrations.
The mechanical
parameters
effects of
cushions on vibrational
response have not been
considered previously. The objective of this study
is to investigate the vibrational
effects on subjects
by carrying a model prediction
of seated humans
on various cushions.

18

me

lb!

Frequency (Hz)
responw
of torso for 100 kg seated human, on
mass (0 15, A 10, X 5), subjected to (a) vertical
vibrations
coming
from
both steering
and

10

la8

IK

1llE

1Y

Frequency (Hz)

-1eef-3

10

Frequency (Hz)
Figure 3
a cushion
and (b)
cushion

Frequency
of variable
horizontal

response of torso for 100 kg seated human, on

p (o 1.4, A 1.0, X 0.6), subjected to (a) vertical
vibrations
coming
from
both steering
and

351

V&ration
Table

effects on human
1

Resonance

subject:

frequency

Body
segment

Source

Lower
arm

Steering
Cushion
Both
Steering
Cushion
Both
Steering
Cushion
Both
Steering
Cushion
Both
Steering
Cushion
Both
Steering
Cushion
Both
Steering
Cushion
Both
Steering
Cushion
Both

We*
arm

Torso

Thorax

Head

Cervical
spine
Thoracic
spine
Lumbar
spine

Table

Resonance

Body
segment
Lower

frequencies
Source

arm

Upper
arm

Torso

Thorax

Head

Cervical
spine
Thoracic
spine
Lumbar
spine

MODELLING

Steering
Cushion
Both
Steering
Cushion
Both
Steering
Cushion
Both
Steering
Cushion
Both
Steering
Cushion
Both
Steering
Cushion
Both
Steering
Cushion
Both
Steering
Cushion
Both

OF THE

W Qassem

of a 100 kg human
Vertical
5Kg

subject

of a 100 kg human

masses

*5f%

Horizontal
5Kg

2.655
1.535
0.815
3.295
1.535
0.815
1.375
1.535
0.815
1.375
1.535
0.815
1.615
2.815
2.895
1.615
2.815
2.895
1.615
2.815
2.895
1.775
2.975
2.875

2.655
1.375
0.775
3.295
1.375
0.775
1.215
1.375
0.775
1.375
1.375
0.775
1.535
2.415
2.615
1.535
2.415
2.615
1.535
2.415
2.615
1.535
2.415
2.515

1.375
1.695
0.935
1.375
1.695
0.935
1.695
1.695
0.895
2.035
1.955
0.955
1.695
1.695
0.895
1.695
1.695
0.895
1.695
1.695
0.895
1.695
1.375
0.895

sitting

on cushions

vibrations

of various

stiffnes

/L=l.O

/.L=l.4

Horizontal
/.~=0.6

2.655
1.535
0.895
2.655
1.535
0.895
1.375
1.535
0.855
1.535
1.535
0.815
1.855
3.855
3.895
1.855
3.855
3.895
2.255
3.855
3.895
2.015
3.535
3.835

3.935
1.855
1.055
4.575
1.855
1.055
1.695
1.855
1.055
1.855
1.855
1.015
2.015
4.815
4.695
2.015
4.815
4.695
2.015
4.815
4.695
1.815
4.495
4.855

1.375
1.055
0.735
1.375
1.055
0.655
1.375
1.375
0.655
1.475
1.475
0.795
1.055
1.375
0.575
1.055
1.375
0.655
1.375
1.375
0.655
1.055
1.375
0.575

BODY

Modelling
of a human body involves the following
steps: (i) segmentation
of the body; (ii) evaluation
of mass and stiffness
values of the relevant
segment;
(iii) lumping
the segments
at discrete
points and connecting
the masses by springs and
dampers;
and (iv) measuring
the stiffness
and
damping
coefficients
of the relevant
segments.
Published
experimental
results6,30,46
showed
good agreement
with the model. Even though
Patil et ~1.~ and Muksian
and Nash46 developed

352

of various

log

subject

1.375
1.375
0.655
1.375
1.375
0.655
0.375
1.375
0.655
1.055
1.375
0.575
2.615
2.815
2.975
2.615
2.815
2.975
2.895
2.815
2.975
2.175
2.795
2.995

HUMAN

on cushions

vibrations

2.655
1.535
0.895
2.655
1.535
0.895
1.375
1.535
0.855
1.535
1.535
0.815
1.855
3.855
3.895
1.855
3.855
3.895
1.855
3.855
3.895
2.015
3.535
3.835

Vertical
~=0.6

sitting

vibrations
10%

5fQ

1.375
1.535
0.855
1.375
1.535
0.855
1.375
1.535
0.855
1.875
1.795
0.915
1.535
1.375
0.855
1.535
1.535
0.855
1.535
1.535
0.855
1.535
1.375
0.855

and damping
vibrations
/.L=l.O
1.875
1.695
0.935
1.875
1.695
0.935
1.695
1.695
0.895
2.035
1.955
0.955
1.695
1.695
0.895
1.695
1.695
0.895
1.695
1.695
0.895
1.695
1.375
0.895

1.375
1.535
0.815
1.375
1.535
0.815
1.375
1.375
0.815
1.715
0.715
0.855
1.535
1.375
0.815
1.375
1.375
0.815
1.375
1.375
0.815
1.535
1.375
0.815

coefficients

p=l.4
2.935
2.015
1.095
2.575
2.015
1.095
2.015
2.015
1.095
2.115
2.115
1.115
2.015
2.015
1.095
2.015
2.015
1.095
2.015
2.015
1.095
2.015
2.015
1.095

models to study the effects of vertical vibrations

on
human body, they have also reported
that models
could be used to investigate
the human body reaction to low frequency
vibrations.
Figure I shows
a mechanical
model
of the
human body exposed to force coming from a steering device and cushion
separately
or together.
This model consists of a series of segments,
possibly of arbitrary
shape, interconnected
to one
another.
The seated body is divided into 11 segmerits (lower arm, upper arm, head, torso, thoracic spine, thorax, cervical spine, lumbar spine,

Table

Gains of segments

of a 100 kg human

I.oww

arm

Cpper

arm

Torso

Thorax

Head

Cervical

Thoraric

I.umbar

spine

spine

spine

sitting

on a cushion

(m=5

kg, k=2.550

kg f m , c=37.8

Source

Vertical vibrations
Gain (dB)

Resonance
frequencv
(117)

Horizontal
Gain (dB)

Steering
Cushion
Both
Steering
Cushion
Both
Steering
Cushion
Both
Steering
Cushion
Both
Steering
Cushion
both
Steering
(Lshion
Both
Steering
Cushion
Both
Steering
Cushion
Both

0.417
- 18.045
10.681
0.275
- 12.086
lO..i
-1.818
-0.710
K-198
-2.571
1.808
7.352
-42.040
-32.599
-32.87
-12.040
-32.59!)
-32.8Z
-43.940
-34.391
-34.657
-35.719
-26.724
-26.719

2.6.55
I.535
0.895
2.655
1..i5.5
iJ.895
1.375
I ..?i:5
0.x35
1535
I .c,s.i
O.Hl.5
I .x.5.5
3.x.5.5
3.895
1.8.X
:z.x5.5
:<.tNZi
2.3.;
3.X5.5
XXYi
2.01 .i
2..5:1.5
3.x35

0.286
-19.139
10.858
0.239
-13.213
10.682
- 1.674
- l.YW
8.401
-24.033
-22.1x3
-21.936
-2.799
-0.483
7.216
- 2.202
- 1 .L.?t;
I 7.812
- 2.094
- I.385
t 7.925
-3.13;
-0.390
6.925

BOd)

segment

subject

diaphragm,
abdomen
and pelvis). In this system,
we adapted
the Muksian
and Nash
model to
include
the elastic stiffness
and damping
coefficients
of more
body segments,
because
the
spine, thoracic
upper
arm, lower arm, cervical
spine, and lumbar
spine were not clear. The
components
of the mechanical
model
corresponding
to the human body segments have been
taken
from
Mizrahi
and Suzak,
Nigam
and
Malik
and Patil et al . .
Equivalent
ground-chair
representations
have
been reported
previously.
Both mechanical
and
electrical models are analogous
to each other and
the performance
of either system can be studied
via the other. Therefore,
an electrical
model has
been constructed
since it is easier to analyse the
electrical
system than the mechanical
one.
A computer
software
program
(MACRO
CAP
II) has been used for theoretical
simulation
of sitting human
exposed
to vibrations.
It has the
ability to arrange
the mechanical
human model
with arbitrary
segments.
Once the geometrical
data are supplied,
a frequency
response
of the
body segments is determined.
To illustrate
the use
of the modeling
techniques
and to examine
the
effects
of various
parameters
on the system
response,
the model itself was subjected to a series
of forcing functions.

RESULTS
Body plots showing
the gain of the torso of a
100 kg sitting human body model exposed to vertical and horizontal
vibrations
coming from both
steering and cushion are shown (F&XWS 2 and 3).
Similar trends can be found for the other sources
of vibrations.
Table I shows the first resonance
frequencies of the body segments.
The variations
of

kg f m ~ s ) exposed

vibrations

to vibrations

Resonance
freqnenc~
(HII
I.875
1.6%
0.935
1.875
1.695
0.935
1.695
I.695
0.805
L.O35
1 .%5
0.9~55
I .69:i
I .tio,5
O.H!li
1 .ticJi
I .w>
0.X%?
1 .liCl.?l
I .(iJ.?
O.X(I:,
1 .ti:ij
1 .:Gl
0.8%

the first resonance

frequencies
of the body segments differ due to the increase of the mass of
the cushion
from one segment to another. Even
though
there are no previously
published
data
about the resonance
frequencies
of all bod7 seg;
merits, the data obtained
by Panjabi et al: are
close to our relevant findings.
The stiffness
and
damping
coefficients
of the cushion
have been
determined
by multiplying
the p values
by
(k=2550 kgfm-,
c=37.8 kgfm-
s-) which have
been reported
by Patil et al.. In Table 2 the first
resonance
frequencies
of all body
segments
increase with their mechanical
parameters.
This
finding
agrees well with the previous
results of
Pope et ~1.~. They reported
that softer material
cushions
move the first resonance
frequency
to
lower values.
Although
certain researchers
used the acceleration transmissibility
ratio (A,,,,/ Ai,,) in their studies, the gain which
represents
the logarithmic
force ratio, 20 log (F,/F,), and the resonance
frequencies have been determined
in this paper. An
electrical
simulation
has been used in order to
carry out a voltage measurement
for the purpose
of analogy to the force transmitted
through
the
body segments.
A software
program
(MACRO
CAP II) which has the capability
of plotting
the
frequency
response has been used. The resonance
frequency
is that frequency
at which the subject
vibrates
freely.
Large
oscillation
of a subject
occurs when the frequency
of excitation
coincides
with its resonance
involuntary,
which
produce
muscle
fatigue
specially
when
the subject
is
exposed
to vibrations
at its resonance
frequency27-*

Table 3 shows the gains of the transfer function

of the human body segments
owing to vibrations.
The body segment has either positive or negative

353

get that more than one rotational

sub-system
should be employed.
Cc) There is most probably a need for at least one
horizontal
sub-system (that allows the subject to
slide on the seat). Results such as those of Fieres
I6 and I7 seem hard to explain otherwise.
Concerning
the model
parameters
used to
produce
matches between
model predictions
and
experimental
results, it is hard to make any general statement.
The values inferred
of the vertical
spring are in close agreement
with data observed
by other means (Jex and Magdaleno).
Values for
the moment
of inertia are in several cases definitely
unrealistic,
indicating
that the present
model is not sophisticated
enough. In other cases
(rotational
spring and damper)
there is simply no
reference
available. As the number of parameters
of the present model is rather large, it is desirable
to have some a priori information
of their values.
This indicates
the need of research
to estimate
body mechanical
parameters.
It is interesting
to note, finally, that a model
such as the one presented
allows the estimation
of variables
that are internal
to the body.
Examples
of such parameters
are transfer
functions from seat input accelerations
to spine compressive forces.

Tot11 R. Multiple
degree-of-freedom
nonlinear
spinal
model. Proc. 19th Ann. Co@ on lkg. in Med. and Biol. San
Francisco, CA, 1967; 8: 102.
model of spinal
1.5. Orne D and Liu YK. A mathematical
impacL. J. Biomchanics
1971; 4: 49-71.
16. Vulcan AP. King AI and Nakamura (;S. Effects of bending on the vertebral column during +(: acceleration.

14.

Afrosparr

MQ~.

1. Frymoyer JW, Pope MH. Costanza MC, Rosen JC, Noggin

JE and Wilder DC. Epidemiologic
studies of low back
pain. S$inr 1980; 5: 419-423.
2 Gearhardt.JR. Response of the skeletal system to helicoptcr-unique
vibration.
Avid. .spacQ Em. MQd. 1978; 49:
253-256.
3. Gruber C;J and Zipermann
HH. RPluliorashifi bdwee?f wholP
hod?

vibration

and

morbidit?

pattPns

among

motor

roach

opt?-

US DHEW (NIOSH) contract No. HSM-00-72-047.

CDC Publication,
Cincinnati, OH 1974; 75-104.
Heidc R and Seidel H. Folgen langzeitiger
beruflicher
(;anrkoi-penibrationsexposition.
% ,9r. Hyg. 1978; 24:
153-159.
Kelsry JL and Hardy 51. Driving of motor vehicles as a
risk factor for acute herniated lumbar intervertebral
disc.
.4m. ,I. lcpid. 1975; 102: 63-73.
Heliovaara M. Occupation
and risk of herniated lumbar
intervertebral
disc and sciatica leading to hospitalization.
/. Ch r-onic 1)i.sea.w
198 7.
Pope MH. Wilder DC; and Frymoyer JW. Vibration as an
aetiologic factor in low back pain. proc. Conj. I:r~,@nwrin~
As@/s of rkr Spiny ,Wrting.
Brit. Orth. Assoc. Inst. Mech.
Eng., UK 1950.
Wilder IX, Woodworth
BB, Frymoyer.JW and Pope MH.
\ihrdtion and the human spine. spirw 1982; 7: 243-254.
ntors.

4.
3.
6.
7.

8.
!j.
10.
II.
12
13.

IS0 (Guide
7~ib7-ukon.

for

the evaluation

of human

exposure

to whole

bodr

International
Organization
for Standardization.
1978: Ref. No. ISO 2631 (E).
Latham F. A study in body ballistics: seat ejection. Prw.
K. Sot. Ser. B 1957: 147; 121.
Hess JI. and Lombard CF. Theoretical
investigations of
dynamic response of man to high vertical acceleration.
J. ,Irkxl.
Med. 1958; 29: 66-75.
Payne PR. The dynamics of human restraint systems in
impact acceleration
stress. N&l. Acad.
of Sri.
Nat/.
Res.
(;ow&. Washington D.C., 1961; Pub. No. 977: 195-258.
Liu YK and Murray JD. A theoretical study of the effect
of impulses on the human torso. froc. ASME
Svmp.
on
binmrrhnnirs.
Fung YC, cd. New York, 1966: 167-i 86.

296300.

@ir

inx&igalion

o/

lhree-dimensio?lc~

head-spinr

dynamics.

LJniversity of Illinois at Chicago, Report to Aerospace

Medical
Research L,abordtory.
Wright-Patterson
Air
Force Base, AMRI,, TR-7610, 1976.
20. Schultz AB. Belvtschko TB and Andriacchi
TP. Analog
studies of forces m the lumbar spine, mechanical properties and motion segment behavior. ,I. Niomwhnnic.s
1973;
6: 373-3X3.
21. Soechting JF and Paslay PR. A model for- the human
spine during impact including musculature influence. ,J.
Biomrchnnict

1973;

6:

195-203.

22. Prasad P and King AI. 411 experiment,+lly

validated
dynamic model of the spine. -1sizlli ,I. :zppi. Merh. 1974;
546-5.50.
23. Cramer
HJ, Liu kX and von Rosenborg DU. :2 distrihuted
parameter model of the inertially loaded human spine.
/. Biomerhnnics

REFERENCES

41:

17. Payne PR and Band ECU. A Four dqree olJi-eedom

lumped
pnrclmeter
model
of the ,SQ(I~Q~ human
body. AMRI. TR-76-10,
1971.
1x. Panjabi MM. Three dimensional
mathematical
model of
the human %pine ;tructure. /. Binmrchnnic.s
1973:
6:
671-680.
19. Belytschko T, Schwer L and Schultz AB. A modeljk
ana-

1976;

9:

115-130.

24. Belvtschko 1 and Privitzer E. Theor? and application

ot
a three-dimensional
model of the thorarolumbar
spine.
14zGat. Spare
Er171. Med.
1978; 49: 158-l 6.5.
25. Arvikar !XJ and Seireg A. Distribution
of spinal disc prrssIII-C\
in rhe seated postllre subjected to impact. ,4r~int.
spnfr /:/I?. ViQd. 1978; 49: 166-l;!,.
6. <&trg r)P and Ross bL4. \crtical
mode human body
Libration trdnsniissibi!i~. llq>x lrcln\ 1976; SMc6:
102-l 12.
7. Edward\ R(: and I.afferty JF. A model to predict the
mechanical
impedance
of the sitting primate dluing
sinusoidal vibration. .-ISMti 1978: 73-DET-78.
2x. Jex HR and Magdaleno
RE. Biornrchanical
models for
vibration feedthrough
to hands and head for a semisupine pilot. ,4vint. Spaw Kn71. ;\lrd. 1978: 304-316.
-. ReherJG and Goldsmith W. Analysis of large head-neck
9
motions. J. Biomechark
1979;
12: 21 l-222.
30. ;\lcrrill T, Goldsmith It and lkng
Y( 1. .lhrce dimensional response
of a lumped
paramet~1. head-neck
model due to impact and impulsive loading. J. Biomvcharrif\ 1981: 17: x1-95.
3 1 Kaho JM anti Goldsmith W. Response of a human headneck
model to transient sagittal plant
loading.~J. Biomrrhnnic.,
1983;
16: 313-325.
32. Pope MH. Broman H .mcl Hanssot~
I. The dynamic
response of a subject seated 011 vario(ks cushions. fi:rgw
nom~cs 1989; 32: li55-1166.
33. Pope hlH, Broman H and Hansson I. Factors affecting
the dynamic response of the seated whjccl. ,/. Spincrl I1i.c.
order,
1990; 3: I.
34. Pope MH, Wilder DC. Jorncus I.. Broman H, Svenssoll
M and
:Indrrsson
GgJ. The rrsponsc
of the seated
h(iniall to sinusoidal vihrdtion
anti
impact.
,/. Biomech.
hg. lram. .4Sf\K 1987: 109: 79-2234.
35. Rosrggcr R and Rosegger S. Xrhcirsmeclizinische
Erkenntnisse hcim Schlepperfahrcn.
,4rrh.
I.crndtrrhn
1960:
2: 3-5.
36. Bclvschko T. Schwcr I>. Schult/ .. <\ mof/~l .for ana@ic
in~wWigo/ion
of three dimrrz.tionnl
head
.sf,inr dynamicx
Aerospace Medical Research Icdhoratorv
\lrp,l\FR Ohio AMRL
TR-3-I
0, 1976.

419

Figure 6 Variation
of AG of a 100 kg sitting human on a cushion
of various mass subjected to (a) vertical and (b) horizontal
vibrations
coming from both steering and cushion

than the corresponding

AG(s)
of the relevant
body segments
owing
to horizontal
vibrations.
Moreover,
AG(s) of H, CS, ThS and LS owing to
vertical vibrations
are less than the corresponding
AG(s) of the relevant body segments
because of
horizontal
vibrations
(F&W-P 4), (ii) for vertical
vibrations
coming from the cushion and both steering and cushions A G( s) of all body segments LA,
UA, T, Th, H, CS, ThS and LS are higher than
the corresponding
AG(s) of the relevant body segments owing
to horizontal
vibrations
(&WYJ~ 5
and 6).
Figures 7-9 show the variations
in AG(s) of the
body segments for various mechanical
parameters
of the cushion.
Such parameters
have been
determined
by multiplying
the p values with Patil
et czk values of k and c which are also used for
determining
the gains in Table 3.
For vibrations
coming from the steering
(F&W
7), as the stiffness and damping coefficients
of the
cushion increase, the lower arm and thorax AG(s)
have the highest increase for the case of vertical
and horizontal
vibrations,
respectively.
However,
for vibrations
coming from the cushion (Z%g~e 8))
the lumbar
spine and thorax
have the highest
AG(s)
for vertical
and horizontal
vibrations,

Figure 7 Vat-iation
of A.G ot a 100 kg sitting human
of various stiffness and damping
parameters
subjected
and (h) horizontal
vibrations
coming from steering

on a cushion
to (a) vertical

respectively.
In Figu~ 9, for vibrations
coming
from both steering and cushion, AG(s) of the lumbar spine and lower arm have the highest increase
for vertical and horizontal
vibrations,
respectively.
As the stiffness and damping coefficients
of the
cushion
increase,
(i) for the case of vertical
vibrations
coming from the steering, AG(s) of LA,
UA, H, CS, ThS and LS become higher than the
corresponding
AG(s) of the relevant
body segments owing to horizontal
vibrations.
Conversely,
AG of the thorax owing to vertical vibrations
is less
than its AG because
of horizontal
vibrations
(Fipre
7), (ii) for th e case of vertical vibrations
coming from the cushion as well as both steering
and cushion,
AG(s) of LA, UA, T and Th are
higher than the corresponding
AG(s) of the relevant
body
segments
owing
to horizontal
vibrations.
Moreover,
AG(s) of H, CS, ThS and LS
owing to vertical vibrations
are less than the corresponding
AG(s) of the relevant
body segments
because of horizontal
vibrations
(Fiffures 8 and 9).

355

Vibration

effects on human

subect:

W. &m-m

Figure 8 Variation
of various stiffness
and (b) horizontal

of AG of a 100 kg sitting human

and damping
parameters
subjected
vibrations
coming from cushion

on a cushion
to (a) vertical

DISCUSSION

The resonant frequency of a body segment can

vary owing to the variation
of vibration
sources
(steering, cushion, or both). This is because of the
effect of the interaction
of the bodys natural frequencies with other sources of vibrations.
When
the force (4) comes from the steering,
it is
directly transferred to the lower arm. But when E;:
comes from the cushion, it is transferred through
the pelvis, lumbar spine, thoracic spine, abdomen,
diaphragm,
torso and upper arm before it reaches
the lower arm. In each body segment, mechanical
energy is absorbed owing to its mechanical
parameters and its location with respect to Fti Therefore, a combination
of vibrations
coming
from
both steering and cushion should produce a significant change compared
with vibrations
from
only one source.
In this paper, we have found that the variation
of mechanical
parameters
of cushion materials
not only affects the value of the first natural frequency of a body segment, but also affects its gain.
It is also found that both the first natural frequency and the gain vary from one segment to

356

Figure 9
of various
and (b)
cushion

Variation
of AG of a 100 kg sitting human
stiffness and damping
parameters
subjected
horizontal
vibrations
coming
from
both

on a cushion
to (a) vertical
steering
and

another owing to the variation of the source and

the kind of vibrations.
There appear to be considerable
advantages in
using the modelling
approach
to test system
response to vibrations.
The method
provides
rapid testing and is straightforward
to change test
variables such as the body segments and cushion
characteristics.
A possible benefit of the experimental
approach is to verify the models of the
system. Therefore,
the model used in this study
has been verified
previously30 by carrying out
experimental
measurements.
Verified models can
be used for designing
the seating environments,
in order to minimize
the response of drivers to
expected road conditions.
Cushion helps to absorb the energy of impact
by spreading and deforming
the load over a wide
area. Work on vibrations
and their effect on the
human
body
have shown
that
continuous
ex osure to vibrations
can lead to human injuries g o-24,34,4. The isolation of a cushion is determined not by amplification
at resonance but by the
extent by which it attenuates the motion causing
discomfort
over the complete
spectrum
of fre-

quency present
in the vehicle. Even though
this
study was not designed to investigate vehicles performance,
a range of conditions
has been considered by studying
vibrations
effects on various
body segments. The results indicate that some segments are likely to have higher
gains than the
others. This shows that such segments
are more
likely to suffer pain and possible
injuries
might
occur. Similar conclusions
have been reported
in
a previous
study.
In the early days, when each new vehicle type
was small, structural
designers
lacked the basic
information
about
the human
response
to
vibrations.
With the development
of technology,
great changes in vehicle speed and suspension
system took place. Crucial decisions had to be made
in order
to minimize
the human
response
to
vehicle vibrations.
Therefore,
vehicle
designers
have to remember
the fundamental
features
of
the basic vehicle design, which
differ not only
among vehicles, but also within
the same vehicle
at different
times. In order to design a seat having
good
vibrational
characteristics,
the designer
needs to know the nature of vibrational
input in
which
the seat is subjected.
The designer
also
must be provided
with information
on the effect
of various vibrational
frequencies
and axes on the
human
body.
In general,
a proportion
of
vibrations
is transmitted
through
the human
body. This affects the comfort
of the subject and
could
also affect his performance
and cause
injury. The effects of the combined
vibrational
input (vertical and horizontal)
have not been considered in this study and are worth examination
in future investigations.
In view of the irregularity
and the variable effects of the mass and mechanical parameters
of cushions
as well as the kind of
vibrations
on the human body segments,
it is not
easy to decide whether
a cushion is good or bad.
Efforts of establishing
an optimal seating materials
are justified.
Even though this study has demonstrated some considerations,
many more investigations are needed.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The author wishes to acknowledge
the support
The Deanship
of Research
and Higher
Studies
Yarmouk
University,
Jordan.

7.

8.

9.
10.
Il.
12.

49: 253-256.
IS.

14.
.

15.

16.

17.

18.
19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

of
at

REFERENCES
1. Corhridge
C and Griffin
MJ. Vibration
and Comfort:
Vertical and Lateral
Motion
in the Range 0.5 to 5.0 Hz. I:r;yonornics 1986; 29: 249-272.
2. Griffin
MJ. The
Evaluation
of Vehicle
Vibration
and
Seats. Applied Ergonomics
1978; 9.1: 15-21.
3. ISO. Guide to the Evaluation
of Human
Exposu?? to WholeBody Vibrations.
International
Standard
2631,
Geneva,
International
Standard
Organization,
1978.
4. Ferraioli
A and Nightingale
JM. A Design
of a Vibrating
Platform
and Transmission
of Low Frequency
Vertical
Vibrations
of the Seated
Man.
Technica
Italiana
1979; 44:
213-219.
5. Dupuis
H and Zerlett
G. The Effects of Whol&odv
V&ration.
Springer
Verlag,
New York,
1986.
6. Pope
MH,
Broman
H and Hansson
T. The l+vzamic

Response of a Subjert Seated on Variou.c Cuthions.

1989; 32:
1155-1166.
Donati
P, Grosjean
A, Mistrop
P and Route
I,. 7he Objrctive Equivalence
of a Sinusoidal
an.d Random
Whol&ody
Vibration
in the Sitting
Position
(An l+amental
Study
usinng
the Floatinp
Reference Vibration Method).
1983: 26:
251-273.
Guignard
JC. libration.
In Gilles Jz%, ed. A Textbook
of
Auiation
Physiology.
Pergamon
Press. Oxford,
1965: 81%
894.
Van Gierke
HE. Biodynamic
Response
of the Human
Body. App. Mech. Kpu. 1964; 17: 961-968.
FitzgeraldJG
and Crotty J. The Incidence of8ackachr
among
Aircrew
and Groundrrvw
in the RAE FRRC/
133, 1972.
Schulte-Wintrop
HC and Knoche
H. Backache
in IWIll
Heliropter
Crpws. AGARDCP-255,
197X.
Gearhardt
JR. Response
of the Skeletal
System
to Helicopter-unique
Vibration.
Avid.
Lhpnc~J Environ.
Med. 197X;

24.
25.
26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

Oberg
KET.
A Model
of Lumbar
Spine
Load
due to
Twisted
Trunk
Postures
during
Tractor
Driving.
Rionech(oz(cs, XIVth
ISB Congress,
Paris. 1993, 13-18.
Troup
JDG.
Drivers
Back Pain and Its Prevention:
A
Review
of the Postural,
Vibratory
and Muscular
Factors,
together
with the Problem
of Transmitted
Road-Shock.
Apph.~d Ergonomics
1978; g(4): 207-2 14.
Damkot
DK, Pope MH,
Lord J and Frymoyer
JW. The
Relationship
between
Work
History,
Work
Environment
and Low-Back
Pain in Males.
Spine 1984; 9: 395-399.
Patil MK, Palanirhamy
MS and Ghista
DN. Man-Tractor
System
Dynamics:
Towards
a Better
Suspension
System
for Human
Ride Comfort.
J Hiomech. 197X; 11: 397-406.
Kelsey JL and Hardy
EJ. Driving
of Motor
Vehicles
as a
Risk Factor
for Acute
Herniated
Lumbar
Intervertebral
Disc. Am. J @id.
1975; 102: 63-73.
(:rolla
DA, Horton
DNL and Dale AK. Off-Road
Vehicle
\ibration.
J. Mech. Eng. 1984; C 131/84:
.55-64.
Fqmoyer
JW, Pope MH,
Rosen J<:, Goggin
J, Wilder
D
and Constanza
M. Epidemiological
Studitss
of 1.0~ Back
Pain. Spitw 1980: 5: 419-423.
Heliovadra
M, Knckt
P and Aromaa
A. Occupation
and
Risk of Herniated
Lumbar
Disk for Sciatica
Leading
to
Hospitalization.
,J. Chronic Dis. 1987: 40: 259-264.
Milby
TH and Spear
RC. -Relatiorrthip
between nlhob Body
libratiorr
and ;Worbidity
Pattenzs
among
Heavy
Equipment
Ofieratnr~.
NIOSH
Contract
No. HSbf-099-71-29,
1974.
Grubcr
GJ and Ziperman
HH.
Relalionship
betzueen whole
Body Vibration
and Morbidity
Pattern,
among 121otvr Coach
O&/atorv.
NIOSH
Contract-No.
HSM-99-7?-047.
1974.
Kelsey JL and White
AA. Epidemiology
and Impact
of
Low Back Pain. Sklne 1980; 5: 133-132.
Rosegger
S. \orzeitigr
Ai~fbraucherscheillunger~
bei
kraftfahrern.
%. Orthop.
1070: 108: .i 10-5 16.
Sandover.J.
\ibrdtion
and
People.
(/i~c. l3iwwch.
1986; 1:
150-159.
Helm
S and Nachemson
A. Nutrition
of the lntervertcbral
Disc: Effects
Induced
by Vibrations.
In: troc. III/.
Sot. /?~r the .Study of the I,rcmbar
.S@/r. Sydr~ev,
Australia,
198.5.
Frymoyer
JW,
Pope
MH,
Clements
JH, Wilder
DG,
McPherson
B and Ashikdgd
T. Risk Factors
in Low Back
Pain: An Epidemiologic
Sr1rvey.J.
Ronr,[/.
SILTY. 1983: 65A:
13-216.
Wilder
DG, Fvmoyer
JW and Pope MH.
The Effect
of
Librdtion
on the Spine of the Seated Individual.
.Uom~d;(,a 1985; 6: 5-35.
Seroussi
RE, Wilder
DC; and Pope MH.
Trunk
Muscle
l+ctromyogrdphy
and Whole
Body \ibration.
,/. Biomech.
1989; 22: 219-229.
Qassem
W, Othman
MO
and Abdul
Majeed
S. The
Effects
of- \?rtical
and Horizontal
\ihrdtions
on the
lltlman
Body.
121pd. &kg. and Phvsicy 1994: 16: 151-161.

357

Vibration effts

on human

subject: W. Qossern

31. Krause H. Das Schwingungsmechanische

Verhalten der
Wirbelsaule. International
&itschriyt
Angewandte
Physiologic
Einschliesslich
Arbeitsphysiologie
1963; 20: 125-155.
Benach32. Lange W and Coermann R. Relativbewegungen
barter Wirbl unter Schwingungsbelastung.
International
&itch@

Angewandte

Physiologic

Einschliesslich

Arbeitsphysiol-

ogie 1965; 21: 326-334.

33. Christ W and Dupuis H. Uber die Beanspruchung
der
Wirbelsaule unter dem Einfluss Sinusformiger
und Stochastischer Schwingungen.
International
Angewandte
Physiologie Einschliesslich
Arbeitsphysiologie
1966; 22: 258-278.
34. Panjabi MM, Anderson GBJ, Jorneus L, Hult E and Mattsson L. In viva Measurements
of Spinal Column
Vibrations. J Bone and Joint Surg. 1986; 68A: 695-702.
35. Hagena FW, Wirth CJ, Piehler J, Plitz W, Hofman GO
and Zwingers T. Zn vivo Experiments
on the Response of the
Human
Spine to Sinusoidal
Gz Vibration
AGARD-CP-378,
1986, 16-1 to 16-2.
36. Hagena FW, Piehler J, Wirth CJ, Hofman GO and Zwingers TL. The Dynamic Response of the Human Spine to
Sinusoidal
Gz Vibration,
In-Vivo Experiments.
Neum
Orthopaedics
1986; 2: 29-33.
37. Mishoe JW and Suggs CW. Hand-Arm
Vibrations
Part
1: Vibrational
Response to the Human Response to the
Human Hand. J. Sound and Vibrations 1977; 53: 545-558.
38. Greene PR and McMahon TA. Reflex Stiffness of Mans
Antigravity Muscles During Kneebends while Carrying
Extra Weights. J. Biomechanics
1979; 12: 881-891.
39. Mizrahi J and Susak Z. In vivo Elastic and Damping Suspense of the Human Leg to Impact Forces. J Biomech.
Eng. 1982; 104: 63-66.
40. Nigam SP and Malik M. A Study on a Vibratory Model
of a Human Body. J. Biomech. Eng. 1987; 109: 148-153.
41. Seidel H and Heide R. Long Term Effects of Whole-Body
Vibrations: A Critical Survey of the Literature. Znt. Arch.
Occup. Health 1986; 58: l-26.
42. Backman AL. Health Survey of Professional Drivers. Scan
J. Work Environ. Health 1983; 9: 30-35.

358

43. Nokes LDM and Thorne GC. Vibrations in Orthopedics.

CRC Critical Review in Biomed. Eng. 1988; 15: 309-350.
44. Nokes LDM, Williams JH, Fairclough JA, Mintowtczyz WJ
and Mackie IC. A Literature Review of Vibrational Analysis of Human Limbs. ZEZX ?i-ans. on Biomed. Eng. 1984;
BME-31: 187-192.
45. Muksian R and Nash CD. A Model for the Response of
Seated Humans to Sinusoidal Displacements of the Seat.
J. Biomechanics
1974; 7: 209-215.
46. Muksian R and Nash CD. On Frequency-Dependent
Damping Coefficients in Lumped-Parameter
Models of
Human Beings. J. Biomechanics
1976; 9: 339-342.
47. Qassem W and Othman M. Vibration Effects on Setting
Pregnant Women-Subjects
of Various Masses. J. Biomechanics 1995, in press.

Nomenclature

A
k
cs
D
6
F,
G
H
k
LA

LBP
LS
P
Th
ThS
UA
WBV

Abdomen
Damping
coefficient
Capacitance
Cervical spine
Diaphragm
Input force
Output force
Gain
Head
Stiffness
Lower arm
Low-back pain
Lumbar spine
Pelvis
Torso
Thorax
Thoracic spine
Upper arm
Whole-body
vibrations