Effect of Whole Body Vibration on Human Performance

Abstract

The effects of whole-body vibration at frequencies of 5, 7, and 11 c/s from 25–35 per cent of the human tolerance levels (defined by amplitude levels within each frequency) are to seriously reduce operator efficiency in performing tasks representative of those encountered in aerospace flight. Within the limits of the vibration conditions studied, the following conclusions were drawn from the research: (1) Decrements in vertical tracking performance ranged from 34 to 14 per cent. (2) Decrements in horizontal tracking performance ranged from 10 to 48 per cent. (3) The magnitude of the tracking performance decrements was related to the magnitude of integrated absolute Gz (output) measured at the sternum. (4) More procedural errors were committed under vibration than under static conditions.