The Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Humans from a Physics and Reaction Speed Perspective

Mechanical vibrations are physical impacts that almost always occur in machines in operation. Vibrations can affect operators in the form of Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) or Tool-Hand Vibration (THV). This study explores the human reaction when exposed to WBV at accelerations ranging from 1 to 5 m/s^2, considering both physiological and reaction time aspects. Fourteen males participated in this study, each working with a computer on a simulator that generated WBV. During the simulation, heart rate was measured using a heart rate monitor, and reaction time was measured using a reaction time program. Energy expenditure due to vibration exposure is calculated based on the average heart rate during the simulation using each respondent's energy expenditure pattern. Vibrations are generated under two conditions: vibration in the dominant horizontal and vertical directions, and their effects on the operator are tested. Subjects expend more energy at vibration accelerations of 1--2 m/s^2, which decreases with increasing vibration acceleration. WBV also affects human reaction speed. Subjects have longer reaction speeds at the accelerations of 1--2 m/s^2 and faster with increasing vibration acceleration. There is no difference in the effect of vibrational direction on energy expenditure or reaction speed.