Open this publication in new window or tab >>2023 (English)Report (Other academic)
Abstract [en]
The scientific investigation into the viability of employing kidney-belt-mounted accelerometers to quantify shock and vibration exposure in the lumbar spine region of occupants in high-speed marine craft, and their concordance with prevailing standards, has been heretofore unexplored. Addressing this research gap, a series of meticulously designed laboratory and field experiments were undertaken. In the laboratory setting, two test subjects were engaged in predefined body movements, with accelerations recorded using both body-mounted and kidney-beltmounted accelerometers. This controlled environment allowed for a comparative analysis of the efficacy of the two accelerometer configurations in capturing lumbar spine accelerations. Field experiments expanded upon these findings, involving the recording of acceleration exposures during a high-speed marine craft exercise. The kidney-beltmounted accelerometers were utilized alongside seat-mounted accelerometers to assess their applicability in real-world dynamic conditions. The results revealed that kidney-belt-mounted accelerometers effectively captured lumbar spine accelerations during basic body movements, particularly when the torso was maintained in an upright position. However, the translation of these measurements into a framework aligned with existing international standards encountered substantial challenges during the field experiment. This study underscores the potential utility of kidney-belt-mounted accelerometers for lumbar spine acceleration measurement in controlled environments. Nevertheless, the complexities associated with aligning these measurements with established international standards were evident, highlighting the need for further consideration and refinement. The implications of this research extend to the recognition that current standards may not fully address the intricacies of shock and vibration exposure in the lumbar spine region within the dynamic context of high-speed marine craft environments. Consequently, there is a clear call for the development of standards specifically tailored to these operational conditions to ensure a comprehensive and accurate assessment of lumbar spine health in marine craft occupants.
Publisher
p. 22
Series
RISE Rapport ; 2023:136
Keywords
High-speed craft, whole-body vibration, musculoskeletal pain
National Category
Earth and Related Environmental Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ri:diva-70101 (URN)978-91-89896-23-9 (ISBN)
Note
Sincere gratitude is extended to the participants of the study, the Swedish Coast Guardfor their collaboration, and the KTH BioMEx Center and Hugo Hammars fond försjöfartsteknisk forskning for funding this research project.
2024-01-182024-01-182025-02-07Bibliographically approved