Abstract
Whole-body vibration exerts a substantive influence in many work environments. The primary objective of the present paper was to ascertain the effect of whole-body vibration and identify those moderating variables that influence the degree to which human performance is affected. A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted which quantified the existing research evidence. Following a screening process of the collected literature, a total of 224 papers and reports were identified for analysis. From these papers, 115 effect sizes were derived from 13 experiments which survived the screening procedure. Results indicate that vibration acts to degrade the majority of goal-related activities, especially those that rely on visual perception and fine motor control. Gaps in the extant research literature are identified and suggestions offered with regard to a more theoretically-driven approach to testing stressor effects on human performance.
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