Three-Dimensional Joint Kinematics of the Upper Extremity in Reach Movements under Whole-Body Vibration Exposure

Abstract

Simulation of human reach movements is an essential component for proactive ergonomic analysis and computer-aided engineering of biomechanical models. Most studies on reach kinematics described human movements in a static environment, however the models derived from these studies cannot be applied to the analysis of human reach movements in vibratory environments such as in-vehicle operations. Earlier studies on reach performance under vibration exposure focused mainly on fingertip end-point accuracy. This study analyzes three dimensional joint kinematics of the upper extremity in reach movements performed in static and vibratory conditions. The ultimate goal is to develop an active biodynamic model capable of simulating reach movements in vibratory environments. Thirteen seated subjects performed reach movements to four target directions distributed in the right hemisphere. The results show differences and similarities in the characteristics of movement patterns of upper body segments for static and dynamic environments. Identification of movement patterns in terms of joint kinematics can be used to determine some biodynamic principles of upper body segments coordination in reach motion.