Abstract
The objective of this research is to determine the best location to place a conventional mobile PC supported by a commercially available mount in a vehicle cab for small and large body sizes. Many North American electric utility companies and sales agencies are in the process of integrating mobile computers into their fleet vehicle cabs. Four locations of mobile computers in a light truck cab were tested in a laboratory study to determine how driver body size and computer location affected muscle activity of the lower back and shoulders and joint angles of the shoulders, elbows, and wrists of small and large drivers. Driver size had a negligible effect on biomechanical loading. Regardless of driver size, placing the mobile computer closer to the steering wheel reduced low back and shoulder muscle activity required to use the mobile computer, and joint angles were also closer to neutral. Also locating the mobile computer close to the steering wheel reduces risk factors of injuries such as low back pain and shoulder tendonitis. A recommendation for the initial location along with adjustments to locate the mobile computer with respect to the steering wheel is included.
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