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Back pain in Grand Prix drivers: a 'found' experiment.

A K Burton¹, J Sandover

¹Osteopathic Association of Great Britain, 30 Queen Street, Huddersfield, UK.

Applied Ergonomics

|March 1, 1987

Summary

Grand Prix drivers experienced less back pain after car suspensions became less stiff. This suggests mechanical shock and vibration from driving significantly contribute to back pain.

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Area of Science:

Sports medicine
Biomechanics
Occupational health

Background:

Driver back pain is a common issue in motorsports.
Vehicle suspension systems impact driver comfort and exposure to mechanical stimuli.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the relationship between changes in automotive suspension stiffness and the incidence/severity of driver back pain.
To identify mechanical shock and vibration as potential causes of driving-related back pain.

Main Methods:

Utilized a natural experiment design, observing changes in Grand Prix car suspensions between 1982 and 1983.
Analyzed data on driver back pain incidence and severity correlating with suspension modifications.
Controlled for other potential confounding factors affecting back pain.

Main Results:

A significant decrease in both the incidence and severity of back pain was observed among drivers.
The reduction in suspension stiffness was the only identified factor that changed concurrently with the decrease in back pain.
Ride quality, directly related to suspension, was the primary variable altered.

Conclusions:

Mechanical shock and vibration transmitted through vehicle suspensions are significant contributors to driving-related back pain.
Reducing suspension stiffness can mitigate the risk and severity of back pain for drivers.
Findings support the need for ergonomic considerations in vehicle design to minimize occupational health risks for drivers.

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