A data correction method for surface measurement of vibration on the human body

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human Vibration Research
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Surface vibration measurements are affected by local tissue-accelerometer dynamics.
• Accurate assessment of spinal and visceral vibration requires eliminating these confounding factors.
• Previous methods lacked a robust approach to correct for local system effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a data correction method for surface vibration measurements.
• To eliminate the influence of local tissue-accelerometer vibration on spinal and visceral vibration data.
• To improve the accuracy of biomechanical assessments of seated human vibration exposure.

Main Methods:

• A single degree-of-freedom linear model was used for the local tissue-accelerometer system.
• Natural frequency and damping ratio were estimated using spectral analysis of free vibration response.
• Correction frequency functions were computed and applied to vertical and fore-and-aft vibration data.
• Transfer functions from seat to surface accelerometers were calculated with and without added masses.

Main Results:

• The developed correction method effectively eliminated differences in transfer functions caused by varying added masses.
• The method accurately indicated the transfer functions to the spine and viscera.
• Correction was effective for vertical responses below the estimated natural frequencies of the local system.
• Fore-and-aft spinal responses below 35 Hz did not require correction.

Conclusions:

• The data correction method successfully isolates true spinal and visceral vibration.
• This technique enhances the reliability of biomechanical vibration analysis in seated individuals.
• The findings contribute to more accurate human vibration exposure assessments in occupational and transportation settings.