Postural Stability of Commercial Truck Drivers: Impact of Extended Durations of Whole-Body Vibration

Abstract

Falls from non-moving vehicles constitute a significant portion of fall related fatal occupational injuries, with a yearly average of 48.7 fatal falls, from 1992 to 2002. Whole-body vibration (WBV) has been thought to be a contributing factor to loss of balance, more specifically, falls while descending from a vehicle. The current research employed a “real-time” actual trucking environment, rather than vibration platforms in laboratories, as is typically the case. Nine (9) full-time, long haul truck drivers' drove over 3000 miles in total, while participating in this study. The protocol required postural stability testing prior to, and immediately following, each of three driving sessions of 2.5 hours during a single shift. Results indicate significant changes in postural stability as a result of exposure to extended durations of WBV. The results also showed an increase of sway (cm) at each of the post-test measures compared to the pre-test, and an overall increase over the 8.5 hour shift, suggesting a time dependent increase over the course of the driving shift.