Determination of backrest inclination based on biodynamic response study for prevention of low back pain

Whole-body vibration experiments with subjects under vertical vibration were performed to examine and evaluate effects of backrest inclination on vibration transmitted through seats to the human body by using biodynamic response parameters represented by apparent mass (APMS) and vibration power absorption (VPA). The biodynamic response parameters of twelve male subjects, exposed to vertical random vibration at 0.8 m/s2 r.m.s., were characterized under three different backrest support conditions, with the upper body supported against backrest inclined at angles of 0° (vertical), 10°, and 30° with respect to the vertical axis. An increased backrest inclination angle resulted in reduction of the total power absorption calculated particularly the frequency range of 1–20 Hz. Normalized APMS magnitudes showed a principal resonance at about 5 Hz for each subject for a backrest supported vertically. A second resonant peak appeared at about 7.5 Hz in addition to the primary resonant peak for a backrest inclined at an angle of 10° and then became much steeper for a backrest inclined at angle of 30°. For a backrest inclined at an angle of 30°, the resonant peak at 5 Hz was less apparent than in other backrest inclination postures. All subjects showed the second resonant peak at about 7.5 Hz in the double-normalized VPA for a backrest inclined at an angle of 30°. According to the evaluation of vibration absorption behavior performed in this study, backrest inclination angle is preferable between 10° and 30° from the viewpoint of prevention of low back pain disorder.