The effect of whole body vibration on position sense and dynamic low back stability.

摘要

The objective of the current study was to investigate how position sense and sudden loading dynamics are altered with occupational vibration exposure. Seventeen subjects participated in the study. Both position sense measures and sudden loading dynamics measures were performed before, instant after, 15 minutes after and 30 minutes after exposure to 5 Hz and 0.223 m/s 2 whole body vibration. The results included increased absolute reposition errors after vibration suggesting decreased proprioceptive acuity to perceive position. Sudden loading response time was shown to increase after the vibration demonstrating that the spine was potentially destabilized. Increased torso flexion and lumbar curvature deflection after sudden loading were also observed after vibration exposure. This also suggested decreased stability of the lumbar spine. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude occupational vibration associated proprioceptive changes can lead to delayed reflex response resulting in instability of the lumbar spine. This work was supported by Whitaker Foundation Biomedical Engineering Research RG-03-0043.