Effects of vibration exposure on action judgment: a field test for professional drivers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the vibration effects on cognitive and visual performance. With this purpose and to, hopefully, achieve innovative results this study included tests performed in a ‘real’ performing context. The considered sample was composed of 45 volunteers, from both genders, with ages between 21 and 62 years old (mean of 33.1±10 years old). In order to test the effects on a ‘real’ environment, the back of a 2.5 ton van was modified with the inclusion of two car seats and a platform to accommodate the ‘Action Judgment Tester’. The used instrument was designed to examine the relation between the distribution of attention and the resultant reaction to ever-changing conditions. The movement of the van was performed in a closed circuit for each test and with a vehicle speed up to 30 Km/h. This circuit has two different pavements, one of asphalt and one of cobblestone. This feature allowed performing the ‘Action Judgment Test’ under three different conditions: (A) with the van halted, (B) with the van performing a circuit on asphalt, and (C) on cobblestone. Reaction judgment was done based on the degree of the effects of training and the total number of errors. The results show a degree of impairment as an effect of the vibration exposure level. The degree of impairment seems to be strong enough to obtain a poor result when vibration exposure levels are higher.