Whole-body vibration exposure of occupational horseback riding in agriculture: A ranching example.

This study is an assessment of the whole-body vibration exposure and potential health risks faced by people whose occupations involve horseback riding, using a cattle rancher as an example.

Methodology

• The researchers studied two 30-minute horseback rides of a cattle rancher. They used a tri-axial accelerometer, a device that measures acceleration, which was mounted on a western saddle.
• The vibrations the rancher was exposed to was summarized into two standardized metrics—the equivalent root-mean-squared acceleration (A[8]) over eight hours, and the daily 4th power vibration dose value (VDV). These measures are standard parameters used to evaluate exposure to vibration.

Results

• Both rides generated the highest vibration in the vertical axis with the average A[8] and VDV values being 0.56 m/s and 26.24 m/s respectively.
• When compared with the exposure limit and action values set by the European Union Directive 2002/44/EC, the A[8] value showed moderate risk while the VDV suggested a high risk of harmful health effects.

Conclusion

• Based on the assessed whole-body vibration exposure during occupational horseback riding, the study suggests that people in these occupations may face adverse health risks. Specifically, it highlighted an increased susceptibility to low back pain.
• The findings of this study underscore the need for further research in this field to develop safety standards and protective measures for people in occupations that require horseback riding.