Abstract

Certain back injuries are assumed to result from a mechanical load that exceeds the functional capacity of the spine, and hence the evaluation of work situations from this perspective is essential for a better understanding of the causes of back pain. In their study of the biomechanical responses to mining vehicle vibrations, the researchers use stadiometry to evaluate variations in the length of the spine as an indication of the compression load on the back. However, this technique requires that the subject move to be in a standing position in the stadiometer, thus interrupting his exposure to the vibrations. The researchers want to know whether these measurements can be done using an optical approach, with the subject remaining in a sitting position exposed to vibrations or not. If this approach proves effective, it would allow the real effect to be isolated from the tested experimental conditions. This method of evaluation using an optoelectronic system would also be appropriate for other types of applications, in the laboratory as well as in the workplace.