Effects of occupational vibration exposure on cognitive/motor performance

Whole-body vibration (WBV) occupational exposure levels were determined with 29 different types of machinery. Two distinct WBV exposure profiles were found and reproduced in a controlled exposure situation that involved the transformation of a vehicle. A sample of 45 volunteer subjects was recruited to assess the effects of WBV on their cognitive/motor performance. Two different tests were selected and applied: an Action Judgment Test, which was primarily designed to examine the relation between the distribution of attention and the resultant reaction to ever-changing conditions, and an Omega Test, designed to examine the precision and attention in handling mechanisms. The results show that the vibration exposure level affects the degree of impairment. The subjects presented a lower performance level when exposed to higher vibration levels, as the time required to correct their errors more than doubled. No significant differences were found when comparing the performance for gender or age variables. The obtained results can be used to improve the characteristics of work vehicles, in order to reduce the corresponding adverse effects and, consequently, improve the corresponding working conditions. The obtained results can be used to highlight the importance to reduce exposure to vibrations in work vehicles, minimizing the associated adverse effects and, consequently, improve the corresponding working conditions. •Evidence of cognitive/motor impairment was found as a result of WBV exposure.•Time to correct errors is 2 times higher for lower WBV exposure than for no exposure.•Time to correct errors is 3 times higher for higher WBV exposure than for lower exposure.•A decrease in performance was observed with an increase on WBV exposure.•The impairment on performance was not related to gender or age.