A MATHEMATICAL-MODEL OF THE IMPACT RESPONSE OF THE SEATED SUBJECT

A model of the lumbar spine, pelvis and buttocks is developed, based o n linear horizontal and vertical systems along with a rotational subsy stem. The model can mimic qualitatively different experimental observa tions of transmission of vibrations from the seat to L3 in the sitting posture. It is concluded that while the model lacks detailed sophisti cation, it adds to our qualitative understanding of the biomechanics o f seated vibrations by pointing to those subsystems responsible for th e observed transfer functions. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd for IPEMB.