A METHOD FOR COMPUTERIZED 3-DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS OF BIOMECHANICAL LOAD ON A SEATED TRACTOR DRIVER

This paper describes a method for analysis of static biomechanical loa d where optoelectronic measurement data are used as input to an availa ble analysis program. The measurement procedure is standardized and th e transfer of data from the optoelectronic measurements to the biomech anical model is computerized, which increases the accuracy and makes i t possible also to analyse measurements of time series within a reason able time. The primary application of the method was to analyse the bi omechanical load of an agricultural tractor driver when manoeuvring th e controls inside the cab, and some results from such analyses are als o presented in this paper. The described method seems to be a very use ful tool for this type of study, indicating critical working tasks and unfavourable technical solutions. The method is very general and is a lso useful when studying other sitting and standing working postures, both outdoors and in the lab. However, since the method is based on ca lculation of static load, it is mainly suited for analyses of static w orking tasks or tasks including only slow movements. Relevance to indu stry The method can be used to analyse body exertions during the manoe uvring of controls in different kinds of machine cabins and also other types of control rooms. It can, consequently, be used as a design too l for developing new effective machines and control environments.