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

Background: Horse riding is common in many occupations; however, there is currently no research evaluating exposure to whole-body vibration and mechanical shock on horseback.

Methods: Whole-body vibration was measured on a cattle rancher during two 30 min horseback rides using a tri-axial accelerometer mounted on a western saddle. Vibration was summarized into standardized metrics, including the 8 hr equivalent root-mean-squared acceleration (A[8]) and the daily 4th power vibration dose value (VDV). The resulting exposures were compared to the exposure limit and action values provided by European Union Directive 2002/44/EC.

Results: The highest vibration for both rides was in the vertical axis, with average A(8) and VDV of 0.56 m/s and 26.24 m/s , respectively. The A(8) value indicated moderate risk while the VDV suggested high risk of harmful health effects.

Conclusions: Exposure to whole-body vibration and mechanical shock during occupational horseback riding may pose deleterious health risks and increased susceptibility to low back pain. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:215-220, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.