title: Whole-body vibration exposure of occupational horseback riding in agriculture: A ranching example.
abstract: 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/s2and 26.24 m/s1.75, 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatechewan, Canada.
authors.forename: Xiaoke
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zeng
authors.affiliation: Canadian Center for Health and Safety in Agriculture, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatechewan, Canada.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Trask
authors.affiliation: School of Physical and Health Education, Nipissing University, North Bay, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Aaron M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Kociolek
mesh_terms: D000383:Agriculture; D000818:Animals; D006736:Horses; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014732:Vibration / Q000009:adverse effects*
keywords: 1; ISO 2631-; ISO 2631-5; equestrian; exposure assessment; farming; horse; mechanical shock; vibration