ABSTRACT
When any vehicle moves it exposes occupants to dynamic loading in order to accelerate, decelerate and turn corners. In sporting competition, those racing such vehicles are incentivised to maximise the accelerations and speed around corners. Irregularities in the environment induce shock and vibration to vehicle occupants, as can engines mounted into the vehicle. The human response to shock and vibration can cause performance degradation, discomfort, and potentially harm, although it can also induce feelings of exhilaration and be an important part of the sporting experience. This chapter considers the effects of shock and vibration on the human body in sporting activities. It highlights the complexity of measuring and evaluating the response to dynamic loading due to the multiple inputs to the body and how the body responds differently to motion of different types. The chapter also considers ways to optimise the vehicle-athlete system in order to maximise the sporting performance and improve the human factors, whilst acknowledging that these two goals are not always compatible and some compromise might be necessary. Whilst also characterised by exposure to mechanical shock, this chapter does not consider the dynamic loading of athletes caused by crashing or the effectiveness of protective equipment.
