Bernard Martin, Ph.D.

Exposure to localized or whole body vibration is known to produce negative health effects, alter movement control and perception and exacerbate muscle fatigue. The mechanisms underlying these phenomena are a function of both the magnitude and frequency of vibration. The effects of human vibration are investigated to understand health issues as well as human performance decrements as a function of vibration parameters. For example, alterations of posture and movement perception, and reaching activities or the influence of drill bit wear on hand-arm vibration exposure are currently investigated.

High or low levels of muscle activity can lead to a decrease in muscle ability to produce or control force. These outcomes are associated with muscle fatigue, which is considered a precursor to musculoskeletal disorders. Multiple mechanisms contribute to muscle fatigue, and fatigue may persist several hours after the end of muscle exertion. The influence of the type of muscle exertion on muscle fatigue (e.g., the effects of prolonged standing, sustained low level muscle contractions, or neck muscles myalgia) are investigated, and the effects of muscle fatigue on occupational activities are analyzed to prevent musculoskeletal disorder.

The functioning of the sensory-motor system is tested to understand human performance and /or their alterations as a function of injuries or muscle fatigue. Currently, we focus on trapezius muscle control in office work and sensor-motor deficits induced by stroke to improve rehabilitation procedures.