Deltoid Anterior Contraction In Maneuvering The Steering Wheel

ABSTRACT

@#While driving, a driver is required to control the steering wheel to change direction. The driver’s muscles of the upper limbs and shoulders are involved in such a task. Therefore, an assessment of the driver’s physiology according to certain condition is necessary to improve driving comfort and safety. This study aims to investigate the driver’s Deltoid Anterior (DA) muscle activity while operating the steering wheel. Eleven test subjects were recruited for an experiment using a car simulator. They were required to remain in the car seat and perform the task of steering the wheel. Surface electromyography (SEMG) was used to record each subject’s muscle contraction while turning the steering wheel to the right and left by several degrees. According to the findings, 45 degrees turning recorded the highest Root mean Square (RMS) value for DA. In addition, DA muscle activation increased with more degrees turning.