Effects on the Lumbar & Quadriceps Muscle Activities when Getting in and Out of RV · and Passenger Cars

Objective: The objective of this study is to compare muscle activity levels of the lumbar and rectus femoris muscle when entering and exiting RV and passenger vehicles. Background: Three varieties of RVs and two varieties of passenger vehicles were selected for this study. Method: Twenty individual(10 male and 10 female) in their twenties and thirties with no chronic back pain or any other illness participated in this study. Participants performed entering and exiting the three models of RVs and two models of passenger cars. Appropriate rest time was given to participants between entering and exiting each vehicle in order to recover from muscle fatigue while performing their tasks. Results: Results from this study show that muscle activity levels were highest for entering RVs and exiting passenger vehicles. There were no significant differences in muscle activity levels for left and right side muscles in regards to entering and exiting vehicles. Application: These results can be used to provide baseline information for reduce muscle fatigue when getting in and out of vehicles.