Sports science and human vibration
The effects of vibration on the human body — whether from power tools, vehicles or sport — continue to increase in importance for health, safety and performance. Measuring vibration in these applications presents practical challenges, particularly around sensor size, mounting method and flexible cabling that does not restrict movement.
Measuring vibration in human and performance environments
Human vibration measurement often requires miniature sensors and lightweight installation methods to minimise interference with natural movement. Typical applications include:
- Hand–arm vibration from tools and machinery
- Whole-body vibration from vehicles and seating
- Sports performance and equipment testing
- Wearable measurement and human factors research
Application example: wireless vibration measurement in gaming
During development of a wireless accelerometer system, DJB Instruments explored a human vibration application to demonstrate the benefits of wireless measurement. One example involved measuring vibration transmitted to the hand during a gaming scenario using a handheld controller with vibration feedback.
DJB used an ultra-miniature A/28 teardrop accelerometer mounted on a finger ring, connected to a prototype wireless hub worn on the user’s wrist. During active gameplay, vibration events were triggered and recorded when the controller vibrated, producing unexpectedly high vibration levels.
The same approach could be applied to other scenarios such as hand tools, sports equipment and wearable monitoring where cabling would be restrictive.
Why human vibration researchers choose DJB
- Low-mass sensor designs for minimal interference
- Miniature and ultra-miniature accelerometer options
- Proven track record in demanding measurement applications
- Custom cable lengths and flexible installation support
- Wide range of mounting methods for varied test setups
Typical accelerometers used
Many human vibration applications are heavily dependent on accelerometer size, where operating temperature is rarely a constraint and IEPE output is often preferred. Typical models include:
- A/128
- A/28
- AT/18
- AT/08
- AT/10
- AT/01
DC MEMS accelerometers are also commonly used for low-frequency testing and motion measurement.
Discuss your human vibration application
If you’re measuring vibration in wearables, sport, tooling or human factors research, our team can help specify sensors, mounting and cabling suited to your test environment.
Precision vibration sensors for demanding aerospace testing and monitoring applications. Designed for accurate measurement across structural, acoustic and high-temperature environments.
Signal conditioning and measurement instrumentation designed to preserve data accuracy from sensor through to acquisition and analysis systems.
Low-noise cables, connectors and mounting accessories engineered to maintain signal integrity in harsh testing and operational environments.
Built to meet your exact application requirements
From ultra-flexible low-noise cables to armoured and miniature assemblies, DJB designs and manufactures bespoke cable solutions tailored to your installation and testing environment.
Extend cable life and maintain measurement performance
Our inspection and repair service restores damaged or worn assemblies, helping reduce replacement costs while ensuring continued measurement reliability.
Maintain measurement accuracy and confidence in your test data
DJB calibration services verify accelerometer performance and ensure sensors continue to meet required measurement standards throughout their operational life.
Choose the right sensor for your application
Understand how sensitivity, frequency range, mounting method and operating environment influence accelerometer performance.
Maximise measurement accuracy through correct installation
Learn how mounting techniques influence frequency response, signal quality and overall test reliability.
Engineering knowledge supporting accurate measurement
Access application notes, technical guidance, and reference material covering accelerometer selection, mounting methods, instrumentation considerations, and vibration measurement best practices.
