Skarlet Alejandra Guerra

Ms. Skarlet Alejandra Guerra


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
11 July 2025 in Applied Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
EOEsteban Patricio Ortiz
Esteban Patricio Ortiz
Daysi Alexandra Baño-MoralesDaysi Alexandra Baño-Morales
Daysi Alexandra Baño-Morales
WTWilliam Ricardo Venegas Toro
William Ricardo Venegas Toro
APALVARO FELIPE PAGE
ALVARO FELIPE PAGE
SGSkarlet Alejandra Guerra
Skarlet Alejandra Guerra
IZIván Zambrano
Iván Zambrano
This study investigates how three technical factors—steering wheel tilt, torque, and cabin vibration frequency—affect driver posture. Heavy-truck drivers often suffer from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), mainly due to poor cabin ergonomics and prolonged postures during work. In countries like Ecuador, making major structural changes to cabin design is not feasible. These factors were identified through video analysis and surveys from drivers at two Ecuadorian trucking companies. An experimental system was developed using a simplified cabin to control these variables, while posture and muscle activity were recorded in 16 participants using motion capture, inertial sensors, and electromyography (EMG) on the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, triceps brachii, quadriceps muscle, and gastrocnemius muscle. The test protocol simulated key truck-driving tasks. Data were analyzed using ANOVA (p<0.05), with technical factors and mass index as independent variables, and posture metrics as dependent variables. Results showed that head mass index significantly affected head abduction–adduction (−8.12 to −2.18°), and spine mass index influenced spine flexion–extension (−0.38 to 6.99°). Among technical factors, steering wheel tilt impacted trunk flexion–extension (−13.56 to 16.99°) and arm rotation (−31.1 to 19.7°). Steering wheel torque affected arm rotation (−30.49 to −6.77°), while vibration frequency influenced forearm flexion–extension (3.76 to 16.51°). EMG signals showed little variation between muscles, likely due to the protocol’s short duration. These findings offer quantitative support for improving cabin ergonomics in low-resource settings through targeted, cost-effective design changes.