Quantitative neurosensory findings, symptoms and signs in young vibration exposed workers

Abstract

BackgroundLong-term exposure to hand-held vibrating tools may cause the hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) including vibration induced white fingers and sensorineural symptoms. The aim was to study early neurosensory effects by quantitative vibrotactile and monofilament tests in young workers with hand-held vibration exposure.MethodsThis cross-sectional study consisted of 142 young, male machine shop and construction workers with hand-held exposure to vibrating tools. They were compared with 41 non-vibration exposed subjects of the same age-group. All participants passed a structured interview, answered several questionnaires and had a physical examination including the determination of vibrotactile perception thresholds (VPTs) at two frequencies (31.5 and 125 Hz) and Semmes Weinstein’s Monofilament test.ResultsIn the vibration exposed group 8% of the workers reported episodes of tingling sensations and 10% numbness in their fingers. Approximately 5–10% of the exposed population displayed abnormal results on monofilament tests. The vibrotactile testing showed significantly increased VPTs for 125 Hz in dig II bilaterally (right hand, p = 0.01; left hand, p = 0.024) in the vibration exposed group.A multiple regression analysis (VPT - dependent variable; age, height, examiner and five different vibration dose calculations – predictor variables) in dig II bilaterally showed rather low R2-values. None of the explanatory variables including five separately calculated vibration doses were included in the models, neither for the total vibration exposed group, nor for the highest exposed quartile.A logistic multiple regression analysis (result of monofilament testing - dependent variable; age, height, examiner and five vibration dose calculations – predictor variables) of the results of monofilament testing in dig II bilaterally gave a similar outcome. None of the independent variables including five calculated vibration doses were included in the models neither for the total exposed group nor for the highest exposed quartile.ConclusionIn spite of the fairly short vibration exposure, a tendency to raised VPTs as well as pathologic monofilament test results was observed. Thus, early neurophysiologic symptoms and signs of vibration exposure may appear after short-term exposure also in young workers.

Work ability in vibration-exposed workers

“…[ 23 ] found the most pronounced deterioration in the frequency range mediated by Pacinian corpuscles (63–500 Hz). Similar findings were observed in a cross-sectional study of 142 young male machine shop and construction workers who in spite of a fairly short hand–arm vibration exposure showed a tendency to raised VPTs (125 Hz; digit 2 bilaterally), compared with referents [ 24 ].…”

Young workers and sustainable work life

“…One cross -sectional paper found association between exposure to occupational vibration and vibrotactile perception among male machine shop workers and construction workers (Gerhardsson et al, 2013). A prospective study by Wahlström and colleagues found an association between daily vibration exposure with duration over 1 hour and neck pain (Wahlström et al, 2008).…”

The relationship between clinical and standardized tests for hand–arm vibration syndrome

“…These tests, however, are limited by being available in only a few specialized centres and by low sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing vascular HAVS [7][8][9]. For this reason, the CP test is no longer used in some centres, although the SN tests are still being used in conjunction with clinical tests to detect receptor or small sensory nerve fibre dysfunction [10][11][12].…”