Selected health risks caused by long‐term, whole‐body vibration

Abstract

The problem of a "vibration disease" caused by low-frequency whole-body vibration (wbv) is critically discussed. Disorders of the nervous, circulatory, and digestive systems are interpreted not to be predominantly wbv-specific, but to be related to the totality of working conditions. Long-term wbv exposure can probably contribute to the pathogenesis of disorders of female reproductive organs (menstrual disturbances, anomalies of position) and disturbances of pregnancy (abortions, stillbirths). Animal experiments suggest harmful effects on the fetus. WBV has a minor synergistic effect on the development of noise-induced hearing loss. Degenerative changes of the spine are more prevalent among wbv-exposed workers. Model calculations demonstrate an increased spinal load in pregnant women exposed to wbv or self-induced vibration, and illustrate a possibility for the comparison of data on stress, strain, and strength. The analysis of individual exposure-effect relationships is suggested as a future approach for evaluating potential occupation-related diseases.

Whole-Body Vibration Training Improves Balance, Muscle Strength and Glycosylated Hemoglobin in Elderly Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy

“…Some studies have shown that WBV also has effects on the digestive system, female reproductive organs and peripheral veins. Long-term WBV exposure can contribute to the pathogenesis of disorders of the female reproductive organs (menstrual disturbances, anomalies of position) and disturbances of pregnancy (abortions, stillbirths) (Seidel 1993;Lings and Leboeuf-Yde 2000). To prevent these potentially dangerous side effects, it is important to consider safe exercise protocols when developing exercise programs for elderly patients.…”

The effects of whole body vibration and exercise on fibrinolysis in men

“…Repeated, long term exposure to WBV, such as in the workplace, has been shown to have detrimental effects on the body (48). However, it has been suggested that short term exposure to WBV may have beneficial effects on the body, in both men and women.…”

Loads on a spinal implant measured in vivo during whole-body vibration

“…The individual effects of the strain depend on the strength of spinal structure and their ability to recover from a repetitive load. The strength of vertebrae was shown to be a function of their size, mineral content and age [3,6,9].…”

“…In general, the effect of long-term whole-body vibration exposure on spinal health has been found to vary considerably [1][2][3]. The whole-body vibration exposure was described by the accelerations mainly measured at the interface between the driver and his seat cushion.…”