Vibration induced white-feet: Overview and field study of vibration exposure and reported symptoms in workers

Abstract

BACKGROUND Workers who stand on platforms or equipment that vibrate are exposed to foot-transmitted vibration (FTV). Exposure to FTV can lead to vibration white feet/toes resulting in blanching of the toes, and tingling and numbness in the feet and toes. OBJECTIVES The objectives are 1) to review the current state of knowledge of the health risks associated with foot-transmitted vibration (FTV), and 2) to identify the characteristics of FTV and discuss the associated risk of vibration-induced injury. PARTICIPANTS Workers who operated locomotives (n = 3), bolting platforms (n = 10), jumbo drills (n = 7), raise drilling platforms (n = 4), and crushers (n = 3), participated. METHODS A tri-axial accelerometer was used to measure FTV in accordance with ISO 2631-1 guidelines. Frequency-weighted root-mean-square acceleration and the dominant frequency are reported. Participants were also asked to report pain/ache/discomfort in the hands and/or feet. RESULTS Reports of pain/discomfort/ache were highest in raise platform workers and jumbo drill operators who were exposed to FTV in the 40 Hz and 28 Hz range respectively. Reports of discomfort/ache/pain were lowest in the locomotive and crusher operators who were exposed to FTV below 10 Hz. These findings are consistent with animal studies that have shown vascular and neural damage in exposed appendages occurs at frequencies above 40 Hz. CONCLUSIONS Operators exposed to FTV at 40 Hz appear to be at greater risk of experiencing vibration induced injury. Future research is required to document the characteristics of FTV and epidemiological evidence is required to link exposure with injury.

Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Peripheral Blood Flow, Vibrotactile Perception and Balance in Older Adults

“…Prolonged exposure of human body to vibration, especially at its resonant frequency may cause undue stress and discomfort [42]. On the other hand, occupational exposure to WBV with the dominant frequency range of 28 Hz and 40 Hz has been reported to cause impairments in peripheral circulation and associated symptoms among the exposed workers [43]. As recommended by the international standard ISO 2631-1, human exposure to WBV should not include high levels of vibration [23].…”

A systematic review of studies investigating the effects of controlled whole‐body vibration intervention on peripheral circulation

“…Also, exposure to WBV results in a pulsatile blood flow and shear stress of endothelial cells which in turn leads to an increase in the endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase or eNOS and increased production of NO causing vasodilation and an increase in BF in the vibrated legs (Coup e et al, 2011;Lohman et al, 2007;Men endez et al, 2015;Sackner et al, 2005;Ziegler et al, 1998). On the other hand, occupational exposure to WBV of higher frequencies and intensities has been reported to cause impairments in peripheral circulation and associated symptoms among workers exposed to vibration with the dominant frequency range of 28 Hz and 40 Hz (Eger et al, 2014). Exposure to vibration of higher frequencies and intensities may induce various functional, physiological and morphological changes including autonomic dysfunction with enhanced sympathetic activation and/or exaggerated vasoconstriction, increased responsiveness to a 2 C adrenoreceptor-mediated vasoconstriction and/or a reduced responsiveness to acetylcholine (ACh)-mediated vasodilation, thickening of the vascular smooth muscle wall, etc (Eger et al, 2014;Murata et al, 1997;Thompson et al, 2010).…”

“…On the other hand, occupational exposure to WBV of higher frequencies and intensities has been reported to cause impairments in peripheral circulation and associated symptoms among workers exposed to vibration with the dominant frequency range of 28 Hz and 40 Hz (Eger et al, 2014). Exposure to vibration of higher frequencies and intensities may induce various functional, physiological and morphological changes including autonomic dysfunction with enhanced sympathetic activation and/or exaggerated vasoconstriction, increased responsiveness to a 2 C adrenoreceptor-mediated vasoconstriction and/or a reduced responsiveness to acetylcholine (ACh)-mediated vasodilation, thickening of the vascular smooth muscle wall, etc (Eger et al, 2014;Murata et al, 1997;Thompson et al, 2010). All these may lead to a high frequency vibration-induced decrease in peripheral circulation.…”

Development of a two-dimensional dynamic model of the foot-ankle system exposed to vibration

“…Raynaud's phenomenon in the feet has been related to both vibration exposure at the hands (House et al, 2010) and direct exposure at the feet (Thompson et al, 2010;Toibana et al, 1994;Eger et al, 2014). The development of vibration-induced white feet (VIWFt) has been linked to exposure to foot-transmitted vibration (FTV), associated with drilling/bolting off platforms (Eger et al, 2014;Hashiguchi et al, 1994;Hedlund, 1989). Symptoms of VIWFt can include pain and numbness in the toes and feet, increased sensitivity to cold, blanching in the toes, and joint pain (Thompson et al, 2010;Eger et al, 2014), leading to disability of the lower limbs.…”