TY - JOUR
T1 - Acute physiological and functional effects of repetitive shocks on the hand–arm system
T2 - a pilot study on healthy subjects
AU - Witte, Jonathan
AU - Corominas, Alexandra
AU - Ernst, Benjamin
AU - Kaulbars, Uwe
AU - Wendlandt, Robert
AU - Lindell, Hans
AU - Ochsmann, Elke
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 Central Institute for Labour Protection–National Research Institute (CIOP-PIB).
PY - 2023/9
Y1 - 2023/9
N2 - Objectives. Exposure to hand-transmitted shocks is a widespread phenomenon in the workplace. Separate risk assessments for shocks do not exist in current international hand–arm vibration regulations, leading to potential underestimation of associated health risks. Methods. In a pilot study approach, eight healthy males were exposed to sets of 3 × 5 min of repetitive shocks and 1 × 5 min of random vibration, controlled at a weighted vibration total value of 10 m/s2. Baseline and post-exposure measurements of vibration perception thresholds, finger skin temperature, maximal grip/pinch force and the Purdue pegboard test were conducted. Muscle activity was monitored continuously by surface electromyography. Results. Shock exposures evoked a temporary increase of vibration perception thresholds with high examination frequencies. A decrease of skin temperature was hinted for shocks of 1 and 20 s–1. Electromyographical findings indicated an additional load on two forearm muscles during shock transmission. Maximum grip force and manual dexterity were not affected, and pinch force only partially reduced after the exposures. Conclusion. Physiological effects from shock exposure conform to those described for hand–arm vibration exposure in principle, although some divergence can be hypothesized. Randomized designs are required to conclusively assess the need of occupational health concepts specifically for hand-transmitted shocks.
AB - Objectives. Exposure to hand-transmitted shocks is a widespread phenomenon in the workplace. Separate risk assessments for shocks do not exist in current international hand–arm vibration regulations, leading to potential underestimation of associated health risks. Methods. In a pilot study approach, eight healthy males were exposed to sets of 3 × 5 min of repetitive shocks and 1 × 5 min of random vibration, controlled at a weighted vibration total value of 10 m/s2. Baseline and post-exposure measurements of vibration perception thresholds, finger skin temperature, maximal grip/pinch force and the Purdue pegboard test were conducted. Muscle activity was monitored continuously by surface electromyography. Results. Shock exposures evoked a temporary increase of vibration perception thresholds with high examination frequencies. A decrease of skin temperature was hinted for shocks of 1 and 20 s–1. Electromyographical findings indicated an additional load on two forearm muscles during shock transmission. Maximum grip force and manual dexterity were not affected, and pinch force only partially reduced after the exposures. Conclusion. Physiological effects from shock exposure conform to those described for hand–arm vibration exposure in principle, although some divergence can be hypothesized. Randomized designs are required to conclusively assess the need of occupational health concepts specifically for hand-transmitted shocks.
UR - https://www.mendeley.com/catalogue/35a31342-24db-3bde-9701-ecc89cbe7d7e/
U2 - 10.1080/10803548.2022.2110358
DO - 10.1080/10803548.2022.2110358
M3 - Journal articles
C2 - 35930057
AN - SCOPUS:85136787379
SN - 1080-3548
VL - 29
SP - 1057
EP - 1066
JO - International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics
JF - International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics
IS - 3
ER -