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15 pages, 1247 KB

Open AccessArticle

Frequency-Range-Specific Hand–Arm Vibration Exposure and the Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Upper Extremities: The German Hand–Arm Vibration Study

by Yi Sun, Frank Bochmann, Winfried Eckert, Uwe Nigmann, Christian van den Berg, Uwe Kaulbars and Nastaran Raffler

Vibration 2025, 8(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration8010006 - 16 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2601

Abstract

To quantify the effect of frequency-range-specific hand–arm vibration (FRS-HAV) exposure on the risk of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb (UMSDs), we performed an analysis among the study sample of the German Hand–Arm Vibration Study. In total, 206 cases and 609 controls were [...] Read more.

To quantify the effect of frequency-range-specific hand–arm vibration (FRS-HAV) exposure on the risk of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb (UMSDs), we performed an analysis among the study sample of the German Hand–Arm Vibration Study. In total, 206 cases and 609 controls were included in this analysis. Cases were new patients with UMSDs. Controls were a random sample of people with compensable occupational injuries. Standardized personal interviews were performed among cases and controls. In addition to leisure activities and comorbidities, detailed work histories were obtained from all participants. To quantify FRS-HAV exposures, a database of vibration measurements of over 700 power tools was used. This database allows detailed quantification of vibration exposure over long periods of time. A dose–response relationship between FRS-HAV exposure and UMSDs was quantified using conditional logistic regression analyses. After adjustment for relevant confounders, consistent and statistically significant exposure–response relationships were observed between cumulative vibration exposure and UMSDs. The effect of vibration exposure on the risk of UMSDs is mainly concentrated in the frequency range ≤ 50 Hz. This suggests that the current ISO frequency-weighting curve for quantifying hand–arm vibration exposure is reasonable and can be used for vibration-related risk assessment, especially for musculoskeletal disorders. Full article

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12 pages, 1631 KB

Open AccessArticle

Are Junior Tennis Players Less Exposed to Shocks and Vibrations than Adults? A Pilot Study

by Tom Le Solliec, Christophe Hautier, Robin Gassier, Robin Trama, Benoit Gilbert, Lin Song and Qingshan Zhang

Sensors 2024, 24(24), 7999; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24247999 - 14 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2159

Abstract

This study investigated muscle activation, shocks, and vibrations of the upper extremities during tennis serves between junior and adult tennis players. Thirty-five well-trained tennis players (15 juniors and 20 adults) performed 10 maximal successful tennis serves. Two triaxial accelerometers recorded the shock and [...] Read more.

This study investigated muscle activation, shocks, and vibrations of the upper extremities during tennis serves between junior and adult tennis players. Thirty-five well-trained tennis players (15 juniors and 20 adults) performed 10 maximal successful tennis serves. Two triaxial accelerometers recorded the shock and vibration on the racket and the hand on the dominant side. Eight surface EMG electrodes were also used to measure the arm muscles’ activities. Linear mixed models were used to test the fixed effect of age on muscular activation and vibration. Statistical non-Parametric Mapping was employed to make statistical inferences on the EMG and accelerometer data obtained from the continuous wavelet transform. Comparing EMG parameters between junior and adult players reveals similar upper limb intermuscular coordination. The junior players experienced lower racket and hand vibration amplitudes, which were partially explained by a lower ball velocity. This study revealed that young players showed no difference in EMG parameters in the tennis serve but were as exposed to shocks and vibrations as adults when compared based on a given speed and a given handgrip force. These vibrations apply to an immature skeleton, which can increase the risk of injuries caused by overuse. In addition, differences in the racket vibration frequency provide original knowledge to engineers who need to develop innovative sports equipment for tennis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensor Technologies in Sports and Exercise)

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4 pages, 223 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Workshop–ISO Development of Standards Relating to Hand-Transmitted Shock

by Paul Pitts and Hans Lindell

Proceedings 2023, 86(1), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2023086048 - 14 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2853

Abstract

The risk estimation for hand–arm vibration injury is based on ISO 5349-1 [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 15th International Conference on Hand-Arm Vibration)

5 pages, 1372 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Physics of Shock and Physiological Effects on Biological Systems

by Hans Lindell, Ausra Peciulyte and Snævar Leó Grétarsson

Proceedings 2023, 86(1), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2023086045 - 27 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1945

Abstract

Shock vibrations from handheld tools have long since been suspected to cause an increased risk of hand-arm vibration syndrome. This paper gives an introduction to its physical origin and transformation of the hand. Also, the pathophysiological effects on biological systems from shock vibration [...] Read more.

Shock vibrations from handheld tools have long since been suspected to cause an increased risk of hand-arm vibration syndrome. This paper gives an introduction to its physical origin and transformation of the hand. Also, the pathophysiological effects on biological systems from shock vibration are shown through in vitro models on fibroblasts and red blood cells. Finally, the results from an in vivo rat tail model are described. The results show that high-amplitude shocks with a high-frequency content have a detrimental effect on biological systems, and thereby presumably also have a negative effect on human hand tissue. This indicates the need for a risk estimation for vibration injuries that includes the frequency range of shock vibrations and can quantify their peak amplitudes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 15th International Conference on Hand-Arm Vibration)

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4 pages, 383 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Radiographic Hand Osteoarthritis in Relation to Exposure to Hand-Transmitted Vibration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Tohr Nilsson, Jens Wahlström, Eirik Reierth and Lage Burström

Proceedings 2023, 86(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2023086031 - 17 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2598

Abstract

This systematic review on radiographic hand osteoarthritis (HOA) covering publications in the databases Medline and Embase for the period 1947 to April 2021, with a final selection of 10 studies, revealed a high prevalence of hand osteoarthritis among both vibration-exposed men and non-exposed. [...] Read more.

This systematic review on radiographic hand osteoarthritis (HOA) covering publications in the databases Medline and Embase for the period 1947 to April 2021, with a final selection of 10 studies, revealed a high prevalence of hand osteoarthritis among both vibration-exposed men and non-exposed. The results show a non-significant, unadjusted risk-increase of about 50% for X-ray-diagnosed hand osteoarthritis for those who work with vibrating machinery compared to referents. The risk estimate does not provide reliable support that working with exposure from vibrating machines increases the risk of radiographic changes in the hands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 15th International Conference on Hand-Arm Vibration)

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4 pages, 629 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Dupuytren’s Disease in Relation to the Exposure to Hand-Transmitted Vibration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Tohr Nilsson, Jens Wahlström, Eirik Reierth and Lage Burström

Proceedings 2023, 86(1), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2023086030 - 17 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2285

Abstract

This systematic review covering publications in the Medline and Embase databases for the period 1946 to 2020 revealed a higher prevalence of Dupuytren’s disease among men exposed to vibration compared to men not exposed to vibration. The risk assessment, also considering the risk [...] Read more.

This systematic review covering publications in the Medline and Embase databases for the period 1946 to 2020 revealed a higher prevalence of Dupuytren’s disease among men exposed to vibration compared to men not exposed to vibration. The risk assessment, also considering the risk of bias, corresponded to a roughly doubled risk of Dupuytren’s disease when working with vibrating machines. The supplementary meta-analysis confirmed a more than doubled risk. A possible exposure–response relation was supported by the result from the meta-analysis, which showed a doubled risk for high exposure relative to low exposure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 15th International Conference on Hand-Arm Vibration)

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4 pages, 1095 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Definition and Quantification of Shock/Peak/Transient Vibration

by Hans Lindell, Pontus Johannisson and Snævar Leó Grétarsson

Proceedings 2023, 86(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2023086029 - 14 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3404

Abstract

Vibration injury in the hand–arm system from hand-held machines is one of the most common occupational health injuries. Machines emitting high-frequency shock vibrations, e.g., impact wrenches have since long been identified as a special risk factor. In legislative and standard texts, the terms [...] Read more.

Vibration injury in the hand–arm system from hand-held machines is one of the most common occupational health injuries. Machines emitting high-frequency shock vibrations, e.g., impact wrenches have since long been identified as a special risk factor. In legislative and standard texts, the terms shock, impact, peak and transient vibration are frequently used to underline the special risks associated with these kinds of vibrations. Despite this fact, in the literature there is not a mathematically stringent definition of either shock vibration or how the amplitude of the shock is defined. In this study, we suggest algorithms for definition and quantification of these terms and apply them to machine vibrations of various kinds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 15th International Conference on Hand-Arm Vibration)

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5 pages, 360 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Biomarkers in Patients with Hand-Arm Vibration Injury Entailing Raynaud’s Phenomenon and Cold Sensitivity, Compared to Referents

by Eva Tekavec, Tohr Nilsson, Lars B. Dahlin, Anna Axmon, Catarina Nordander, Jakob Riddar and Monica Kåredal

Proceedings 2023, 86(1), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2023086027 - 14 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1933

Abstract

The clinical evaluation of patients with neurosensory injury is based on quantitative sensory testing. Such tests require the patient’s cooperation, which may sometimes hinder a correct diagnosis. Objective findings, e.g., with biomarkers, would therefore be valuable. We evaluated serum biomarkers of vascular and [...] Read more.

The clinical evaluation of patients with neurosensory injury is based on quantitative sensory testing. Such tests require the patient’s cooperation, which may sometimes hinder a correct diagnosis. Objective findings, e.g., with biomarkers, would therefore be valuable. We evaluated serum biomarkers of vascular and neural injury in 92 patients with vibration injuries and in 64 referents. Thrombomodulin (TM), a biomarker for endothelial damage, was elevated in HAVS patients with Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) compared to those without, as it also was in comparison to the referents. In the patients without RP, those with increased cold sensitivity showed somewhat higher—but not significantly different—values of TM (p = 0.4) than those without increased cold sensitivity, indicating an endothelial dysfunction or injury. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 15th International Conference on Hand-Arm Vibration)

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9 pages, 248 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome in Dentistry: A Questionnaire Survey among Dentists and Review of Literature

by Alice Turcot, Denis Hamel and Mélanie Tessier

Proceedings 2023, 86(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2023086017 - 11 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5633

Abstract

The use of dental handpieces and ultrasonic instruments expose dental professionals to high-frequency vibration, precise gripping, high pinch force, and repetitive bending movements of wrist during restorative procedures involving cutting dental material, periodontal scaling, and root planning. There is clear evidence of an [...] Read more.

The use of dental handpieces and ultrasonic instruments expose dental professionals to high-frequency vibration, precise gripping, high pinch force, and repetitive bending movements of wrist during restorative procedures involving cutting dental material, periodontal scaling, and root planning. There is clear evidence of an association between the dentistry profession and work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the neck, upper back and upper extremities; however, the influence of high-frequency vibration on hand and fingers from dental handpieces is not well known. The objectives of the current paper are to present the results of a survey on hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) among members of a professional dental society and to present a literature review on dental handpieces and ultrasonic scalers exposure assessment and occurrence of hand-arm vibration syndrome among dental professionals. There seems to be limited awareness of the occupational risk associated with hand-arm vibration from handpieces and ultrasonic devices. This study highlights the occurrence of vascular and neurological disorders of HAVS among dental professionals, as well as wrist/hand pain, osteoarthritis, diminished hand grip, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The assessment of high-frequency vibration and ultra-vibration from these vibrating tools and vibration-related injuries deserve special attention for future preventive measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 15th International Conference on Hand-Arm Vibration)

5 pages, 3703 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

High-Frequency Vibration from Hand-Held Impact Wrenches and Propagation into Finger Tissue

by Snævar Leó Grétarsson and Hans Lindell

Proceedings 2023, 86(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2023086010 - 10 Apr 2023

Viewed by 2964

Abstract

High-frequency shock-type vibration (HFV) with a frequency content mainly above 1250 Hz, e.g., from impact wrenches, is likely to cause a significant amount of vibration injuries and even hand-arm vibration syndrome. The objective of this study was to measure vibration up to 100 [...] Read more.

High-frequency shock-type vibration (HFV) with a frequency content mainly above 1250 Hz, e.g., from impact wrenches, is likely to cause a significant amount of vibration injuries and even hand-arm vibration syndrome. The objective of this study was to measure vibration up to 100 kHz with a Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV) and investigate the variation of vibration over the machine surface, the vibration propagation into finger tissue, and the vibration reduction on the finger tissue due to a foamed polymer layer. Our results showed that the vibration on the handle varies moderately and that the amplitudes are higher on the machine surface. A large proportion of the vibration is transferred into the finger tissue and thereby subjects the finger tissue to high-vibration amplitudes, but it is effectively reduced by a thin layer of foamed polymer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 15th International Conference on Hand-Arm Vibration)

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19 pages, 7500 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hand-Arm Vibration Assessment and Changes in the Thermal Map of the Skin in Tennis Athletes during the Service

by Ana M. Amaro, Maria F. Paulino, Maria A. Neto and Luis Roseiro

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(24), 5117; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16245117 - 14 Dec 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4668

Abstract

During recent years the number of tennis athletes has increased significantly. When playing tennis, the human body is exposed to many situations which can lead to human injuries, such as the so-called tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). In this work a biomechanical analysis of [...] Read more.

During recent years the number of tennis athletes has increased significantly. When playing tennis, the human body is exposed to many situations which can lead to human injuries, such as the so-called tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). In this work a biomechanical analysis of tennis athletes, particularly during the service, was performed, considering three different types of over-grip and the presence of one anti-vibrator device. One part of the study evaluates the exposure to hand-arm vibration of the athlete, based on the European Directive 2002/44/EC concerning the minimum health and safety requirements, regarding the exposure of workers to risks from physical agents. The second part of the study considers an infrared thermography analysis in order to identify signs of risk of injury, particularly tennis elbow, one of the most common injuries in this sport. The results show that the presence of the anti-vibrator influences the vibration values greatly in the case of athletes with more experience and also for athletes with less performance. The presence of the Cork and/or Tourna on the racket grip does not have any significant effect on the hand-arm vibration (HAV), similarly in the case of athletes with the best performance and athletes with less technique. The results indicated that the infrared thermography technique may be used to identify the risk of injuries in tennis players. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Health)

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4 pages, 406 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Developing a Vibration-Sensing Yarn for Monitoring Hand-Transmitted Vibrations

by Zahra Rahemtulla, Theodore Hughes-Riley and Tilak Dias

Proceedings 2019, 32(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2019032006 - 4 Dec 2019

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1777

Abstract

Overexposure to hand-transmitted vibrations (HTVs) is a serious concern within industries that use vibrating power tools as HTVs can lead to severe and chronic injuries to the hand-arm system, which are preventable by limiting vibration exposure. This study presents a novel vibration-sensing electronic [...] Read more.

Overexposure to hand-transmitted vibrations (HTVs) is a serious concern within industries that use vibrating power tools as HTVs can lead to severe and chronic injuries to the hand-arm system, which are preventable by limiting vibration exposure. This study presents a novel vibration-sensing electronic yarn (E-yarn) that can be used to monitor HTVs at the point-of-entry of the vibrations into the hand. The construction of the vibration-sensing E-yarn is described, with the vibration-sensing E-yarns being fully characterised at each stage of the manufacturing process to understand how the manufacturing stages affect the behaviour of the embedded sensor. The results show that there is no significant difference in the sensor response at each of the three stages in the E-yarn production over a range of frequencies and amplitudes relevant to HTVs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of International Conference on the Challenges, Opportunities, Innovations and Applications in Electronic Textiles)

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