NEW ORLEANS, Apr 21, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- A U.S. government scientist says
job-related vibrations can result in biological injuries including vascular
dysfunction that can cause loss of dexterity.
Kristine Krajnak of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and
her colleagues conducted what they say was the first study to directly link the
different physical responses of tissue to various vibration frequencies with
biological mechanisms underlying the development of vascular dysfunction.
The researchers said their findings support the importance of reducing
job-related exposure to vibration.
Higher frequency vibrations -- those greater than 100Hz -- are smoother than the
slower vibrations of approximately 63 Hz and therefore are less likely to cause
users discomfort. But the researchers say their findings in research involving
rats suggest exposure to both high and low frequencies cause different
physiological responses, but both can affect the risk of developing
vibration-induced peripheral vascular dysfunction.
Workers also might experience reductions in tactile sensitivity, grip strength
and/or manual dexterity due to vibration exposure.
The study that include NIOSH biologists Stacey Waugh, Roger Miller and Claud
Johnson, as well as biostatistician Michael Kashon was presented this week in
New Orleans during the Experimental Biology 2009 meeting.
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Copyright 2009 by United Press International