Output details

Effect of the magnitude and frequency of hand-transmitted vibration on finger blood flow during and after exposure to vibration

Significance of output:

The vibration from powered hand tools cause the hand-arm vibration syndrome, including vibration-induced white finger. Vibration of the hand causes immediate reductions in finger blood flow, but research methods have been laborious and advances in understanding of the mechanisms have been slow. This study devised a new method of quickly determining the effects of vibration magnitude and vibration frequency on reductions in finger blood flow. It showed for the first time that very low magnitudes of vibration reduce finger blood flow. The findings have provided the basis for a new understanding of the causes of vibration-induced vasoconstriction.