[Biomechanic behavior, muscle reaction and subjective perception under vibration stress of the upper extremities between 8 and 80 Hz (author's transl)]

Different acute effects of single-axis and multi-axis hand-arm vibration

Under laboratory conditions the effects of single-axis and multi-axis hand-arm vibration exposure on several strain parameters were tested in up to 20 male subjects. As parameters of these acute effects, the biodynamic vibration behavior of the hand-arm system, the electrical activity of the most affected muscle groups, the skin temperature, the vibration sensitivity of the fingertips, and the subjective vibration sensation were measured. When comparing simulated three-axis vibration exposure with single-axis vibration exposure, synergistic effects in the form of an increasing reaction could be found. It could be proven that the vector sum of the frequency-weighted acceleration in the three axes represents the acute effects better than does the weighted acceleration in the main axis alone. This summation has to take into account the relatively lower effects of vibration in the x- or y-direction compared with the z-direction. On the basis of the experimental results a new proposal for frequency weighting of the three different axes and an energetic summation procedure are derived. Application of this knowledge in the International Standard ISO 5349 is proposed.

Acute effects of shock-type vibration transmitted to the hand-arm system

The aim of the project was to find out whether shock-type vibration of hand-tools compared to non-impulsive vibration has stronger acute effects on the hand-arm system and therefore needs a stricter evaluation from the occupational health point of view in comparison with the requirements of the Draft International Standard ISO-DIS 5349. Under laboratory conditions, subjects were exposed to simulated vibration of hand-tools (grinder, chain saw, hammer-drill, pneumatic hammer, rivet hammer and nailer). The following evaluation criteria were used: biomechanical transmissibility of the hand-arm system (wrist, elbow joint, shoulder joint); muscle-activity (m. flexor carpi ulnaris, m. biceps, m. triceps); peripheral circulation (skin temperature) and subjective perception (comparison of intensity of standard and test vibrations). The results show no significant difference in acute effects on the hand-arm system between impulsive and non-impulsive type vibrations of the hand-tools tested with respect to the chosen vibration level, short-time exposure (up to 8 min) and evaluation criteria. In summary, therefore, it may be concluded that for the evaluation of shock-type vibration of the hand-tools tested, it is justified to use the existing Draft International Standard ISO-DIS 5349.

The effect of vibration on the skeleton, joints and muscles. A review of the literature

Owing to the elasticity and plasticity of the skeleton, joints and muscles, the musculoskeletal system is capable of absorbing and damping mechanical vibration without damage as long as the vibration level is within tolerable limits. However, technical developments have led to the exposure of many people to intolerable variation levels with destructive changes as a result. These injuries to the musculoskeletal system continue to be the subject of research interest. Initially, the joints and joint complaints attracted the greatest attention. Vibration damping takes place mainly in the joints. The incidence of destructive joint changes has been examined in comprehensive clinical, epidemiological and radiographic studies, mainly concentrating on the joints of the hand and arm. The response of muscles to vibration is often expressed in the form of a tonic vibration reflex (TVR) which arises as a result of stimulation of the muscle spindles and therefore resembles the classic tonic stretch reflex. There is increased muscular activation for stabilisation of the joint positions, especially during whole-body vibration. Studies have also disclosed how vibration affects body equilibrium and equilibrium control and how vibration can elicit muscle pain, cramps and reduced muscular strength.