Influence of handle shape and size to reduce the hand-arm vibration discomfort.

BACKGROUND: Non-automated tool handles transmit a large magnitude of vibration to operators' hands, causing discomfort and pain. Therefore, the need for a better handle design is a matter of prime concern to overcome musculoskeletal disorders such as hand-arm vibration syndrome. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the influence of handle shapes in reducing the transmission of hand-arm vibration. METHODS: Seven different handles were designed and fabricated using 3D printing technology at the SSN College of Engineering, with consideration for the anatomical shape of the hand. The frequency-weighted Root Mean Square (RMS) values of the vibration levels transmitted were recorded at the wrist of twelve subjects, unaffected by musculoskeletal disorders. Subjective ratings of vibration and comfort perception were measured using the Borg Scale of Perceived Exertion. RESULTS: The total vibration value (ahv) of each of the six novel prototype handles (B-G) was compared to that of the reference handle denoted handle-A. The vibration reductions for handles B to G respectively were 0.542 m/s2 (14.59%), 0.481 m/s2 (12.95%), 0.351 m/s2 (9.45%), 0.270 m/s2 (7.27%), 0.407 m/s2 (10.96%) and 0.192 m/s2 (5.17%). CONCLUSIONS: A significant level of vibration reduction was achieved by the prototype handles. Qualitative feedback from the study subjects suggests that they were not aware of the levels of vibration being transmitted to the hand with each handle.

[Influence of psychologic attitude to efficiency of pain treatment in vibration disease].

The article presents results of study concerning influence of desadaptive psychologic attitudes on formation and perception of pain syndrome in 148 vibration disease patients. The authors determined clinical and psychologic predictors of efficiency of pain syndrome treatment in vibration disease patients.

Work disability after diagnosis of hand-arm vibration syndrome.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to study the course of vasospastic and sensorineural symptoms after the clinical diagnosis of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), and the association of current HAVS symptoms with occupational status, self-evaluation of health, quality of life, and work ability. METHODS: We gathered all HAVS cases diagnosed at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health in Helsinki and Tampere during 1990-2008. A questionnaire was sent to all these patients (n = 241). Altogether 149 of them (62 %) returned the questionnaire. Cumulative lifelong vibration exposure was evaluated on the basis of the data in the patient files. RESULTS: On average, 8.5 years after the diagnosis of HAVS, approximately one-third of the patients reported improvement in symptoms of vibration-induced white finger (VWF) and the sensorineural symptoms. Young age and shorter exposure time were associated with improvement in VWF symptoms (p = 0.033 and p < 0.001, respectively). Persistent or deteriorated symptoms of both VWF and sensorineural symptoms were associated with lowered work ability, quality of life (EQ-5D), and general health, also after adjusting for age, smoking, and diseases other than HAVS. The patients' own prediction of work ability in 2 years was more negative if the VWF symptoms or sensorineural symptoms had continued after diagnosis of HAVS (p = 0.065 and p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that in about two-thirds of the patients, the HAVS symptoms may stabilize or deteriorate in the follow-up. Considering the effects on work ability, timely prevention measures should be taken more actively to help patients continue their working careers.

[Chronic fatigue syndrome in patients with vibration disease].

The article presents study results that demonstrate chronic fatigue syndrome in patients with vibration disease. Clinical manifestations of chronic fatigue syndrome are characterized by changes in the emotional-volitional and cognitive areas. Application of nootropic drug cortexin increases the efficiency of rehabilitation in patients with vibration disease with chronic fatigue syndrome.

[Cognitive disorders in occupational diseases of after contact period, associated with cardiovascular problems].

Vibration disease patients with chronic uranium intoxication in after contact period demonstrate moderate cognitive disorders of amnestic multifunctional type in 100% of cases. Individuals having occupational diseases due to physical, toxic and radiation hazards, associated with cardiovascular problems, in after contact period manifest mostly with visual-spatial functions, short-term, operative, visual and aural memory disorders. Visual-spatial functions, short-term, operative, visual and aural memory are decreased more in patients with remote period of chronic uranium intoxication.

[Life quality as an additional criterion to evaluate efficacy of treating vibration disease patients].

Studies covered as an additional criterion to evaluate efficiency of treating vibration disease patients. Studies covered life quality in 40 males having vibration disease during the treatment course. Before the treatment, all the examinees demonstrated decrease in all life quality parameters especially of "role physical functioning" (16.89 points), general health (38.39 points), role emotional functioning (39.64 points). After the treatment most the parameters reliably improved, besides physical and social functioning. The authors recommend SF-36 life quality questionnaire to evaluate treatment efficiency for occupational diseases.

An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the psychological ramifications of hand-arm vibration syndrome.

With a substantial number of individuals diagnosed with Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and the preponderance of research focused on the medical and paramedical issues, the psychological and mental health sequelae of HAVS are largely neglected within the published literature. A series of focus groups and interviews were conducted involving nine people who had been diagnosed with HAVS. Transcripts of these interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Four key themes were identified within the discourse of individuals affected by HAVS: machismo; coping; psychological impacts; and the development of support services for HAVS. Clinical implications are briefly discussed.

[Alexithymia in vibration disease patients].

Neuro-psychologic studies demonstrated that alexithymia manifestations are more frequent in vibration disease patients than in the reference group. With the disease progress alexithymia increases. Alexithymic traits are combined with neurologic disorders, increased anxiety, inclination to depressive response to stress situation. Using nootropics increases efficiency of rehabilitation in vibration disease patients having alexithymia symptoms.

Socio-medicinal aspects of vibration-induced white finger disease.

PURPOSE: The influence of vibration-induced white finger disease on the quality of life and possible social consequences is the subject of the study presented herein. METHOD: The data acquisition was carried out by means of a standardized questionnaire. Parameters such as quality of life, professional practice, prevention and social security were assessed among other things. RESULTS: Nearly three quarters of the interviewees (n = 115) did not consult a physician with the occurrence of the first complaints. Physicians frequently made the correct diagnosis only with delay. From the first occurrence of symptoms to the acknowledgment as an occupational disease 0.5-34.5 years had usually elapsed. The quality of life affected the patients and their families. Change of profession and unemployment were frequently associated with substantial problems. There is clear need for information regarding the clinical picture, protective possibilities in the workplace, recognition as an occupational disease and financial problems. The introduction of industrial safety measures was not substantially affected by the occurrence of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: A quick diagnosis and the recognition of this occupational disease are important in view of its potential reversibility upon discontinuation of the exposition to vibration. As a consequence, intensified preventive measures need to be called for.

Quality of life in Swedish workers exposed to hand-arm vibration.

The objective of the present study was to analyse whether differences existed among workers exposed to hand-arm vibration (HAV) with regard to quality of life (QoL) issues. One hundred and eight male workers from a heavy manufacturing plant, with and without HAV symptoms, and workers referred to a hand surgery department with severe HAV symptoms participated in the study. The participants attended a clinical interview, were given a physical examination of the hands and administered the Göteborg Quality of Life instrument and the Evaluation of Daily Activity Questionnaire (EDAQ). Results indicated that workers referred to a hand surgery department with more severe HAV symptoms described a lower quality of life, defined here as lower subjective well-being, more symptoms of ill-health and difficulties with activities of daily living (ADL), than workers with no HAV symptoms. Workers from a heavy manufacturing plant with HAV symptoms experienced more difficulties with ADL, especially while working outdoors in cold weather, than workers with no HAV symptoms. Limitations of the present study include the use of a subjective scale to describe HAV symptoms. Further research is recommended on a larger sample of workers at risk for HAV symptoms to develop preventative ergonomic strategies.