Characterization of frequency-dependent responses of the vascular system to repetitive vibration.

OBJECTIVE

Occupational exposure to hand-transmitted vibration can result in damage to nerves and sensory loss. The goal of this study was to assess the frequency-dependent effects of repeated bouts of vibration on sensory nerve function and associated changes in nerves.

METHODS

The tails of rats were exposed to vibration at 62.5, 125, or 250 Hz (constant acceleration of 49 m/s2) for 10 days. The effects on sensory nerve function, nerve morphology, and transcript expression in ventral tail nerves were measured.

RESULTS

Vibration at all frequencies had effects on nerve function and physiology. However, the effects tended to be more prominent with exposure at 250 Hz.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to vibration has detrimental effects on sensory nerve function and physiology. However, many of these changes are more prominent at 250-Hz exposure than at lower frequencies.