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Temporary threshold shift of temperature sensation caused by vibration exposure
I Hirosawa1, K Nishiyama, S Watanabe
1Department of Hygiene, Yamaguchi University, School of Medicine, Japan.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Vibration exposure significantly shifts the temporary threshold of warm sensation (TTSw), with effects increasing with acceleration and peaking at 125 Hz. These TTSw patterns mirror those of vibratory sensation thresholds.
Area of Science:
- Human physiology
- Sensory neuroscience
- Occupational health
Background:
- Vibration exposure can alter sensory perception.
- Understanding temperature sensation shifts is crucial for occupational safety.
- Previous research focused primarily on vibratory sensation thresholds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporary threshold shift (TTS) of temperature sensation.
- To determine the influence of vibration frequency and acceleration on TTS.
- To compare TTS of warm and cool sensations.
Main Methods:
- Subjects were exposed to discrete vibration frequencies (32-500 Hz) at various acceleration levels (2-16 g).
- Temporary threshold shift of warm sensation (TTSw) and cool sensation were measured.
- Decay patterns of TTSw and neutral zone shifts were analyzed post-exposure.
Main Results:
- A marked TTSw was observed, while cool sensation shifts were minimal.
- TTSw increased proportionally with acceleration levels.
- The largest TTSw occurred at 125 Hz, suggesting a lower optimal frequency for warm sensation compared to vibratory sensation.
- TTSw decayed exponentially post-exposure, with a slight rebound effect.
Conclusions:
- Vibration exposure significantly impacts warm temperature sensation thresholds.
- Acceleration is a key factor influencing TTSw.
- The frequency of 125 Hz appears most effective in inducing TTSw.
- TTSw dynamics share similarities with vibration-induced shifts in vibratory sensation.