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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
Measurement of Vibration Detection Threshold and Tactile Spatial Acuity in Human Subjects
Published on: September 1, 2016
A longitudinal study of peripheral sensory function in vibration-exposed workers.
Massimo Bovenzi1, Federico Ronchese, Marcella Mauro
1Unità Clinica Operativa di Medicina del Lavoro, Dipartimento di Scienze della Riproduzione e dello Sviluppo e di Scienze di Medicina Pubblica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti di Trieste, Università di Trieste, Centro Tumori, Via della Pietà 19, Trieste, 34129, Italy. bovenzi@units.it
Hand-transmitted vibration (HTV) exposure is linked to thermal sensory impairment. This study found a clear exposure-response relationship, suggesting thermal perception thresholds can detect early signs of vibration-induced neuropathy.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Neuroscience
- Ergonomics
Background:
- Hand-transmitted vibration (HTV) is a known occupational hazard.
- Sensory dysfunction can result from prolonged exposure to HTV.
- Early detection of neuropathy is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively examine the relationship between daily hand-transmitted vibration (HTV) exposure and sensory dysfunction.
- To identify specific measures of vibration exposure that correlate with changes in sensory perception.
- To evaluate the utility of thermal perception thresholds (TPT) and vibrotactile perception thresholds (VPT) in assessing HTV-induced neuropathy.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study involving 27 controls and 29 naval engine workers exposed to HTV.
- Measurement of thermal perception thresholds (warmth and cold) and vibrotactile perception thresholds (31.5 and 125 Hz) at fingertips.
- Quantification of vibration exposure using equivalent frequency-weighted acceleration [A (h(eq,T))], duration (T), and normalized acceleration [A(8)].
Main Results:
- HTV workers exhibited altered thermal perception (higher warmth, lower cold thresholds) compared to controls at baseline.
- A significant longitudinal association was found between changes in thermal perception thresholds and all measures of daily vibration exposure.
- No significant associations were observed between vibration exposure and vibrotactile perception thresholds at either frequency.
Conclusions:
- A significant exposure-response relationship exists between cumulative vibration exposure and the development of thermal sensory impairment.
- Thermal perception threshold testing shows promise as an early diagnostic tool for vibration-induced neuropathy.
- Vibrotactile perception thresholds may be less sensitive to early-stage sensory changes from HTV exposure.
