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Vibration stress and the autonomic nervous system
M Färkkilä1, I Pyykkö, E Heinonen
1Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Helsinki, Finland.
The Kurume Medical Journal
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Occupational vibration exposure negatively impacts heart rate variability (HRV) and is linked to Raynaud
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Autonomic Neuroscience
- Environmental Medicine
Background:
- Raynaud's phenomenon may stem from central sympathetic dysfunction.
- Vibration-exposed workers report increased autonomic symptoms like sweating disturbances and orthostatic hypotension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between occupational vibration exposure and autonomic nervous system function in forest workers.
- To explore the link between vibration exposure, Raynaud's phenomenon, and central nervous system involvement.
Main Methods:
- Studied 217 male forest workers with extensive vibration exposure.
- Conducted electromyography, autonomic nervous system function tests (deep breathing, Valsalva maneuver, tilting bed), and clinical neurological examinations.
- Assessed heart rate variability (HRV) indexes and analyzed associations with vibration exposure duration.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon was 5%.
- Significant differences in HRV indexes during deep breathing were found between workers with shortest and longest vibration exposure (p < 0.001).
- Total vibration exposure time independently and negatively associated with HRV, independent of age.
Conclusions:
- Occupational vibration exposure is independently associated with reduced heart rate variability.
- The findings suggest central nervous system involvement in vibration syndrome, potentially affecting autonomic centers.
- Further research is needed to determine if vibration causes permanent autonomic center changes or if these centers mediate stress to end organs.