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Updated: Aug 4, 2026
07:32
Measurement of Vibration Detection Threshold and Tactile Spatial Acuity in Human Subjects
Published on: September 1, 2016
Tactile perception in hands occupationally exposed to vibration
A J Brammer1, J E Piercy, P L Auger
1Division of Physics, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|September 1, 1987
Summary
Occupational vibration exposure, like from chain saws, can cause distinct sensory changes in hands. Researchers identified three response patterns, two linked to vibration-induced neuropathy affecting nerve receptors.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Neuroscience
- Sensory Physiology
Background:
- Occupational exposure to vibration can lead to sensory impairments in the hands.
- Conventional neurologic tests may not fully capture subtle sensory changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess sensory changes in hands occupationally exposed to vibration.
- To identify patterns of sensory perception related to vibration exposure.
- To investigate the link between vibration exposure and neuropathy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized conventional neurologic tests and advanced techniques for tactile spatial resolution (gap detection) and vibrotactile perception thresholds.
- Tested frequencies ranging from 2 to 400 Hz.
- Compared 10 forest workers exposed to chain saw vibration with 7 age-matched laboratory workers, controlling for confounding factors.
Main Results:
- Identified three distinct patterns of sensory response in hands exposed to vibration.
- Two patterns were associated with vibration-induced neuropathy.
- Observed normal to enhanced thresholds in some receptors (SAI, FAI, FAII) in one pattern, elevated thresholds across all three receptor types in a second (extreme) pattern, and elevated thresholds in SAI and/or FAII in a third pattern.
Conclusions:
- Vibration exposure can induce specific patterns of sensory nerve damage.
- Advanced sensory testing reveals distinct neuropathic responses to occupational vibration.
- Understanding these patterns aids in diagnosing and managing vibration-induced neuropathy.
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