Evaluating abnormal cold sensitivity among vibration-exposed workers using hand cold stress testing: A clinical...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Vibration Toxicology
• Sensory Physiology

Background:

• Hand-arm vibration (HAV) exposure is linked to discomfort in cold conditions.
• Diagnostic tools for abnormal cold sensitivity in HAV-exposed workers are lacking.
• Cold stress testing may offer a method to assess cold sensitivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate cold stress testing results against self-reported cold sensitivity in HAV-exposed workers.
• To identify potential objective measures for abnormal cold sensitivity.

Main Methods:

• 225 HAV-exposed workers screened for cold sensitivity.
• Cold stress testing involved immersing the right hand in 3.0°C water for up to 60 seconds.
• Tolerance time and pain ratings (0-100 mm VAS) were recorded.

Main Results:

• 190 workers completed testing; mean tolerance time was 43.7s, mean max pain 69.8mm, mean time to max pain 38.7s.
• 54 workers (24.1%) reported cold sensitivity.
• Cold sensitivity correlated with shorter time to maximum pain (p=0.018), not tolerance time or maximum pain.

Conclusions:

• Workers with cold sensitivity exhibit a quicker onset of cold-related pain.
• A tendency towards shorter tolerance times was observed in symptomatic workers.
• Further research is needed to refine cold sensitivity assessment in HAV-exposed populations.