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Updated: Jan 7, 2026
Measurement of the Hand Transmitted Vibration of the Human Hand Arm System During Operation of a Hand Tractor
Published on: June 16, 2021
Exploring cold sensitivity among workers with hand-arm vibration syndrome
S Bezanson1, A Ruco1,2,3,4, M Howse1
1Interdisciplinary Health Program, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, B2G 2W5, Canada.
Background:
Previous research on functional impairments due to vascular effects in workers with hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) has focused on the upper extremities with little attention to the lower extremities.
Aims:
To examine the severity and factors associated with cold intolerance and sensitivity in the hands and feet of workers with HAVS.
Methods:
A survey and retrospective chart review were used to collect demographics, work conditions and disease characteristics on workers undergoing HAVS assessments. Data also included workers' scores on the Cold Intolerance Symptom Severity (CISS) questionnaire, which was adapted to evaluate the upper and lower extremities separately. Associations between upper and lower extremity scores were explored using Spearman correlations and Wilcoxon signed rank tests, and regression models were used to evaluate whether variables of interest predicted CISS total scores.
Results:
Participants (N = 93; 55% response rate) worked primarily in mining and construction, were exclusively male, and had a mean age of 48 years. Cold intolerance and sensitivity were commonly reported in the feet and correlated with hand symptoms, but most CISS individual questions and total scores were significantly higher for the hands (versus feet). Regression models indicated that QuickDASH and Stockholm vascular scale scores significantly predicted CISS total scores for the hands, while exposure to foot vibration, plethysmography severity scores of the feet and QuickDASH scores significantly predicted CISS total scores for the feet.
Conclusions:
Clinicians should assess and treat cold intolerance and sensitivity in both the hands and feet of workers with HAVS to improve workers' daily functioning.
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