[Effect of mechanical vibrations and noise on creatine kinase activity in workers]

In two groups of workers exposed to vibration and noise exceeding allowable standards within 3 to 30 years for over 4 hrs daily, the activity of creatine kinase-test enzyme for the diagnosis of muscular diseases and traumata was evaluated. Both in group I, composed of 74 workers aged 21-51 (38 on average) topically exposed to mechanical vibrations and noise, and in group II, composed of 45 workers aged 25-51 (37 on average), with topical or whole-body exposure to mechanical vibrations CPK was found to be significantly increased as compared to controls--26 workers carrying on medium (i.e. not very hard) work. In the group of 30 workers exposed to noise only, CPK values were comparable with the control group. CPK was increased irrespective of evident angioneurosis and duration of exposure. The obtained results indicate the advisability of applying the CPK activity investigation as an exposure test.