Vibration dose, disturbance stage, and examination results and subjective symptoms in vibration syndrome

The 1973 national survey of 461 chainsaw operators in private forests was reexamined with respect to vibration exposure dose and the Stockholm Workshop Scale (CIRP and SN stages). Vibration dose (VD) was calculated by the formula "ahw(eq.4h) x D (days) x Y (years)". Vibration dose index (VDI) was calculated according to the level of VD. Subjects were divided into five VDI, for CIRP stage, and four SN stage groups. Examination results and prevalence of subjective symptoms were compared between VDI-1 and other VDI groups, CIRP-0 and other CIRP groups, and SN-0 and other SN groups. VD had higher values in CIRP-2 and 3, and SN-2 and 3 than CIRP-0 and SN-0, respectively. The most severe CIRP-3 and SN-3 appeared at higher rate in VDI-4 and 5 groups than in VDI-1 group. VDI had a correlation with mean value of prevalence of CIRP, vibrotactile perception, mean SN stage and fingertip pinch strength. A correlation was observed between skin temperature and CIRP stage, and between vibrotactile perception and SN stage. Decrease of muscle strength and difficulty in fine finger movement were associated with severe sensorineural disturbance.