Crosshift Vibrometry: Biomarker for Ergonomic Stress
Abstract
Identification of a reliable and sensitive biomarker for ergonomic stress would be important for the early identification of high risk tasks that may lead to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. This dissertation consisted of three field studies conducted at a large aircraft repair facility which looked into the use of multi-frequency vibrotactile thresholds changes over the workday (crosshift vibrometry) as a potential biomarker for ergonomic stress. In the first study, 121 industrial workers (82 male, 39 female) from a variety of occupations had their vibrotactile thresholds measured at four frequencies (31.5 Hz, 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz) in the morning and afternoon. Fingertip skin temperature, demographic information, time of test, hand/wrist pain, and task information were recorded for each worker. Overall, vibration sensitivity increased as the day progressed. The effect was small and frequency dependent with higher frequencies producing greater effects. Crosshift vibrometry was significantly associated with fingertip skin temperature differences and exposure duration, but only at the highest frequencies (250, 500 Hz). Crosshift vibrometry was not associated with sex or age at any frequency. In the second study, 52 workers from five shops (36 male, 16 female) were tested on two separate days. At the lowest frequency tested (31.5 Hz), crosshift vibrometry was associated with the shops that employees worked in (sheetmetal repair, engine repair, grocery scanners).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA284337
Entities
People
- Edward J. Klinenberg
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology