Sensorineural and Peripheral Vascular Responses Induced by Exposure to High-frequency Vibration

Background: Dentists, dental hygienist, and veterinary technicians using drills, scalers and polishers are at risk of developing sensorineural deficits in the fingers and hands. The goal of this study was to determine whether exposure to high-frequency vibration contributed to changes in sensory function.

Methods: The tails of rats were exposed to vibration at 1250 Hz (constant acceleration of 49 m/s2) for 4 hours per day, for 10 days. The effects on sensory nerve function, and vascular function were measured.

Results: Vibration increased sensitivity to applied pressure and to transcutaneous electrical stimulation at 2000 and 250 Hz. It also resulted in a reduction in blood flow and myogenic tone.

Conclusions: Exposure to high-frequency vibration has detrimental effects on both peripheral sensorineural and vascular function.