Applied force alters sensorineural and peripheral vascular function in an animal model of hand-arm vibration syndrome

Working with vibrating hand tools is associated with the development of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). HAVS is characterized by cold-induced vasospasms, finger blanching and changes in sensory function. Vibration plays a major role in the development of the symptoms that are characteristic of HAVS, however, the hands and fingers of worker using tools are also exposed to pressure applied as the workers grip tools. The pressure applied by gripping a tool might also affect blood flow and sensorineural function. Therefore, this study examined the effects of applied pressure [2 and 4 newtons (N)] on peripheral vascular and sensorineural function using a characterized rat tail model. The tails of rats were exposed to 0, 2 or 4N of applied force for 10 days. Blood flow (laser doppler) and sensitivity of the tail to pressure (Randall-Selitto pressure test) was measured on days 1, 5 and 10 of the exposure. The sensitivity of the tail nerves to electrical stimulation was measured on days 2 and 9.