| 1. |
- Gerhardsson, Lars, 1952, et al.
(författare)
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Vibration-induced injuries in workers exposed to transient and high frequency vibrations
- 2020
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Ingår i: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1745-6673. ; 15:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background The risk of developing vibration white fingers and neurosensory symptoms increases with the duration and intensity of the exposure. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of developing vibration white fingers (VWF), neurosensory symptoms and musculoskeletal disorders among workers exposed to transient and high frequency vibrations. Methods The study included 38 vibration exposed workers from a loader assembly plant in Sweden (30 males and 8 females). All participants answered questionnaires and had a structured interview about work and medical history. A following medical examination included the determination of vibration and temperature perception thresholds and musculoskeletal symptoms in the neck, shoulder, elbow and hands. The individual vibration exposure expressed as A (8)-values and vibration exposure in minutes per day, were obtained from questionnaires answered by the participants. Results The prevalence of VWF was 30% among the male workers and 50% among the females. The corresponding prevalence of neurosensory symptoms was 70% among the males and 88% among the females. Musculoskeletal findings were common among the male workers. Dominant symptoms/syndromes were tension neck syndrome, biceps tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar entrapment in hand/wrist. A total of 32 diagnoses were observed among the male workers and four diagnoses among the female workers. Numbness in fingers and age had the strongest impact on perceived work ability. Conclusions ISO 5349-1 considerably underestimates the risks of VWF for this group of workers exposed to transient and high frequency vibrations. It is therefore important to develop a risk assessment standard also covering this frequency range.
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| 2. |
- Gerhardsson, Lars, 1952, et al.
(författare)
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Vibration related symptoms and signs in quarry and foundry workers
- 2021
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Ingår i: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0340-0131 .- 1432-1246. ; 94, s. 1041-1048
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose The development of vascular and neurosensory findings were studied in two groups of long-term exposed quarry and foundry workers with different vibration exposures, working conditions and work tasks. Methods The study included 10 quarry workers (mean age 43 yrs., mean exposure time 16 yrs.) and 15 foundry workers (35 yrs.; 11 yrs.) at two plants in Sweden. All participants completed a basic questionnaire and passed a medical examination including a number of neurosensory tests, e.g. the determination of vibration (VPT) and temperature (TPT) perception thresholds as well as a musculoskeletal examination of the neck, shoulders, arms and hands. Results A high prevalence of neurosensory findings (40%) was found among the quarry workers. Both groups, however, showed a low prevalence of vibration white fingers (VWF). Foundry workers showed significantly better sensitivity than quarry workers for all monofilament tests (p <= 0.016), TPT warmth in dig 2 (p = 0.048) and 5 dexter (p = 0.008), and in dig 5 sinister (p = 0.005). They also showed a better VPT performance in dig 5 dexter (p = 0.031). Conclusions Despite high vibration exposure, the prevalence of VWF was low. The high prevalence of neurosensory findings among the quarry workers may depend on higher A(8) vibration exposure and higher exposure to high-frequency vibrations. An age-effect and exposure to cold could also be contributing factors. The nervous system seems to be more susceptible to high-frequency vibrations than the vascular system. For neurosensory injuries, the current ISO 5349-1 standard is not applicable.
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| 3. |
- Lindegård, A., et al.
(författare)
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Can biofeedback training in combination with ergonomic information reduce pain among young adult computer users with neck and upper extremity symptoms? : A randomized controlled intervention study
- 2024
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Ingår i: Applied Ergonomics. - : Elsevier. - 0003-6870 .- 1872-9126. ; 114
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of this randomized controlled study was to explore if an intervention with biofeedback training in combination with ergonomic discussions, could improve working technique and work postures, and reduce pain intensity and perceived exertion in young adult computer users with ongoing neck and upper extremity symptoms. 39 participants were divided into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention consisted of 4 sessions during a three-month period. Working technique, working postures, rated perceived exertion, pain intensity, and duration of computer use were measured at baseline and follow ups after 6 and 12 months. The intervention did not significantly improve working technique and working postures, nor reduce pain intensity and perceived exertion in the intervention group compared to the control group. However, there was a statistically significant reduction in reported pain intensity in the neck/shoulder for the whole group. Also, there was a trend that time spent with computer work without breaks was more reduced in the intervention group than in the control group.
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