NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search

Biomechanics of human hand-arm system in vibration: experimental and theoretical analysis.

Wu JZ; Dong RG; Welcome DE

Recent Research Developments in Biomechanics. Kerala, India: Transworld Research Network, 2009 Jan; 3:43-84

20035570

Prolonged, intensive occupational exposure to hand-transmitted mechanical vibration, arising from the operation of hand-held power tools, is associated with hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), an array of vascular, sensorineural and musculoskeletal disorders in the hand. Although the precise injury mechanisms of HAVS are not yet clear, previous studies have shown that HAVS is mechanically mediated, triggered by the exposure of the tissues of the hand-fingers to excessive vibratory stresses/strains. In this paper, we reviewed the recent advances in biomechanical approaches to assess the exposure of hand transmitted vibration. We will cover four aspects: driving-point biodynamic responses of hand-fingers, vibration distributions in finger and hand, vibration penetration into the soft tissues, and responses of the mechanoreceptors in the fingers to the vibrations. We will discuss both experimental and theoretical approaches applied to these cases.

Vibration; Vibration-disease; Vibration-exposure; Hand-tools; Power-tools; Tools; Hand-injuries; Arm-injuries; Biomechanics

Dr. John Z. Wu, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA

20090101

Book or book chapter

ozw8@cdc.gov

2009

9788178951959

HELD

Construction

Recent Research Developments in Biomechanics

WV