Sensorineural and peripheral vascular responses induced by exposure to high-frequency vibration. II Effects in females.

Objectives: Dental and veterinary technicians performing dental work are predominately female. The goal of this study was to determine whether exposure to high-frequency vibration, similar to that generated by dental tools, contributes to changes in sensory and vascular function.

Methods: The tails of female 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 but not to transcutaneous electrical stimulation. It also resulted in changes in blood flow.

Conclusions: Changes in vascular and sensorineural function detected in this study are consistent with the idea that high-frequency vibration is injurious to soft tissues.