Applied pressure alters circulating hormone levels and biomarkers of peripheral vascular, sensorineural dysfunction

Workers that regularly use vibrating hand tools as part of their job are at risk of developing hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). HAVS is characterized by cold-induced vasospasms that result in blanching of the fingers and hands, loss of sensation, pain, and reductions in manual dexterity, all of which can affect a worker’s ability to perform their job and their quality of life. Vibration exposure significantly contributes to the development of these symptoms by increasing the stress and strain within exposed tissues, which in turn can affect functioning of blood vessels, nerves and sensory receptors in those tissues.