Effects of whole-body vibration on reproductive physiology in a rat model

Workers in a number of sectors including Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities, Construction, Agriculture, Forestry’s and Fisheries and Mining are regularly exposed to whole-body vibration (WBV) while driving large transportation or earth moving vehicles or while using large vibrating tools such as chain saws or rock drills. Exposure to WBV has been associated with an increased risk for neck and back pain. However, the findings of other studies have suggested that occupational exposure to WBV may also serve as a risk factor for the development of a number of diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. In addition, it may result in pre-term births and preclampsia in women and interfere with normal reproductive physiology in both men and women.