Effects of combined hand-arm vibration and cold on skin temperature

Abstract

Under laboratory conditions 14 healthy male subjects were exposed to hand-arm vibration (ahzw = 6.3 m/s2) at different air temperatures (5 degrees, 12 degrees, 18 degrees and 25 degrees C). Static load (grip force 15 N, push force 40 N) was kept constant. Finger tip temperature as an indirect criterion of the peripheral blood circulation was measured. As expected, low air temperatures (5 degrees, 12 degrees and 18 degrees C) cause a strong decrease of skin temperature. Under additional stress of vibration connected with static load, a further decrease of the mean skin temperature was noted. At this, static load proved to have a predominant influence on the acute diminution of skin temperature. The individual reaction to the stressors varied considerably. Field tests during practical work with a chain saw at low air temperatures showed results similar to those of the laboratory tests. The protective effect of a grip heating system could be demonstrated.