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

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. 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. Vibration increased sensitivity to applied pressure but not to transcutaneous electrical stimulation. It also resulted in changes in blood flow. Changes in vascular and sensorineural function detected in this study are consistent with the idea that high-frequency vibration is injurious to soft tissues.