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Relation between vibrotactile perception thresholds and reductions in finger blood flow induced by vibration of the hand at frequencies in the range 8–250 Hz

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Abstract

Purpose

This study investigated how the vasoconstriction induced by vibration depends on the frequency of vibration when the vibration magnitude is defined by individual thresholds for perceiving vibration [i.e. sensation levels (SL)].

Methods

Fourteen healthy subjects attended the laboratory on seven occasions: for six vibration frequencies (8, 16, 31.5, 63, 125, or 250 Hz) and a static control condition. Finger blood flow (FBF) was measured in the middle fingers of both hands at 30-second intervals during five successive periods: (i) no force or vibration, (ii) 2-N force, no vibration, (iii) 2-N force, vibration, (iv) 2-N force, no vibration, (v) no force or vibration. During period (iii), vibration was applied to the right thenar eminence via a 6-mm diameter probe during ten successive 3-min periods as the vibration magnitude increased in ten steps (−10 to +40 dB SL).

Results

With vibration at 63, 125, and 250 Hz, there was vasoconstriction on both hands when the vibration magnitude reached 10 dB SL. With vibration at 8, 16, and 31.5 Hz, there was no significant vasoconstriction until the vibration reached 25 dB SL. At all frequencies, there was greater vasoconstriction with greater magnitudes of vibration.

Conclusions

It is concluded that at the higher frequencies (63, 125, and 250 Hz), the Pacinian channel mediates vibrotactile sensations near threshold and vasoconstriction occurs when vibration is perceptible. At lower frequencies (8, 16, and 31.5 Hz), the Pacinian channel does not mediate sensations near threshold and vasoconstriction commences at greater magnitudes when the Pacinian channel is activated.

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Abbreviations

% FBF:

Percentage change in finger blood flow

BMI:

Body mass index

dB:

Decibel

FAI:

Fast adapting I

FAII:

Fast adapting II

FBF:

Finger blood flow

FST:

Finger skin temperature

IQR:

Inter-quartile range

NPI:

Non-Pacinian I

NPII:

Non-Pacinian II

NPIII:

Non-Pacinian III

P:

Pacinian

SD:

Standard deviation

SL:

Sensation level

VPM:

Vibrotactile perception meter

VWF:

Vibration-induced white finger

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Human Factors Research Unit, Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, England, UK

    Ying Ye & Michael J. Griffin

Authors
  1. Ying Ye
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  2. Michael J. Griffin
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Correspondence to Michael J. Griffin.

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Communicated by Massimo Pagani.

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Ye, Y., Griffin, M.J. Relation between vibrotactile perception thresholds and reductions in finger blood flow induced by vibration of the hand at frequencies in the range 8–250 Hz. Eur J Appl Physiol 114, 1591–1603 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-2885-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-2885-y

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