[Whole body vibrations and low back pain].
Whether exposure to whole body vibration (WBV) in transport vehicles and moving machinery constitutes a health risk is unclear. The literature on this subject is vast, but most is of limited scientific value. A recent review covering the literature up to 1992 has been used as a basis for a further search concerning the period 1992-1996. Fifty-three articles were found: 14 epidemiological studies, 15 human laboratory experiments, four animal experiments, seven field studies and 13 reviews. Almost all epidemiological studies yielded insufficient information and had methodological shortcomings. Of the reviews, only three were critical. Experimental data support the hypothesis that WBV can have a negative effect on the spine. Epidemiological studies have shown drivers to have an increased prevalence of low back pain, probably in a dose-related fashion. Hence, it is likely that long-term exposure to WBV can contribute to back disorders. Present studies do not allow for a quantitative specification of the association between exposure and effect.
Odense Universitetshospital, arbejds- og miljømedicinsk klinik.
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Lings
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Leboeuf-Yde
D000818:Animals; D001334:Automobile Driving; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D014732:Vibration / Q000009:adverse effects*