title: Associations between anthropometric factors and peripheral neuropathy defined by vibrotactile perception threshold among industrial vibrating tool operators in Japan.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The effect of anthropometric factors on the fingertip vibrotactile perception threshold (VPT) of industrial vibrating tool operators (IVTOs) is not well known. The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between anthropometric factors and fingertip VPT.
  
  
  METHODS
  We included for analysis two groups of IVTOs: Group 1, predominantly forestry workers (n=325); and Group 2, public servants (n=68). These IVTOs regularly received medical examinations to evaluate hand-arm vibration syndrome. In the examination, measurements of their fingertip VPTs were taken before and after cold-water immersion (10 minutes at 10°C for Group 1 and 5 minutes at 12°C for Group 2). Their body height and weight were measured to calculate the body mass index (BMI). The presence of peripheral neuropathy (PN) was defined as a VPT ≥17.5 dB at 10 minutes after finishing immersion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the univariate analysis, weight and BMI were associated with a decreased risk of PN in both Groups 1 and 2. The negative association between BMI and PN remained in the multivariate analysis consistently, but weight reached marginal significance only in the multivariate analysis without BMI in both the groups. Age was positively associated with PN consistently in Group 1 but not in Group 2. Years exposed to vibration showed positive association with PN only in the univariate analysis of Group 1.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Among IVTOs, factors reflecting body heat production, such as weight and BMI, were associated with a decreased risk of VPT-defined PN, regardless of the task engaged.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hygiene, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University.
authors.forename: Shigeki
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Takemura
authors.forename: Kouichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yoshimasu
authors.forename: Kanami
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tsuno
authors.forename: Jin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fukumoto
authors.forename: Mototsugu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kuroda
authors.forename: Kazuhisa
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Miyashita
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000886:Anthropometry; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D005385:Fingers / Q000503:physiopathology; D053421:Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D055698:Touch Perception; D014732:Vibration / Q000009:adverse effects*