Sensory perception testing by monofilaments in the digits of controls and workers with HAVS.
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ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE:To determine if heavy manual work affects sensory perception in the digits and whether Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments (SWM) can be used as a screening tool to detect sensory neuropathy in the digits of workers exposed to hand-transmitted vibration (HTV). METHODS:A cross-sectional study of office workers, heavy manual workers not exposed to HTV and workers with hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). Sensory perception was measured in the digits by SWM using a forced-choice method to determine variability by sex, age, hand and digit. Frequency distributions were used to determine limit values and linear weighted kappa for intra-digit variability. Poisson regression was used to explore the relationship between sensory perception by SWM and abnormalities of thermal and vibration perception in the hands of workers with HAVS. RESULTS:The sensory perception threshold of office workers did not vary by hand or digit. It was significantly lower in women??50 years had the highest threshold at 1.40 (95% CI 1.00-2.00). Weighted kappa for reliability was 0.63 (95% CI 0.53-0.70). A mean SWM threshold of???1.0 gram-force had a 79% sensitivity and 64% specificity for detecting abnormalities of thermal and vibration perception in the ipsilateral index and little fingers of workers with HAVS. CONCLUSIONS:SWM are a useful screening tool for detecting sensory loss in the digits of workers exposed to HTV.
SUBMITTER: Poole CJM
PROVIDER: S-EPMC7320963 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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