Hand-transmitted Vibration Exposure Research Articles

Dupuytren’s disease and occupational mechanical exposures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The risk of developing Dupuytren’s disease among workers exposed to occupational mechanical exposures has been reported in few systematic reviews, mainly related to vibration. Expanding the investigation to all occupational...

Microvascular abnormalities induced by hand-transmitted vibration reflects in finger systolic blood pressure: a cross-sectional study in China.

Local vibration can cause microcirculatory abnormalities such as blood stasis and symmetrical intermittent digital artery vasospasm. Finger SBP (FSBP) measurement is a potential way of assessing vascular components. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the relationship between the occurrence of the vibration-induced white finger (VWF) and changes in FSBP and then set the application value of FSBP measurements in the early diagnosis of VWF. All samples were judgmental sampling from one factory. Totally 50 patients with VWF were the case group, while 50 without occupational hand-transmitted vibration exposure were the control group. FSBP measurements and epidemiological feature investigations were taken. There were significant reductions in FSBP level and %FSBP index at both 10 °C and 30 °C in fingers reported VWF ( P < 0.05). The %FSBP abnormal rate of the index, ring and little finger in the VWF group was higher than the control (44.00% vs. 18.00%, 78.00% vs. 26.00%, 64.00% vs. 8.00%). The %FSBP of the ring and little finger had a relatively high application value (area under curve = 0.902, 0.737), while their standard regression coefficients were -0.23 and -0.412. The diagnostic cutoff value of the ring finger was 77.60%, while the sensitivity and specificity were 86.67%. FSBP measurements were proven helpful in monitoring and diagnosing VWF prospectively and proved to have great application value in our study. %FSBP of the ring finger was the appropriate diagnostic index in FSBP measurements, while its abnormal value could be set as 80.00%.

Effect of noise and hand-transmitted vibration exposure on hearing and equilibrium under a simulated work environment with building tools.

Construction workers are exposed to hand-transmitted vibration (HTV) and/or noise caused by vibrating hand tools in the work environment. The present study aims to investigate the effects of exposure to HTV and/or noise on workers' hearing loss and body balance. Forty construction workers were exposed to HTV (10 m/s2 rms, 31.5 Hz) and/or typical construction noise (90 dBA) in three simulated experiment scenarios with the vibrating hand-held tool for 30 minutes over three days. The hearing loss from 1000 to 6000 Hz and the body balance were determined before and after each exposure scenario. Separate noise exposure at all frequencies except for 1000 Hz could significantly affect hearing threshold levels (p-value<0.05). Separate exposure to HTV cannot lead to a remarkable effect on hearing loss (p-value>0.05); however, it can synergistically increase the effect of noise on hearing loss. Also, the affected frequency range in concurrent exposure has been greater than in separate noise exposure. The separate effects of exposure to HTV and noise on the subjects' body balance were not statistically significant (p-value>0.05); however, these effects became significant in concurrent exposure (p-value<0.05). Based on the estimated effect sizes, noise could synergistically increase the observed effect of HTV on body balance. There is a synergistic interaction between HTV and noise on hearing loss and body balance. It seems necessary to pay attention to the risk evaluation of simultaneous exposure to noise and HTV when setting the occupational action limit values.

Work-Rest Schedules for Hand Tractor Field Operation with Hand-Transmitted Vibration Exposure Limitation

Work-Rest Schedules for Hand Tractor Field Operation with Hand-Transmitted Vibration Exposure Limitation

A Study on Vascular Regulators as Early Biomarkers of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome.

Purposes of this study are to study the changes in expression of vascular regulators after vibration exposure and during the onset of vibration-induced white finger (VWF) and to screen for vascular regulatory factors that could be used as early biomarkers of HAVS. Using judgmental sampling from a Chinese factory, workers with VWF and hand-transmitted vibration exposure but without VWF were selected for research. Blood samples were taken from all subjects, and the levels of nine of the vascular regulators were measured using ELISA. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed on nine vascular regulators to assess their diagnostic sensitivity for VWF with the following area under the curve results: PGI 2 = 0.861, ANP = 0.840. Collectively, PGI 2 and ANP exhibited the most potential for the early diagnosis of HAVS.

Analysis of polymorphic loci of candidate genes in patients with occupational diseases

Introduction. Development and progress features of vibration syndrome (VS) and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) are determined by genetic factors to a certain extent. The latter define the relevance of the search for individual approaches to prevention and medical support of patients with these occupational diseases.&#x0D; The aim of the study was to investigate the genotypes distribution of polymorphic loci of candidate genes in patients with occupational diseases caused by vibration and noise impact.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Polymorphic variants of the HSPA1B (rs1061581), IL17A (rs2275913), IL10 (rs1800872), and TNF-α (rs1800629) genes of three hundred ninety eight males were studied using PCR-RFLP and real-time PCR methods, including 268 patients with VS divided into two groups: VShtv (n = 117) and VScomb (n = 151), in which VS was caused by exposure to hand-transmitted vibration (HTV) or combined exposure to HTV and whole-body vibration (COMB), respectively. The study also involved 96 patients with occupational NIHL diagnosis and 34 individuals of the comparison group without occupational contact with physical factors.&#x0D; Results. The increase in GG-HSPA1B (1267A/G) genotype frequency (p=0.058) was found in VScomb patients compared with those from the VShtv group. There was a significant difference in carriers of the C/C genotype of the IL10 (rs1800872) polymorphic locus in the group of NIHL patients relative to the comparison group (p=0.036). The results of regression analysis indicate the carriage of the A allele to reduce the risk of NIHL development.&#x0D; Limitations. The limitations include the number of examined cases in all groups, especially in comparison group and the lack of groups of workers with no occupational exposure to a physical factor. &#x0D; Conclusion. The obtained results expand the understanding of the genetic features able to determine sensitivity to the physical factors exposure that define the development of occupational pathology and the issues to be resolved at the next stage of research.

Vinculin Identified as a Potential Biomarker in Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome Based on iTRAQ and LC-MS/MS-Based Proteomic Analysis.

Local vibration can induce vascular injuries, one example is the hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) caused by hand-transmitted vibration (HTV). Little is known about the molecular mechanism of HAVS-induced vascular injuries. Herein, the iTRAQ (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation) followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) proteomics approach was applied to conduct the quantitative proteomic analysis of plasma from specimens with HTV exposure or HAVS diagnosis. Overall, 726 proteins were identified in iTRAQ. 37 proteins upregulated and 43 downregulated in HAVS. Moreover, 37 upregulated and 40 downregulated when comparing severe HAVS and mild HAVS. Among them, Vinculin (VCL) was found to be downregulated in the whole process of HAVS. The concentration of vinculin was further verified by ELISA, and the results suggested that the proteomics data was reliable. Bioinformative analyses were used, and those proteins mainly engaged in specific biological processes like binding, focal adhesion, and integrins. The potential of vinculin application in HAVS diagnosis was validated by the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Evaluation of the biodynamic response of the hand–arm system and hand-tool designs: a brief review

Hand-operated tools transmit a high magnitude of vibration exposure to the hand–arm system that causes occupational diseases. The health effects caused in various countries for the past years due to usage of hand tools are necessary to identify the occupational disorders. Researchers have conducted various studies on biological effects, hand-transmitted vibration exposure and biodynamic responses throughout the years. This article goes over each of these studies in detail, as well as identifying areas where more research is needed. The majority of studies deal with the following topics: general guidelines for hand-transmitted vibrations; assessment techniques of vibration exposure; hand-tool evaluation methods; influence of hand-tool design to overcome the biomechanical effects; and finite element modelling for quantifying vibration exposure. In response to this, understanding the biodynamic behaviour of the hand–arm system is useful for better ergonomic intervention in hand tools to reduce fatigue and increase comfort.

Incidence of Predisposing Factors on the Human Hand-arm Response with Flexed and Extended Elbow Positions of Workers Subject to Different Sources of Vibrations

Purpose This paper analyses the predisposing factors that affect the time response of the hand–arm system. Predisposing factors are the method of tool use, tool type, source of power, the mass of tool, workpiece held in hand, dimensions of the handle, grip force and push force, and dynamic and thermal properties of handgrips. Methods This research considers the variability of the time response of the hand–arm system with respect to predisposing factors evaluated in 5 working conditions. The mathematical model consists of a distributed parameter representation in the form of a beam characterized by a continuous distribution of the mass, damping, and elasticity of the physical properties of the human and–arm system. The mathematical model considers the action of the extensor muscles of the elbow. The experimental investigations evaluate the forced vibrations of the human hand–arm system in work conditions. Novelty in research The analysis of predisposing factors on the human hand–arm response with flexed and extended elbow positions of workers subject to different sources of vibrations represents the novelty in this research. Operators assume different human hand–arm postures when using manual power tools. The human hand–arm with flexed and extended elbow positions are the postures of workers evaluated in this research. The research on postures of workers aims to provide an evidence base for prevention. Another important objective is to provide a better overview of the extent of the occupational burden of workers. Work-related diseases include musculoskeletal disorders. Results Posture factors of the human hand–arm system and predisposing of occupational hand–transmitted vibration exposures are considered to estimate the response of human hand–arm positions in the time domain. Conclusions Mathematical model and experimental investigations provide a better evaluation of health risks and muscle actions associated with exposure to hand–transmitted vibration from power tools in work conditions.

A Review of Hand-Arm Vibration Studies Conducted by US NIOSH since 2000.

Studies on hand-transmitted vibration exposure, biodynamic responses, and biological effects were conducted by researchers at the Health Effects Laboratory Division (HELD) of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) during the last 20 years. These studies are systematically reviewed in this report, along with the identification of areas where additional research is needed. The majority of the studies cover the following aspects: (i) the methods and techniques for measuring hand-transmitted vibration exposure; (ii) vibration biodynamics of the hand–arm system and the quantification of vibration exposure; (iii) biological effects of hand-transmitted vibration exposure; (iv) measurements of vibration-induced health effects; (iv) quantification of influencing biomechanical effects; and (v) intervention methods and technologies for controlling hand-transmitted vibration exposure. The major findings of the studies are summarized and discussed.

Powered-hand tools and vibration-related disorders in US-railway maintenance-of-way workers.

Maintenance-of-way workers in North America who construct railroad tracks utilize specialized powered-hand tools, which lead to hand-transmitted vibration exposure. In this study, the maintenance-of-way workers were surveyed about neuro-musculoskeletal disorders, powered-hand tools and work practices. Information about vibration emission data of trade specific powered-hand tools for the North American and European Union markets was searched online to obtain respective user information of manufacturer and compared to non-commercial international data banks. The survey showed that maintenance-of-way workers frequently reported typical hand-transmitted vibration-related symptoms, and appear to be at a risk for neuro-musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremity. Of all of the powered-hand tools used by this trade, 88% of the selected tools exceeded a=5 m/s2 and were above vibration magnitudes of common tools of other comparable industries. This may create a risk if these tools are used throughout an 8-h work day and management of vibration exposure may be needed. In the North-American market, limited or no vibration emission data is available from manufacturers or distributors. Vibration emission information for powered-hand tools, including vibration emission levels (in m/s2), uncertainty factor K, and the applied testing standard/norm may assist employers, users and occupational health providers to better assess, compare and manage risk.

The effects of feed force on rivet bucking bar vibrations

Percussive riveting is the primary process for attaching the outer sheet metal “skins” of an aircraft to its airframe. Workers using manually-operated riveting tools (riveting hammers and rivet bucking bars) are exposed to significant levels of hand-transmitted vibration (HTV) and are at risk of developing components of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). To protect workers, employers can assess and select riveting tools that produce reduced HTV exposures. Researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) have developed a laboratory-based apparatus and methodology to evaluate the vibrations of rivet bucking bars. Using this simulated riveting approach, this study investigated the effects of feed force on the vibrations of several typical rivet bucking bars and that transmitted to the bucking bar operator's wrist. Five bucking bar models were assessed under three levels of feed force. The study results demonstrate that the feed force can be a major influencing factor on bucking bar vibrations. Similar feed force effects were observed at the bucking bar operator's wrist. This study also shows that different bucking bar designs will respond differently to variations in feed force. Some bucking bar designs may offer reduced vibration exposures to the bar operator's fingers while providing little attenuation of wrist acceleration. Knowledge of how rivet bucking bar models respond to riveting hammer vibrations can be important for making informed bucking bar selections. The study results indicate that, to help in the appropriate selection of bucking bars, candidate bar models should be evaluated at multiple feed force levels. The results also indicate that the bucking bar model, feed force level, or the bucking bar operator have no meaningful effects on the vibration excitation (riveting hammer), which further suggests that the test apparatus proposed by NIOSH researchers meets the basic requirements for a stable vibration source in laboratory-based bucking bar vibration assessments. This study provides relevant information that can be used to help develop a standardized laboratory-based bucking bar evaluation methodology and to help in the selection of appropriate bucking bars for various workplace riveting applications. Relevance to IndustryBecause the feed force level can affect HTV exposures to bucking bar operators, the feed force required for specific riveting operations should be an important consideration when selecting bucking bar models. This study provides useful information about bucking bar responses to riveting hammer vibrations; this knowledge can improve bucking bar selections.

Prevalence of Hand-transmitted Vibration Exposure among Grass-cutting Workers using Objective and Subjective Measures

Extended exposure to hand-transmitted vibration from vibrating machine is associated with an increased occurrence of symptoms of occupational disease related to hand disorder. The present case study is to determine the prevalence and correlation of significant subjective as well as objective variables that induce to hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) among hand-held grass-cutting workers in Malaysia. Thus, recommendations are made for grass-cutting workers and grass maintenance service management based on findings. A cross sectional study using adopted subjective Hand Arm Vibration Exposure Risk Assessment (HAVERA) questionnaire from Vibration Injury Network on hand disorder signs and symptoms was distributed to a sample of one hundred and sixty eight male workers from grass and turf maintenance industry that use vibrating machine as part of their work. For objective measure, hand-transmitted vibration measurement was collected on site during operation by the following ISO 5349-1, 2001. Two groups were identified in this research comprising of high exposure group and low-moderate exposure group. Workers also gave information about their personal identification, social history, workers’ health, occupational history and machine safety inspection. There was positive HAVS symptoms relationship between the low-moderate exposure group and high exposure group among hand-held grass-cutting workers. The prevalence ratio (PR) was considered high for experiencing white colour change at fingers and fingers go numb which are 3.63 (1.41 to 9.39) and 4.24 (2.18 to 8.27), respectively. The estimated daily vibration exposure, A(8) differs between 2.1 to 20.7 ms-2 for right hand while 2.7 to 29.1 ms-2 for left hand. The subjects claimed that the feel of numbness at left hand is much stronger compared to right hand. The results suggest that HAVS is diagnosed in Malaysia especially in agriculture sector. The A(8) indicates that the exposure value is more than exposure limit value which is 5 ms-2. Thus, control measure such as engineering and administrative control should be implemented to reduce the severity of hand-transmitted vibration hazard.

A longitudinal study of neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders and alternative measures of vibration exposure

To investigate the exposure-response relationships between alternative frequency weightings of hand-transmitted vibration (HTV) and neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in a cohort of HTV workers. In a three-year longitudinal study, the occurrence of neck and upper limb MSDs was investigated in 249 HTV workers and 138 control men. In the HTV workers, MSDs were related to measures of daily vibration exposure expressed in terms of 8-h energy-equivalent frequency-weighted acceleration magnitude [A(8)]. To calculate A(8), the acceleration magnitudes of vibration were weighted by means of four alternative frequency weightings of HTV. The associations between MSDs, individual characteristics, physical work load other than vibration, and psychological strain were also investigated. The occurrence of upper limb MSDs was greater in the HTV workers than in the controls. After adjustment for potential confounders, the occurrence of elbow/forearm and wrist/hand MSDs increased with the increase in vibration exposure. A measure of model selection did not reveal any substantial difference in the performance of the alternative frequency weightings of HTV for the prediction of neck and upper limb MSDs. In the study population, age, hard physical work load, and poor psychological well-being were associated with both neck and upper limb MSDs. In this study, there was evidence for significant exposure-response relationships between HTV exposure and MSDs in the distal sites of the upper limbs. There were no differences in the prediction of neck and upper limb MSDs between measures of daily vibration exposure calculated with alternative frequency weightings of acceleration magnitude.

The Effect of a Mechanical Arm System on Portable Grinder Vibration Emissions.

Mechanical arm systems are commonly used to support powered hand tools to alleviate ergonomic stressors related to the development of workplace musculoskeletal disorders. However, the use of these systems can increase exposure times to other potentially harmful agents such as hand-transmitted vibration. To examine how these tool support systems affect tool vibration, the primary objectives of this study were to characterize the vibration emissions of typical portable pneumatic grinders used for surface grinding with and without a mechanical arm support system at a workplace and to estimate the potential risk of the increased vibration exposure time afforded by the use of these mechanical arm systems. This study also developed a laboratory-based simulated grinding task based on the ISO 28927-1 (2009) standard for assessing grinder vibrations; the simulated grinding vibrations were compared with those measured during actual workplace grinder operations. The results of this study demonstrate that use of the mechanical arm may provide a health benefit by reducing the forces required to lift and maneuver the tools and by decreasing hand-transmitted vibration exposure. However, the arm does not substantially change the basic characteristics of grinder vibration spectra. The mechanical arm reduced the average frequency-weighted acceleration by about 24% in the workplace and by about 7% in the laboratory. Because use of the mechanical arm system can increase daily time-on-task by 50% or more, the use of such systems may actually increase daily time-weighted hand-transmitted vibration exposures in some cases. The laboratory acceleration measurements were substantially lower than the workplace measurements, and the laboratory tool rankings based on acceleration were considerably different than those from the workplace. Thus, it is doubtful that ISO 28927-1 is useful for estimating workplace grinder vibration exposures or for predicting workplace grinder acceleration rank orders.

Measurement of coupling forces at the power tool handle-hand interface

This study explored a low-cost system for measurement of coupling forces imposed by the hand on a handle under static and dynamic conditions, and its feasibility for applications to hand-held power tools. The properties of thin-film, flexible and trim-able resistive sensors (FlexiForce) were explored in view of their applicability for measurements of the hand-handle interface forces. The sensors showed very good linearity, while considerable differences were evident in the sensitivity amongst different sensors. The appropriate locations of the sensors on the handle surface were subsequently determined on the basis of the hand-handle geometry and reported force distributions. The validity of the measurement system was investigated for measuring the hand grip and push forces with eight subjects grasping five different stationary instrumented handles (cylindrical: 32, 38 and 43 mm diameter; and elliptical: 32 × 38 and 38 × 44 mm) considering two different positions of the sensors on the handle. The validity of the measurement system was also investigated under vibration for the 38 and 43 mm diameter cylindrical handles. The results showed good linearity and repeatability of the sensors for all subjects and handles under static as well as vibration conditions, while the sensors' outputs differed for each handle. The feasibility of the measurement system was also examined for measurements of hand forces on a power chisel hammer handle. The evaluations were conducted with three subjects grasping the power chisel handle under stationary as well as vibrating conditions, and different combinations of hand grip, push and coupling forces. The measurements revealed very good correlations between the hand forces estimated from the FlexiForce sensors and the reference values for the stationary as well as the vibrating tool. Relevance to industryThe measurement of hand-handle interface forces is vital for assessing the hand-transmitted vibration exposure and musculoskeletal loads. The low cost and flexible sensors, proposed in the study, could be conveniently applied to the curved surfaces of real power tool handles in the field to measure hand grip and push forces, and the forces exerted on the palm and the fingers. The most significant benefits of the sensors lie with its minimal cost and applicability to the real tool handles.

Feasibility analysis of low-cost flexible resistive sensors for measurements of driving point mechanical impedance of the hand-arm system

This study explored the feasibility of the flexible resistive (FlexiForce) force sensors for measurement of the hand-arm biodynamic response. Two FlexiForce sensors were installed on an instrumented handle to measure the palm-handle and finger–handle interface dynamic forces. The measurements were performed with six subjects grasping a 38 mm diameter instrumented handle with nine different combinations of grip (10, 30 and 50 N) and push (25, 50 and 75 N) forces and two levels of broad-band random vibration (1.5 and 3.0 m/s2 weighted rms acceleration) in the 4–1000 Hz frequency range. The data acquired from the instrumented handle was analyzed to determine the palm and finger impedance responses, which served as the reference values to evaluate feasibility of the FlexiForce sensors. The comparisons revealed very similar trends, while the impedance magnitude responses obtained from the FlexiForce sensors were substantially lower in the entire frequency range than the reference values, except at very low frequencies. A correction function was subsequently developed and applied to the FlexiForce measured data, which resulted in similar hand-arm impedance response trends compared to the reference values. It was concluded that the low-cost FlexiForce sensors could be applied for measurements of biodynamic responses of the hand-arm system in real tool handles in the field. Due to the physiological risks associated with prolonged exposure to tool vibration the applicability of a low-cost biodynamic response measurement system can be used as a preventative measure for such risks. Relevance to industryThe measurement of hand–handle interface forces is vital for assessing the hand-transmitted vibration exposure and the biodynamic responses of the hand-arm system to vibration. The low cost and flexible sensors, proposed in the study, could be conveniently applied to the curved surfaces of real power tool handles in the field. The most significant benefit of the sensors lies with its negligible mass and thereby the instrumented handle inertia-induced errors in the biodynamic responses can be eliminated.

Anti-vibration gloves?

For exposure to hand-transmitted vibration (HTV), personal protective equipment is sold in the form of anti-vibration (AV) gloves, but it remains unclear how much these gloves actually reduce vibration exposure or prevent the development of hand-arm vibration syndrome in the workplace. This commentary describes some of the issues that surround the classification of AV gloves, the assessment of their effectiveness and their applicability in the workplace. The available information shows that AV gloves are unreliable as devices for controlling HTV exposures. Other means of vibration control, such as using alternative production techniques, low-vibration machinery, routine preventative maintenance regimes, and controlling exposure durations are far more likely to deliver effective vibration reductions and should be implemented. Furthermore, AV gloves may introduce some adverse effects such as increasing grip force and reducing manual dexterity. Therefore, one should balance the benefits of AV gloves and their potential adverse effects if their use is considered.

A cross sectional study on hand-arm vibration syndrome among a group of tree fellers in a tropical environment.

This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics of hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) in a group of tree fellers in a tropical environment. We examined all tree fellers and selected control subjects in a logging camp of central Sarawak for vibration exposure and presence of HAVS symptoms utilizing vibrotactile perception threshold test (VPT) and cold water provocation test (CWP). None of the subjects reported white finger. The tree fellers reported significantly higher prevalence of finger coldness as compared to the control subjects (OR=10.32, 95%CI=1.21–87.94). A lower finger skin temperature, longer fingernail capillary return time and higher VPT were observed among the tree fellers as compared to the control subjects in all fingers (effect size >0.5). The VPT following CWP of the tree fellers was significantly higher (repeated measures ANOVA p=0.002, partial η2=0.196) than the control subject. The A (8) level was associated with finger tingling, numbness and dullness (effect size=0.983) and finger coldness (effect size=0.524) among the tree fellers. Finger coldness and finger tingling, numbness and dullness are important symptoms for HAVS in tropical environment that may indicate vascular and neurological damage due to hand-transmitted vibration exposure.

The effects of vibration-reducing gloves on finger vibration

Vibration-reducing (VR) gloves have been used to reduce the hand-transmitted vibration exposures from machines and powered hand tools but their effectiveness remains unclear, especially for finger protection. The objectives of this study are to determine whether VR gloves can attenuate the vibration transmitted to the fingers and to enhance the understanding of the mechanisms of how these gloves work. Seven adult male subjects participated in the experiment. The fixed factors evaluated include hand force (four levels), glove condition (gel-filled, air bladder, no gloves), and location of the finger vibration measurement. A 3-D laser vibrometer was used to measure the vibrations on the fingers with and without wearing a glove on a 3-D hand-arm vibration test system. This study finds that the effect of VR gloves on the finger vibration depends on not only the gloves but also their influence on the distribution of the finger contact stiffness and the grip effort. As a result, the gloves increase the vibration in the fingertip area but marginally reduce the vibration in the proximal area at some frequencies below 100Hz. On average, the gloves reduce the vibration of the entire fingers by less than 3% at frequencies below 80Hz but increase at frequencies from 80 to 400Hz. At higher frequencies, the gel-filled glove is more effective at reducing the finger vibration than the air bladder-filled glove. The implications of these findings are discussed. Relevance to industryProlonged, intensive exposure to hand-transmitted vibration can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome. Vibration-reducing gloves have been used as an alternative approach to reduce the vibration exposure. However, their effectiveness for reducing finger-transmitted vibrations remains unclear. This study enhanced the understanding of the glove effects on finger vibration and provided useful information on the effectiveness of typical VR gloves at reducing the vibration transmitted to the fingers. The new results and knowledge can be used to help select appropriate gloves for the operations of powered hand tools, to help perform risk assessment of the vibration exposure, and to help design better VR gloves.