Deleterious effects of whole-body vibration on the spine: A review of in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro models

Anim Models Exp Med, 2021 · DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12163 · Published: February 19, 2021

Spinal Disorders Rehabilitation Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

Exposure to vibration can lead to fatigue and various disorders, including low back pain and hand-arm vibration syndrome. This is common in drivers, vehicle operators, and military personnel due to whole-body vibration (WBV). Despite existing standards, awareness of WBV-associated risks is lacking, leading to prevalent disorders in the workforce and military. WBV's impact on the spinal column and muscles can cause compression, tension, rotation, and flexion, leading to muscle fatigue. Studies show increased muscle activity and decreased oxygenation during WBV, suggesting reduced metabolic activity and blood flow. Epidemiological studies have linked WBV to spinal issues like low back pain, with longer exposure increasing the risk. However, current cohort studies lack precise vibration measurements, making individual risk assessment difficult and highlighting the need for models to study these effects.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review of in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro models

Key Findings

1
WBV leads to peptide changes in neural tissues, reduced vertebrae density, and inflammation and degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD).
2
The IVD undergoes mechanical damage and reduced protein synthesis due to WBV.
3
Back muscles likely undergo peripheral nerve sensitization and increased vascularization because of WBV.

Research Summary

This paper reviews in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro models for spinal pathologies resulting from WBV, aiming to understand how vibration inputs lead to deleterious changes in spinal tissues. The review compares different models of WBV, summarizes WBV parameters, and provides suggestions to bridge the gaps in translating animal models to clinical practice. The authors conclude that WBV impacts neural tissues, reduces vertebrae density, and causes inflammation and degeneration of the IVD, necessitating further research to understand its effects on the spine and LBP.

Practical Implications

Diagnostic Biomarkers

There is a need for novel diagnostic biomarkers for spinal pathologies that do not rely on imaging.

Therapeutic Intervention Targets

Identify salient contributing features from the effects of WBV on the spine.

Exposure Scaling Function

Development of an exposure scaling function across species that is relevant to human WBV exposures would aid in translating findings from the current animal models to inform clinical practice.

Study Limitations

1
Neural tissues have not been examined ex vivo or in vitro.
2
Mechanical testing of the IVD vary in the specimens used and in the applied stimuli.
3
No research to date has looked at the response of the back muscle in vivo, ex vivo, or in vitro.

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