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This case-control study aims to investigate the effects of occupational hand-arm vibration exposure on median and ulnar nerve functions in tattoo artists. Chronic exposure to vibration generated by tattoo machines may lead to neurosensory impairment, reduced tactile sensitivity, and decreased hand strength. Objective assessments including nerve provocation tests, sensory threshold evaluation, two-point discrimination, vibration perception, grip and pinch strength measurements, and validated patient-reported outcome questionnaires will be used. Findings will be compared with age- and sex-matched healthy controls.
This observational cross-sectional case-control study evaluates neurosensory and motor function differences between professional tattoo artists exposed to long-term occupational vibration and healthy controls. Chronic exposure to hand-arm vibration (HAV) has been associated with peripheral neuropathy, entrapment neuropathies, and sensory receptor dysfunction.
Participants will undergo standardized assessment including:
Tinel, Phalen, reverse Phalen, and elbow flexion tests
Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing
Two-point discrimination
Vibration perception testing (30 Hz and 256 Hz)
Grip and pinch strength measurements
Brief Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire
Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire
The study aims to determine whether occupational vibration exposure is associated with measurable alterations in median and ulnar nerve sensory and motor function.
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| Label | Type | Description | Intervention Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tattoo Artists (Vibration-Exposed) | Professional tattoo artists aged 18 years and older with at least one year of occupational exposure to hand-arm vibration generated by tattoo machines. Participants will undergo standardized sensory and motor assessments including nerve provocation tests, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing, two-point discrimination, vibration perception threshold, grip and pinch strength measurements, and validated hand function questionnaires. | ||
| Healthy Controls | Age- and sex-matched healthy individuals without occupational vibration exposure and without history of upper extremity trauma, neuropathy, or systemic disease affecting nerve function. Participants will undergo the same standardized sensory and motor assessments as the case group. |
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| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Threshold | Assessment of light touch sensory threshold using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments applied to the index and little fingers. | Baseline (single assessment session) |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Two-Point Discrimination | Minimum distance (mm) at which two points are perceived as separate on index and little fingers | Baseline (single assessment session) |
| Vibration Perception Duration | Duration (seconds) of vibration perception using tuning fork (30 Hz and 256 Hz) |
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Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
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Professional tattoo artists with at least one year of occupational exposure to vibration and age- and sex-matched healthy individuals.
| Name | Role | Phone | Extension | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedanur Güngör, MSc. | Contact | +905334480698 | sedagungor06@hotmail.com |
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| Facility | Status | City | State | ZIP | Country | Contacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gazi University | Recruiting | Ankara | Turkey (Türkiye) |
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| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D002349 | Carpal Tunnel Syndrome |
| D020430 | Cubital Tunnel Syndrome |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D020423 | Median Neuropathy |
| D020422 | Mononeuropathies |
| D010523 | Peripheral Nervous System Diseases |
| D009468 | Neuromuscular Diseases |
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| Baseline (single assessment session) |
| Grip Strength | Maximal hand grip strength measured using a dynamometer (kg) | Baseline (single assessment session) |
| Pinch Strength | Lateral and tip pinch strength measured using a pinch gauge (kg) | Baseline (single assessment session) |
| Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Score | Symptom severity and functional status scores (1-5 scale) | Baseline (single assessment session) |
| Brief Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire Score | Hand function score normalized to a 0-100 scale | Baseline (single assessment session) |
| Nerve Provocation Test Positivity | Presence of positive findings in Tinel, Phalen, reverse Phalen, and elbow flexion tests | Baseline (single assessment session) |
| D009422 | Nervous System Diseases |
| D009408 | Nerve Compression Syndromes |
| D012090 | Cumulative Trauma Disorders |
| D013180 | Sprains and Strains |
| D014947 | Wounds and Injuries |
| D020424 | Ulnar Neuropathies |
| D017769 | Ulnar Nerve Compression Syndromes |