Is physical fatigue one of the major causes of motor vehicle accidents? Our study results challenged this traditional belief, and indicated that motor vehicle induced whole body vibration (WBV) is the actual cause....Is physical fatigue one of the major causes of motor vehicle accidents? Our study results challenged this traditional belief, and indicated that motor vehicle induced whole body vibration (WBV) is the actual cause. In this study, rats were subjected to simulated WBV. After 2 weeks all rats were evaluated by multiple physiological tests. Results indicated that WBV for short periods impaired the animal's mental judgment capabilities as well as sensory and motor functions. The primary reason for this is that WBV caused vasoconstriction, which decreased the cerebral blood flow as shown by Doppler imaging. This reduction in blood flow impaired the animal's ability to run a maze. Nerve functions were affected as well. This was shown by a reduction in nerve conduction velocity (NCV). An increase in tail flick and Von Frey withdrawal times showed sensory deficits. Grip strength was also reduced. 4F (human apolipoprotein A-I molecule mimetic) conditioning has shown preventive effects against WBV injury as indicated by the above functional tests. This animal model simulated the most common motor vehicle travel vibration and validated the biological cause and mechanism of physiological impairment from WBV, which can be translated into a practical application for motor vehicle accident prevention.展开更多
文摘Is physical fatigue one of the major causes of motor vehicle accidents? Our study results challenged this traditional belief, and indicated that motor vehicle induced whole body vibration (WBV) is the actual cause. In this study, rats were subjected to simulated WBV. After 2 weeks all rats were evaluated by multiple physiological tests. Results indicated that WBV for short periods impaired the animal's mental judgment capabilities as well as sensory and motor functions. The primary reason for this is that WBV caused vasoconstriction, which decreased the cerebral blood flow as shown by Doppler imaging. This reduction in blood flow impaired the animal's ability to run a maze. Nerve functions were affected as well. This was shown by a reduction in nerve conduction velocity (NCV). An increase in tail flick and Von Frey withdrawal times showed sensory deficits. Grip strength was also reduced. 4F (human apolipoprotein A-I molecule mimetic) conditioning has shown preventive effects against WBV injury as indicated by the above functional tests. This animal model simulated the most common motor vehicle travel vibration and validated the biological cause and mechanism of physiological impairment from WBV, which can be translated into a practical application for motor vehicle accident prevention.