Theory 007/Acoustics & Vibration

Hand-Arm Injury Is a Rate

The claim

Vibration-induced white finger is set by the rate of energy delivery to the fingers rather than by cumulative exposure, so rest breaks change outcome at equal dose.

01The mechanism

Recovery competes with damage. Continuous exposure saturates recovery, while interrupted exposure allows repair between bouts.

02Predictions

P1Interrupted exposure should cause less injury at equal total.
P2Recovery rate should predict severity.

03Refutation

Injury tracking total dose regardless of interruption would remove the rate effect.