How long-term tattoo machine vibration affects hand nerves in tattoo artists
Occupational Hand-Arm Vibration Exposure and Its Effects on Median and Ulnar Nerve Function in Tattoo Artists: A Case-Control Study
This study will test whether long-term use of tattoo machines changes nerve sensation and hand strength in professional tattoo artists compared with people without such exposure.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Gazi University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara) |
| Trial ID | NCT07496398 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a cross-sectional case-control study comparing professional tattoo artists with age- and sex-matched healthy controls to look for differences in median and ulnar nerve sensory and motor function. Participants undergo standardized nerve provocation tests (Tinel, Phalen, reverse Phalen, elbow flexion), Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing, two-point discrimination, vibration perception testing at 30 Hz and 256 Hz, and grip and pinch strength measurements. Validated patient-reported outcome questionnaires, including the Brief Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, are also collected. Results will compare objective and subjective measures between tattoo artists and controls to identify any associations with occupational hand-arm vibration exposure.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults (18+) who are professional tattoo artists with at least one year of occupational experience and no diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, cervical radiculopathy, recent upper-extremity surgery or systemic inflammatory disease, with healthy adults without occupational vibration exposure serving as controls.
Not a fit: People with pre-existing diabetes, diagnosed peripheral neuropathy, recent upper-extremity surgery or injury, cervical radiculopathy, systemic inflammatory diseases, pregnancy, substance/alcohol abuse, or who have a second job involving repetitive hand use or vibration are unlikely to benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, results could inform screening, prevention, and workplace-safety recommendations to reduce nerve injury risk in tattoo artists.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies in occupations using vibrating power tools have linked hand-arm vibration to peripheral neuropathy and entrapment neuropathies, but focused research on tattoo artists is limited and relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years * Professional tattoo artists with at least 1 year of occupational experience (case group) * Healthy individuals without occupational vibration exposure (control group) * Voluntary participation and provision of informed consent * No upper extremity trauma or surgery within the last 6 months Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus * Diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy * History of cervical radiculopathy or cervical disc herniation * History of upper extremity surgery or injury * Presence of rheumatologic or systemic inflammatory diseases * Pregnancy * Substance or alcohol abuse * Engagement in a second occupation involving repetitive hand use or vibration exposure
Where this trial is running
Ankara
- Gazi University — Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sedanur Güngör, MSc.
- Email: sedagungor06@hotmail.com
- Phone: +905334480698
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.