The effect of vibration on back discomfort and serum levels of von Willebrand factor antigen: a preliminary communication.

The von Willebrand factor (vWf) is a complex protein whose release is a marker for endothelial damage; serum levels of its antigen (vWFAg) can be used as a marker for such changes. We measured the levels of back discomfort and vWFAg in 11 subjects following 25-min periods of (1) lying down, (2) sitting upright, (3) vibrating whilst sitting and (4) sitting upright. Back discomfort appeared and vWf levels were significantly increased following sitting upright, compared with lying flat, and increased further following vibration. They fell thereafter with a period of sitting still upright. These results demonstrate that vibration has a significant effect in increasing back discomfort and the serum levels of vWFAg, and it is possible that vibration may induce vascular damage within the spine.