Table 7

Differences in the Bayesan information criterion (BIC)* between logistic models assessing the association between VWF (binary outcome) and alternative measures of vibration exposure, while adjusting for age and smoking

Doseah,w(eq,T) and total hoursah,uw(eq,T) and total hoursah,w(eq,T) and years of exposureah,uw(eq,T) and years of exposure
In the logistic regression models, vibration dose, equivalent acceleration, and duration of exposure (total hours or years) were included as quintile based design variables, assuming the lowest quintile as the reference category.
*Strength of evidence favouring one model against another model on the basis of the value of the difference in BIC24: 0–2 = weak evidence; 2–6 = positive evidence; 6–10 = strong evidence; >10 = very strong evidence. Positive value = model in the column is better than model in the row; negative value = model in the row is better than model in the column
Σti (hours)30.835.8−27.4 17.2
Σawiti (ms−2h)18.6−39.5
Σawi2 ti (m2s−4h)59.5 1.31
Σawi4 ti (m4s−8h)78.320.1
Σauwiti (ms−2h)14.7−38.3
Σauwi2 ti (m2s−4h)30.1−22.9
Σauwi4 ti (m4s−8h)54.9 1.99