Seema Venkaraddi Kamaraddi1, Basavaraj Malakajappa Kajagar 2
BACKGROUND
Human motor performance (MP) and motor skills are essential aspects of the
various daily activities. Skilled laboratory workers involved in prolonged duration
of skillful, repetitive work by hands are susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome
(CTS). This study was conducted to assess MP of the hands and determine the
relation between MP and workplace factors.
METHODS
Present cross-sectional study was conducted among 94 laboratory workers
(technicians and attenders). Participants were categorised into two groups
namely, attenders and technicians, each of which was further divided into two
sub-groups of normal participants and those diagnosed with CTS. MP was assessed
by median motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV), work done and fatiguability,
hand grip strength and bimanual coordination. Unpaired ‘t’ test / analysis of
variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the mean values of selected parameters
at a P < 0.05 threshold of significance.
RESULTS
Mean values of median MNCV, work done and time for onset of fatigue were similar
across both groups. In the CTS group, hand grip strength (19.00 ± 5.94 Kg) and
efficiency index (89.54 ± 8.47) were slightly diminished, while the duration of error
in task execution (29.20 ± 21.67 sec) was slightly more than the normal group;
however, these differences were statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). Work done,
hand grip strength, error and efficiency index significantly differed between
technicians and attenders (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Most of MP measures being normal in those with CTS suggest that they are at
early stages of development of CTS, hence requiring suitable preventive measures.
Moreover, workplace factors may adversely affect their work performance.
