Saf Health Work.  2020 Dec;11(4):458-465. 10.1016/j.shaw.2020.06.008.

Influences of Neck and/or Wrist Pain on Hand Grip Strength of Industrial Quality Proofing Workers

• Wollesen B
• Gräf J
• Schumacher N
• Meyer G
• Wanstrath M
• Feldhaus C
• Luedtke K
• Mattes K

• KMID: 2509734
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2020.06.008

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to analyze the interaction between neck and/or wrist pain and hand grip strength (HGS) and to investigate factors (age, sex, neck disorders, and carpal tunnel syndrome) influencing the HGS of industrial quality proofing workers (N = 145).
Methods
Standardized questionnaires [Neck Disability Index (NDI), Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire] were used to evaluate existing neck and/or wrist pain. HGS measurements were performed in different wrist positions.
Results
Significant differences between participants with and without neck pain were found in different wrist positions, in neutral wrist position right [without neck pain (n = 48) 46.34 (43.39 – 49.30); with neck pain (n = 97) 38.46 (36.20 – 40.72), F(1,144) = 16.82, p < 0.001, ŋ²p = 0.11] and left [without neck pain 44.06 (41.19 – 46.94); with neck pain 37.36 (35.13 – 39.58), F(1,144) = 12.70, p < 0.001, ŋ²p = 0.08]. A significant difference between participants with and without wrist pain was found for neutral wrist position right [without wrist pain (n = 105) 42.53 (40.37 – 44.70); with wrist pain (n = 40) 37.24 (33.56 – 40.91), F(1,144)) = 6.41, p = 0.01, ŋ²p = 0.04]. Regression analysis showed significant results especially for steps two (age and weight, NDI) and three (age and weight, NDI, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire) for neutral position right (R² = 0.355, R² = 0.357, respectively).
Conclusion
Neck pain has an impact on HGS but should be evaluated in consideration of age and sex.

Keyword

Carpal tunnel syndrome; Hand grip force; Neck pain