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

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, ŋ p 2 = 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, ŋ p 2 = 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, ŋ p 2 = 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.