English

Abstract

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. KEYWORDS Motor Performance (MP), Median Motor Nerve Conduction Velocity (MNCV), Mosso’s Ergography, Hand Grip Strength, Bimanual Coordination