Researching Effects of Drawing on Prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Architecture Students

Abstract

Objectives: Carpal tunnel syndrome is an important peripheral neuropathy in architecture students because of the working and writing position for long hours. The purpose of this study was assesing and comparing carpal tunnel syndrome signs in the first grade and fourth grade architecture students. Methods: 30 first grade and 30 fourth grade students were included in the study. Each patient was assessed with a questionnaire, muscle tests, pain assesment and examination signs (Phalen Test, Tinnel Test, Durkan Signs). Results: Some of the muscle test performances were better in first grade students compared to fourth grade students. There were more pain complaints with fourth grade students (p=0.003). There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in Phalen’s (p=0.001), Durkan’s (p=0.001) and Tinel’s signs (p=0.044). The fourth grade students’ signs were positive while first grade students’ were negative. Conclusions: Working long hours with wrong position of the hand causes carpal tunnel syndrome in architecture students. Ergonomic interventions, such as keyboard modifications, positioning the wrist is in a straight position and wrist exercises were recommended to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome in architecture students.