Grip strength of occupational workers in relation to carpal tunnel syndrome and individual factors.

The main objective of this study was to determine the association of grip strength with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) for occupational workers exposed to the risk of CTS. Experiments were performed on 60 workers, 15 each from four occupations. Grip strength was measured using a hand dynamometer. Electrophysiological experiments were conducted to measure CTS. Three levels of CTS were identified on the basis of latency value and motor nerve conduction velocity, viz., mild, moderate and severe. Statistical results suggest that workers who have CTS lose their grip strength, and higher levels of CTS lead to greater reduction in the grip strength. Another objective of the article was to investigate the association of grip strength with three individual factors of occupational workers, viz., body mass index, age and work experience. It is statistically inferred using Fisher's exact test that grip strength is not associated with any of these individual factors.

Effects of selected rehabilitative exercises on external rotator muscles and trapezius muscles of masonry workers.

BACKGROUND: Masonry workers engaged in occupational work-activities have high risk of shoulder injury that often develops to functional loss and disability. Rehabilitative exercises (REs) have potential for slowing this development. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to study the effects of three selected REs on integrated electromyography activations of the external rotator muscles and trapezius muscles of masonry workers. METHODS: Ten subjects, masonry workers having shoulder pain, have volunteered for this study. Each subject performs three selected REs: (1) Prone horizontal abduction at 90° with full external rotation with thumb right up. (2) Side lying external rotation (ER) with elbow on the trunk. (3) ER at 90° abduction and elbow flexion at 90° in standing position. Selection of REs is based on their superior performance in earlier studies. Electromyography (EMG) differences among the exercises are tested for statistical significance. RESULTS: A cross comparison of REs shows that exercises (1) and (3) produce high rotator cuff synergy, an average of infraspinatus and teres-minor activities. Exercise (3) minimizes the risk of subacromial impingement by presenting the least posterior deltoid activity. However, exercise (1) reduces the risk of abnormal scapular movement by producing higher middle trapezius and lower trapezius activities than upper trapezius activity. CONCLUSION: The results provide basic information to design appropriate rehabilitation programs for masonry workers having shoulder pain.

Preferential strengthening of VMO muscle during selected biomechanical rehabilitative exercises of automotive workers with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Automotive workers are engaged in occupational activities like engine tune-ups, oil changes, tire rotation, wheel balancing, replacing filters etc. These activities involve prolonged sitting, awkward postures, squatting and kneeling, which are known risk factors to cause patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to investigate the effects of selected biomechanical rehabilitative exercises (BRE) on integrated electromyography (iEMG) activity of vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles so as to identify suitable ones to alleviate PFPS of automotive workers. METHODS: Eleven subjects, automotive workers having PFPS, performed four BRE: (1) short arc quad with neutral hip position (SAQN), (2) short arc quad with externally rotated hip position (SAQER), (3) medial tibial rotation (MTR), and (4) hip adduction (HA). RESULTS: Mean iEMG activity of VMO muscle is more than that of VL muscle during all BRE. However, one way ANOVA with repeated measures indicates that mean iEMG activity of VMO muscle is significantly higher than that of VL muscle during SAQER only. VMO/VL ratio is not significantly different across the four BRE. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest a range of options for choosing appropriate BRE for treating automotive workers with PFPS. However, SAQER may directly be recommended for preferential strengthening of VMO muscle.