Effect of Forearm Posture on Wrist Flexion in Computer Workers
Author Information
Author(s): Burgess Ronald A, Thompson R Terry, Rollman Gary B
Primary Institution: University of Western Ontario
Hypothesis
Does changing forearm posture affect pain reports during wrist flexion in computer workers with chronic upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders?
Conclusion
The study found that the UEMSD group had reduced wrist flexion compared to controls, which was not related to pain.
Supporting Evidence
- The UEMSD group had significantly restricted wrist flexion compared to the control group.
- No UEMSD subjects reported an increase in pain symptoms during testing.
- A supine forearm posture reduced wrist flexion in both groups, but more so in the UEMSD group.
Takeaway
People who use computers a lot may have trouble bending their wrists, especially when their arms are in certain positions, but this doesn't seem to hurt them.
Methodology
Maximum active wrist flexion was measured using a goniometer with the forearm in prone, neutral, and supine postures.
Potential Biases
The control group was not age and gender matched to the UEMSD group.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and lacked clear case definitions for UEMSD subjects.
Participant Demographics
5 subjects with UEMSD (4 female, 1 male, mean age 43) and 13 control subjects (7 female, 6 male, mean age 46).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < .05 for dominant wrist flexion in UEMSD group vs control group at prone posture.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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