Affiliations: HealthQWest, Bioengineering Unit, University of
Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
Note: [] Address for correspondence: U. Chris Ugbolue, HealthQWest,
Bioengineering Unit, University of Strathclyde, Wolfson Building, 106
Rottenrow, Glasgow, G4 0NW, UK. Tel.: +44 (0)141 548 2855; Fax: +44 (0)141 552
6098; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Objective: To investigate slow and fast paced industrial activity
hand repetitive movements associated with carpal tunnel syndrome where
movements are evaluated based on finger and wrist tendon travel
measurements. Methods: Nine healthy subjects were recruited for the study aged
between 23 and 33 years. Participants mimicked an industrial repetitive task by
performing the following activities: wrist flexion and extension task, palm
open and close task; and pinch task. Each task was performed for a period of 5
minutes at a slow (0.33 Hz) and fast (1 Hz) pace for a duration of 3 minutes
and 2 minutes respectively. Results: Tendon displacement produced higher flexor digitorum
superficialis (FDS) tendon travel when compared to the flexor digitorum
profundus (FDP) tendons. The left hand mean (SD) tendon travel for the FDS
tendon and FDP tendon were 11108 (5188) mm and 9244 (4328) mm while the right
hand mean tendon travel (SD) for the FDS tendon and FDP tendon were 9225 (3441)
mm and 7670 (2856) mm respectively. Of the three tasks mimicking an industrial
repetitive activity, the wrist flexion and extension task produced the most
tendon travel. Conclusion: The findings may be useful to researchers in classifying
the level of strenuous activity in relation to tendon travel.
