%L eprints569
%D 2021
%R https://dx.doi.org/10.51145/jlsb.2021.9
%J Journal of Life Science and Biomedicine
%V 11
%I Scienceline Publications, Ltd
%P 72-80
%T Effect of manually applied device on hand strength and functions in physiotherapists
%X Background. Musculoskeletal injuries are one of the largest health problems among physiotherapists, because their work exposes them to have a high risk of grip strength, pinch of thumb strength, and hand functions problems. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the manually applied cavitation device on hand grip, pinch of thumb strength, and hand functions. Methods. From 60 physiotherapists were participated in this research, 30 of them (as group A with 30 subjects) did not use the manually applied cavitation device before and 30 physiotherapists (as group B with 30 subjects) used the manually applied cavitation device at least for one year. Handheld dynamometer has been used to measure grip strength, pinch dynamometer was used to measure pinch of thumb strength, and Michigan questionnaire was used to assess hand functions. Results. In group A (within group) there was no significant difference of pinch strength or hand functions when compared between dominant hand and non-dominant hand of the same subject, while there was significant increase of grip strength at dominant side compared to non-dominant side. In group B (within group) there was no significant difference of grip strength and hand functions when compared between dominant hand and non-dominant hand of the same subject while there was significant increase of pinch strength at dominant side compared to non-dominant side. A comparison between dominant sides of groups A and B, and also between non-dominant sides groups A and B showed significant increase of pinch of thumb strength of dominant and non-dominant side of group A in relation to group B. There was significant increase of hand functions of dominant side of group A in relation to group B while there was no significant difference of hand functions of non-dominant side between groups A and B. Conclusion. Work-related wrist-hand grip strength, pinch of thumb strength, and hand functions in physiotherapists is a prevalent problem among physiotherapists who perform manual techniques and use manually applied device for long time. Recommendations. There is a need to perform similar studies on large group, for physiotherapists working for many years with the manually applied cavitation device and also to find the effect of the manually applied cavitation device on elbow, shoulder, and cervical pain in physiotherapists.
%A Rana Hussein MOHAMED
%A Wadida H. ELSAYED
%A Doaa Ibrahim AMIN
%K Work-related musculoskeletal disorder, manually applied device, physiotherapists, hand functions.
%N 04