Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Basic Sciences

Background: long duration of computer work could result in pain and weakness associated with decreased nerve conduction velocities (NCV) of peripheral nerves. Purpose: To identify the ulnar nerve conduction velocity at different elbow joint angles in computer users. To compare across elbow ulnar nerve motor conduction velocity MNCV between the limited and extensive computer users. To identify the ideal elbow positions for computer users during work. Design of the study: Ex post facto design. Subjects: Fifty computer users from both sexes, their age ranged from 20 to 40 years. They were assigned into two equal study groups. Group A consisted of limited computer operators who worked a maximum of 2 hours per day while Group B consisted of extensive computer operators who worked on the computer for a minimum of 6 hours per day as a part of regular work for at least 1 year. Subjects were using the computer devices with a position of elbow flexion ranged from 90 to 120 degrees. Methods: NCV was used for measuring ulnar MNCV across elbow at different angles (0{u00BA}, 45{u00BA}, 90{u00BA}, 120{u00BA}) in both groups. Results: Mixed design ANOVA was used and revealed that there was a significant difference in ulnar nerve motor conduction velocity at zero elbow flexion (elbow extension) compared with other positions(45, 90, and 120 degrees of elbow flexion) in both groups, as well there was a significant difference in nerve motor conduction velocity at 45 degrees of elbow flexion than 90 and 120 degrees in both groups

Issued also as CD