Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Neuromuscular and Neurosurgery

Background: Neck Pain is a common work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMSD) seen in many healthcare professions. Altered neck sensory input impairs the awareness of upper limb joint position, which is critical for smooth upper limb movement. Hand dexterity is essential functional property for physiotherapist to apply different manual techniques. Aim of Study: To investigate the relationship between cervical proprioception and hand dexterity and handgrip strength in physiotherapists with chronic neck pain. Subjects and Methods: Sixty physiotherapists (30 with chronic mechanical neck pain (G1), and 30 healthy control (GII)) participated in this study. Their age ranged from 25 to 35 years. All participants undergone evaluation of cervical joint position error (JPE) using cervical range of motion device (CROM) through neutral head repositioning (NHR) and target head repositioning (THR) tests in flexion, right and left side bending, and right and left rotation directions. Evaluation of hand dexterity using Purdue pegboard test. Evaluation of hand grip strength using the digital hand- held dynamometer. Results: There was a statistically significant higher median values of JPE in the study group compared to the control group. There was a statistically significant lower median values of hand dexterity and handgrip strength in the study group compared to the control group. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between cervical JPE and hand dexterity and hand grip strength in the study group. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between neck pain intensity and cervical JPE in all directions in both NHR and THR tests in the study group

Issued also as CD