Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the interaction between neck and/or wrist pain and hand grip strength (HGS) and to investigate factors (age, sex, neck disorders, and carpal tunnel syndrome) influencing the HGS of industrial quality proofing workers (N = 145). Methods: Standardized questionnaires [Neck Disability Index (NDI), Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire] were used to evaluate existing neck and/or wrist pain. HGS measurements were performed in different wrist positions. Results: Significant differences between participants with and without neck pain were found in different wrist positions, in neutral wrist position right [without neck pain (n = 48) 46.34 (43.39 – 49.30); with neck pain (n = 97) 38.46 (36.20 – 40.72), F(1,144) = 16.82, p < 0.001, ŋ2p = 0.11] and left [without neck pain 44.06 (41.19 – 46.94); with neck pain 37.36 (35.13 – 39.58), F(1,144) = 12.70, p < 0.001, ŋ2p = 0.08]. A significant difference between participants with and without wrist pain was found for neutral wrist position right [without wrist pain (n = 105) 42.53 (40.37 – 44.70); with wrist pain (n = 40) 37.24 (33.56 – 40.91), F(1,144)) = 6.41, p = 0.01, ŋ2p = 0.04]. Regression analysis showed significant results especially for steps two (age and weight, NDI) and three (age and weight, NDI, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire) for neutral position right (R2 = 0.355, R2 = 0.357, respectively). Conclusion Neck pain has an impact on HGS but should be evaluated in consideration of age and sex.

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the interaction between neck and/or wrist pain and hand grip strength (HGS) and to investigate factors (age, sex, neck disorders, and carpal tunnel syndrome) influencing the HGS of industrial quality proofing workers (N = 145). Methods: Standardized questionnaires [Neck Disability Index (NDI), Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire] were used to evaluate existing neck and/or wrist pain. HGS measurements were performed in different wrist positions. Results: Significant differences between participants with and without neck pain were found in different wrist positions, in neutral wrist position right [without neck pain (n = 48) 46.34 (43.39 – 49.30); with neck pain (n = 97) 38.46 (36.20 – 40.72), F(1,144) = 16.82, p < 0.001, ŋ2p = 0.11] and left [without neck pain 44.06 (41.19 – 46.94); with neck pain 37.36 (35.13 – 39.58), F(1,144) = 12.70, p < 0.001, ŋ2p = 0.08]. A significant difference between participants with and without wrist pain was found for neutral wrist position right [without wrist pain (n = 105) 42.53 (40.37 – 44.70); with wrist pain (n = 40) 37.24 (33.56 – 40.91), F(1,144)) = 6.41, p = 0.01, ŋ2p = 0.04]. Regression analysis showed significant results especially for steps two (age and weight, NDI) and three (age and weight, NDI, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire) for neutral position right (R2 = 0.355, R2 = 0.357, respectively). Conclusion Neck pain has an impact on HGS but should be evaluated in consideration of age and sex.

The purpose of this review is to name and describe the important factors of musculoskeletal strain originating from pushing and pulling tasks such as cart handling that are commonly found in industrial contexts. A literature database search was performed using the research platform Web of Science. For a study to be included in this review differences in measured or calculated strain had to be investigated with regard to: (1) cart weight/ load; (2) handle position and design; (3) exerted forces; (4) handling task (push and pull); or (5) task experience. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria and proved to be of adequate methodological quality by the standards of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research. External load or cart weight proved to be the most influential factor of strain. The ideal handle positions ranged from hip to shoulder height and were dependent on the strain factor that was focused on as well as the handling task. Furthermore, task experience and subsequently handling technique were also key to reducing strain. Workplace settings that regularly involve pushing and pulling should be checked for potential improvements with regards to lower weight of the loaded handling device, handle design, and good practice guidelines to further reduce musculoskeletal disease prevalence.
Alberta ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Hip ; Human Body* ; Humans* ; Mechanics* ; Musculoskeletal Diseases ; Musculoskeletal System* ; Prevalence ; Shoulder