Correlation between thumb length on handgrip strength, hand dexterity and musculoskeletal problem among dental professional

Authors

  • Tilak Francis School of Physiotherapy – Vels University – OMR – Off Navalur – Thalambur campus – Chennai – 630130 – India.
  • Siva Anandhi School of Physiotherapy – Vels University – OMR – Off Navalur – Thalambur campus – Chennai – 630130 – India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14295/bds.2016.v19i3.1171

Abstract

Objective: The  key  factor  for  potency  of  the  teeth  is  their  muscular  strength.  The dominant  hand  plays  an  important  role  in  most  of  the  daily  muscular  activities  involving  dental  procedure.  There  are  many  factors,  which  may  affect  the  grip strength,  and  very  few  studies  especially  in  India  have  shown  their  correlation with  grip  strength. Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) are an important occupational health problem affecting dental practitioners. This study assessed the prevalence of WRMSD in dental interns in relation to the thumb length and hand grip strength. Material and Methods: Thumb  length  template,  jammer  dynamometer,  nine-hole  peg board,  and RULA   assessment. Methods: Thumb  length  was measured  by  thumb  length template.  Grip  strength was measured  by  jammer  dynamometer, unilateral  hand  finger  dexterity was measured  by  nine-hole  pegboard,  and  work  related  musculoskeletal  disorder  was assessed  by  RULA. Results: Thumb  length was  positively   correlated  with  grip  strength  and  work related  musculoskeletal  disorder.  Thumb  length  was  negatively  correlated  with unilateral  hand  finger  dexterity  among  dental  professionals. Conclusion: Thumb  length  is  a  better  predictor  for  measuring  hand  grip strength   and   work related musculoskeletal   disorder,   than    unilateral   hand   finger dexterity.

Keywords

Dental professional; Hand grip strength; Thumb length; Unilateral hand finger dexterity; Work related musculoskeletal disorder.                                            

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Author Biography

Tilak Francis, School of Physiotherapy – Vels University – OMR – Off Navalur – Thalambur campus – Chennai – 630130 – India.

School of physiotherapy . Professor

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Published

2016-09-29

How to Cite

1.
Francis T, Anandhi S. Correlation between thumb length on handgrip strength, hand dexterity and musculoskeletal problem among dental professional. BDS [Internet]. 2016 Sep. 29 [cited 2025 Aug. 27];19(3):23-31. Available from: https://bds.ict.unesp.br/index.php/cob/article/view/1171

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 3 (2016): Jul. - Sep. / 2016 - Published September 2016

Section

Clinical or Laboratorial Research

License

Brazilian Dental Science uses the Creative Commons (CC-BY 4.0) license, thus preserving the integrity of articles in an open access environment. The journal allows the author to retain publishing rights without restrictions.

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