| Author: | Lai, Yuet-yee |
| Title: | Comparison of grip strength between female health care workers with and without work-related tennis elbow |
| Degree: | M.Sc. |
| Year: | 1999 |
| Subject: | Medical personnel -- Wounds and injuries Medical personnel -- Health and hygiene Grip strength Tennis elbow Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Department: | Multi-disciplinary Studies Department of Rehabilitation Sciences |
| Pages: | xi, 123 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 30 cm |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | This study was a case-control study to compare the grip strength between the female health care workers with work-related tennis elbow and those without. The purpose of this study was to find out the relationship between the grip strength deficiency and the development of work-related tennis elbow among the female workers. It also explored the change of grip strength in the affected hand among those workers with chronic tennis elbow. The main objective of this study was to compare the maximal grip strength of both the affected and unaffected hands among the workers who were suffering from tennis elbow, with that of the workers without this disorder. The result of the study can be used to evaluate workers' capacity and design appropriate pre-job or on-job training for the prevention of work-related tennis elbow. It can also improve therapists' understanding on the change in individual's capacity with this musculoskeletal disorder, which would be used to facilitate the design of the rehabilitation program for the prevention of relapse. A questionnaire survey was conducted first to identify' the subjects for the main study. The subjects of this study were mainly the health care assistants in hospitals and the personal care workers in caring homes. 46 female workers with good general health and without histories of upper-limb disorder were recruited into control group. A total of 34 female workers with work-related tennis elbow (20 workers with right tennis elbow and 14 workers with left tennis elbow) were recruited after the confirmation of diagnosis with the clinical and thermographic examinations. The maximal grip strength was measured with the use of Jamar dynamometer of Eval system. Prior to grip measurement, the Eval system was tested on test retest reliability and excellent reliability was found. In the comparison of maximal isometric grip strength between the female health care workers with work-related tennis elbow and those without, it was revealed that the workers with tennis elbow had significant weaker grip strength in their unaffected sides. While there was no significant evidence to support the disuse of their unaffected hands, this finding may reflect that these health care workers are basically weak and this strength deficiency may be attributed for the development of tennis elbow. As grip strength deficiency was identified as the risk factor for development of work-related tennis elbow among the health care workers in the study, screening of the newly recruited employee with grip strength deficiency before training and then providing strengthening exercises and education for them are recommended to prevent the occurrence of tennis elbow among the health care workers. Grip strength decreases with age increases from the age of twenty. Aging may induce reduction of grip strength and make the workers become vulnerable to develop work-related tennis elbow. Thus, continuous monitoring the strength of health care workers, and regular on-job training and education are also important to prevent the occurrence of tennis elbow among these workers. In addition, reduction of grip strength at the pathological sides of the health care workers with chronic tennis elbow was proven in this study. Deconditioning would be the major factor contributing in this result. Therefore, for those workers, reconditioning or strengthening programme is essential during rehabilitation to regain their reversible loss of strength and then to prevent them from relapse. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b14834984.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 4.52 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
Copyright Undertaking
As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:
- I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
- I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
- I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.
By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/4285