Comparison of wrist range of motion and muscle strength in assembly workers with and without lateral epicondylitis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Lateral epicondylitis (LE), also called tennis elbow, is a common musculoskeletal disorder that causes pain in the elbow area and is highly prevalent in assembly workers who repeatedly move their wrists. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the wrist ROM and muscle strength of assembly workers with and without LE. METHODS: Forty-five male assembly line workers (23 with LE) participated in the study. Participants had their wrist range of motion (flexion, extension, ulnar deviation, and radial deviation) and strength (wrist flexors, extensors, and hand grip) measured using Smart KEMA sensors. RESULTS: Workers with LE showed significantly reduced wrist extension and radial deviation ROM compared to workers without LE, with no significant differences in wrist flexion and ulnar deviation ROM between groups. Workers with LE had significantly lower wrist extensor strength compared to workers without LE, and there was no significant difference in wrist flexor and grip strength between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: For workers with LE, the difference in wrist ROM and muscle strength will be useful for planning intervention and evaluating treatment outcomes for assembly workers with LE.