Original Research Article
Year: 2021 | Month: August | Volume: 11 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 35-44
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20210806
Prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Auto-Rickshaw Drivers
Amruta Kadam1, Gargi Bhalekar2
1Intern, LSFPEF College of Physiotherapy, Pune, India.
2Professor of Neuro Physiotherapy, LSFPEF College of Physiotherapy, Pune, India
Corresponding Author: Amruta Kadam
ABSTRACT
Background: The carpal tunnel is a rigid, confined fibro- osseous space that physiologically acts as a 'closed compartment'. Carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by the sensory and motor weakness that occurs when the median nerve is compressed in the carpal tunnel. The clinical syndrome is characterized by pain, numbness, or tingling in the distribution of median nerve. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs as a result of repetitive or sustained wrist flexion, extension or gripping activities. Driving auto-rickshaws involves repetitive movement of the wrist, specifically flexion and extension, so it may increase the risk of carpal tunnel in these populations.
Purpose: To find the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in auto-rickshaw drivers
Methods: 100 auto-rickshaw drivers were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Convenient sampling was done. Ethical approval was taken prior to the study. Data was collected by a self- made questionnaire which was validated. Special confirmatory test (Phalen’s test and Carpal compression test) was performed.
Results: The result showed that out of 100 auto-rickshaw drivers 23 subjects had pain, tingling and numbness, 16 subjects had weakness, 10 subjects had pain at night. Majority of the population i.e. 50 subjects were driving for 7-10 hours and for more than 10 years. Out of 23 subjects experiencing symptoms 18 subjects had been experiencing the symptoms since last 2 years, 9 subjects felt the symptoms at the end of driving, while 7 subjects said that there was relief in symptoms after taking rest. Out of 100 subjects 23 subjects were tested positive for Phalen’s and carpal compression test.
Conclusion: This study concludes that there is 23% prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in auto-rickshaw drivers.
Key words: Carpal tunnel syndrome, Auto-rickshaw drivers, Cumulative trauma disorder.