Influences of Neck and/or Wrist Pain on Hand Grip Strength of Industrial Quality Proofing Workers

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, ŋ(p)(2) = 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, ŋ(p)(2) = 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, ŋ(p)(2) = 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 (R(2) = 0.355, R(2) = 0.357, respectively). CONCLUSION: Neck pain has an impact on HGS but should be evaluated in consideration of age and sex.