Effects of electronic device overuse by university students in relation to clinical status and anatomical variations of the median nerve and transverse carpal ligament

ABSTRACT Introduction This study investigates the results of a questionnaire, provocative tests, and ultrasonographic measurements of carpal tunnel morphological parameters in intensive and nonintensive electronic device users. Methods Forty‐eight university students (equal numbers of intensive and...

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Published inMuscle & nerve Vol. 56; no. 5; pp. 873 - 880
Main Authors Woo, Eugenia Hoi Chi, White, Peter, Lai, Christopher Wai Keung
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.11.2017
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Summary:ABSTRACT Introduction This study investigates the results of a questionnaire, provocative tests, and ultrasonographic measurements of carpal tunnel morphological parameters in intensive and nonintensive electronic device users. Methods Forty‐eight university students (equal numbers of intensive and nonintensive users, ≥5 h/day and <5 h/day of electronic device usage, respectively) were randomly selected after questionnaire responses were received and evaluated clinically and by ultrasonography. All participants were right‐handed. Results Intensive users had significantly more positive results in Phalen's and Durkan's tests and reported more wrist/hand pain compared with nonintensive users (P < 0.05). Intensive users also had significantly larger median nerve cross‐sectional areas, flattening ratios, and perimeters as well as greater bowing of the transverse carpal ligament compared with nonintensive users (P < 0.05). Discussion Overuse of electronic devices may adversely affect the median nerve within the carpal tunnel and the transverse carpal ligament, resulting in numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand. Caution may be warranted when using handheld electronic devices. Muscle Nerve 56: 873–880, 2017
Bibliography:None of the authors have any conflicts of interest to disclose.
Conflicts of Interest
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ISSN:0148-639X
1097-4598
DOI:10.1002/mus.25697