Ke Li1, Peter J Evans2, William H Seitz3, Zong-Ming Li4. 1. Hand Research Laboratory, Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Orthopaedic Surgery, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA. Electronic address: ke.li.phd@gmail.com. 2. Hand Research Laboratory, Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Orthopaedic Surgery, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA. Electronic address: evansp2@ccf.org. 3. Hand Research Laboratory, Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Orthopaedic Surgery, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA. Electronic address: seitzw@ccf.org. 4. Hand Research Laboratory, Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Orthopaedic Surgery, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA. Electronic address: liz4@ccf.org.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) on digit force control during a sustained precision pinch. METHODS: Eleven CTS individuals and 11 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers participated in the study. The subjects were instructed to isometrically pinch an instrumented apparatus for 60s with a stable force output. Visual feedback of force output was provided for the first 30s but removed for the remaining 30s. Pinch forces were examined for accuracy, variability, and inter-digit correlation. RESULTS: CTS led to a decrease in force accuracy and an increase in amount of force variability, particularly without visual feedback (p<0.001). However, CTS did not affect the structure of force variability or force correlation between digits (p>0.05). The force of the thumb was less accurate and more variable than that of the index finger for both the CTS and healthy groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Sensorimotor deficits associated with CTS lead to inaccurate and unstable digit forces during sustained precision pinch. SIGNIFICANCE: This study shed light on basic and pathophysiological mechanisms of fine motor control and aids in development of new strategies for diagnosis and evaluation of CTS.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) on digit force control during a sustained precision pinch. METHODS: Eleven CTS individuals and 11 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers participated in the study. The subjects were instructed to isometrically pinch an instrumented apparatus for 60s with a stable force output. Visual feedback of force output was provided for the first 30s but removed for the remaining 30s. Pinch forces were examined for accuracy, variability, and inter-digit correlation. RESULTS:CTS led to a decrease in force accuracy and an increase in amount of force variability, particularly without visual feedback (p<0.001). However, CTS did not affect the structure of force variability or force correlation between digits (p>0.05). The force of the thumb was less accurate and more variable than that of the index finger for both the CTS and healthy groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS:Sensorimotor deficits associated with CTS lead to inaccurate and unstable digit forces during sustained precision pinch. SIGNIFICANCE: This study shed light on basic and pathophysiological mechanisms of fine motor control and aids in development of new strategies for diagnosis and evaluation of CTS.
Authors: Karl M Newell; Michael P Broderick; Katherine M Deutsch; Andrew B Slifkin Journal: J Exp Psychol Hum Percept Perform Date: 2003-04 Impact factor: 3.332
Authors: Szu-Ching Lu; Kaihua Xiu; Ke Li; Tamara L Marquardt; Peter J Evans; Zong-Ming Li Journal: J Med Biol Eng Date: 2017-03-24 Impact factor: 1.553