Upper limb neural tissue extensibility in asymptomatic health care professionals

Is upper quadrant neural tissue extensibility affected in asymptomatic health care professionals?

Ninety asymptomatic health care professionals of 26–60 years (30 surgeons, 30 dentists, 30 physiotherapist) were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria.

This was a cross-sectional type of observational study, and the data was collected by simple random sampling, in which various ULTT were performed on both upper extremities for median (ULTT1), radial (ULTT2), and ulnar (ULTT3) nerve. Elbow position was measured at first onset of discomfort perceived by participants (R1) and, secondly, when the firm resistance to movement was felt by the examiner (R2), by using universal goniometer. The test was considered positive if the symptoms arise before 60° of end elbow ROM.

The results showed that there was reduced upper quadrant neural tissue extensibility in asymptomatic health care professionals. The median nerve was most affected, and the ulnar nerve was least affected. The prevalence rate of reduced neural extensibility was highest among dentists as compared to the surgeons and physiotherapists. High correlation was found between R1and R2 for all three ULTT (p-value = 0.000).

More than half, specifically 51.1%, of asymptomatic health care professionals had reduced extensibility of the neural tissues in their upper limbs. Therefore, early introduction of exercise will help in combating the occurrence of these nerve-related issues in further life.