Journal of Rheumatology and Medical Rehabilitation, cilt.17, sa.4, ss.236-242, 2006 (Scopus)
The aim of this study was to evaluate the hand strengths in carpal tunnel syndrome by using isokinetic testing. Twenty idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome patients and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. The diagnosis of CTS was established with clinical findings and electrophysiologic studies. Isokinetic testing of the hand strengths (grip, key pinch, three-point pinch, tip pinch) was done by using a Biodex dynamometer and two groups were compared with regard to both concentric and eccentric values. Grip strength was found to be decreased bilaterally in CTS group; however, the decrease was statistically significant on the right side (p<0,05). The rest of the comparisons between the groups -excluding left-side three point pinch concentric and right-side tip pinch concentric values- were not different between the groups. In conclusion, isokinetic measurements can be used in hand strengths evaluation in carpal tunnel syndrome; whereas, further studies for better understanding the factors causing the decrease in hand strengths are warranted.