Does the educational level of women influence hand grip and pinch strength in carpal tunnel syndrome?

Abstract

Background: Grip and pinch strength are relevant functional variables for various activities of daily life and are related to the quality of life of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Objective: The main aim was to analyze the relationship between grip and pinch strength and the educational level in women with CTS.

Study design: Cross-sectional study.

Methods: Thirty-one female patients with CTS awaiting surgery were assigned to the low education group if they only had primary education level (completed or not) and the high education group for those having higher education level. The assessments included: grip strength, pinch strength, Visual Analogue Scale, Quick DASH Questionnaire, Pain Catastrophizing Scale and the Tampa scale of kinesiophobia.

Results: A statistically significant difference was obtained for grip strength (p = 0.027), pinch strength (p = 0.002) and catastrophizing (p = 0.038) between the two groups. No significant differences were observed for the other variables studied (p < 0.05). Grip strength was not related to individual factors: type of work, age, body mass index.

Conclusion: CTS patients with a low educational level exhibited reduced grip and pinch strength and more catastrophic thinking. Future studies should investigate the mechanisms involved in the loss of strength in patients with lower educational levels.