The effect of ergonomic educational intervention on the exacerbation rate of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among employees of governmental banks

M Attar Abdolabadi; Gh Halvani; N Sadara Abarghoi; S Jasam Barsang; J Attar

doi:10.18502/tkj.v13i2.7043

M Attar Abdolabadi MSc Ergonomics, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Gh Halvani Assistant Professor, Department of Ergonomics, Faculty of Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
N Sadara Abarghoi Assistant Professor, Yazd University of Applied Science, Yazd, Iran
S Jasam Barsang Assistant Professor, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
J Attar Occupational Health Expert, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/tkj.v13i2.7043

Keywords: CTS Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Median Nerve, Bank Employees, Wrist Cross Section, CTS-Related Factors, Ergonomic Intervention

Abstract

Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral nerve compressive neuropathy. Some occupational factors influence the development of this syndrome, such as frequent and prolonged work with hands and fingers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the symptoms and functional status of CTS and to evaluate the effect of ergonomic educational intervention on the exacerbation rate of CTS among employees of governmental banks.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in the state banks of Torbat Heydariyeh. Symptoms severity and functional status of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome were assessed using Boston Questionnaire. The wrist ratio was measured with a caliper. Data were analyzed by SPSS 23 software using Wilcoxon and Chi-square tests.

Results: The results showed that staff with wrist dimensions greater than 0.7 (square wrist) had more severe CTS symptoms and functional status. Also, there was a significant relationship between the dominant hand and CTS symptoms. (p<0.0001). Results of comparing the severity of symptoms and functional status of carpal tunnel syndrome in the two groups before and after the intervention show that the percentage of the severity of symptoms of severe and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome in the post-intervention group was significantly lower than before; (Z= -3.317, p<0.0001).

Conclusion: The results show that the severity of symptoms, functional status of carpal tunnel syndrome among bank employees at three levels of mild, moderate, and severely decreased significantly after ergonomic intervention. Ergonomics training intervention is an easy, low-cost, and practical method that can be used as an effective program to improve the symptoms of people with carpal tunnel syndrome in banks.